Labour minister Membathisi Mdladlana has re-iterated calls for the banning of labour broking as trade unions say they are gearing up for mass strikes after April.
The Department of Labour (DOL) proposes amendments to several Acts, which all fall under the Labour Relations Act. The new amendments would either effectively abolish labour broking, or increase regulation of all temporary employment services.
While submissions by the department point to increased regulation; a change in the flexible nature of temporary employment services; and concrete definitions of employer, employee and temporary employment services, final changes to the legislation are expected later this year.
Mdladlana is pushing to have the Bills passed by April 2010. While the DOL previously stated it welcomes input from stakeholders, it also noted that changes would no longer be delayed and amendments will be passed on time.
While several trade unions, business organisations and opposition parties have called for moderation, Mdladlana has repeatedly stated that he supports the introduction of laws banning labour brokers.
Mdladlana says loopholes would be addressed with the new amendments, but adds that he would not be deterred in his plans to introduce a ban of labour broking.
In September, Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Labour conducted heated two-day public hearings where stakeholders, including trade unions, civil society and labour brokers, presented their views on labour broking.
Several government departments and municipalities have since discontinued the use of labour brokers, or introduced vast reductions in temporary employment contracts as others are holding discussions with service providers.
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