10-10-2013, 04:03 PM
President Jacob Zuma has urged labour and business to work on any unresolved labour disputes so that the economy can return to full production.
Addressing the South African Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday evening, Zuma said the country has a progressive labour relations framework enshrined in both the Constitution and labour laws.
“Our message to employers and labour is that with the advantage of such a legal framework, they should conclude labour negotiations and disputes speedily. We urge those sectors with disputes that have not yet been resolved to attend to them speedily so that the economy can return to full production,†Zuma said at the Gala dinner.
The recent strikes and labour unrest have caused concern among investors. The strike in the motor industry has resulted in the country losing out on a significant contract by the German motor manufacture BMW SA, to build the new BMW model. The company had frozen its local expansion plans because of strikes in the automotive sector.
Zuma told the event that government had intervened in the mining sector over the past nine months to help stabilise it.
“We have worked closely with business and labour to ensure a more rapid and peaceful resolution of labour disputes, while at the same time improving the operational and policy environment in the sector. We appreciate the cooperation of business and labour in the mining intervention programme.â€
Zuma said that the country was facing many challenges, but government was on course to providing a better life for all.
The President assured the leading business people that the country was dealing with its challenges.
“We should continue working together to build the economy and the country. This cannot be the responsibility of government alone.â€
Zuma also used the platform to call on South African business to take advantage and make investments in the continent, especially in infrastructure projects.
The President further applauded companies that ploughed back into communities from where they draw labour. – SAnews.gov.za
Addressing the South African Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday evening, Zuma said the country has a progressive labour relations framework enshrined in both the Constitution and labour laws.
“Our message to employers and labour is that with the advantage of such a legal framework, they should conclude labour negotiations and disputes speedily. We urge those sectors with disputes that have not yet been resolved to attend to them speedily so that the economy can return to full production,†Zuma said at the Gala dinner.
The recent strikes and labour unrest have caused concern among investors. The strike in the motor industry has resulted in the country losing out on a significant contract by the German motor manufacture BMW SA, to build the new BMW model. The company had frozen its local expansion plans because of strikes in the automotive sector.
Zuma told the event that government had intervened in the mining sector over the past nine months to help stabilise it.
“We have worked closely with business and labour to ensure a more rapid and peaceful resolution of labour disputes, while at the same time improving the operational and policy environment in the sector. We appreciate the cooperation of business and labour in the mining intervention programme.â€
Zuma said that the country was facing many challenges, but government was on course to providing a better life for all.
The President assured the leading business people that the country was dealing with its challenges.
“We should continue working together to build the economy and the country. This cannot be the responsibility of government alone.â€
Zuma also used the platform to call on South African business to take advantage and make investments in the continent, especially in infrastructure projects.
The President further applauded companies that ploughed back into communities from where they draw labour. – SAnews.gov.za