“The International Labour Organisation-endorsed programme, launched by the National Economic Development and Labour Council, aims to promote “decent” work as a key component of national development.
These are extracts from an article by Alistair Anderson Decent work agenda ‘lacks concrete detail’ appearing in Business Day today, headed by “Analysts said the programme is more a negotiating position for labour, with which business will have to engage”.
Nine outcomes and four priorities
“It has nine outcomes and four priorities. The four priorities are categorised as strengthening fundamental principle and rights at work; promoting employment creation; strengthening and broadening social protection coverage; and strengthening tripartism and social dialogue”.
Ticking time bomb
“Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana highlighted job creation in his speech at the programme’s launch, saying business, labour, civil society and the government have pinpointed this priority as the most important.
He said the country is sitting “on a ticking time bomb” if it does not alleviate its poverty and unemployment problems , especially because of a disillusioned and disgruntled youth. SA has to seize the programme immediately, because it h ad taken 10 years to draft it.
Mr Mdladlana said job creation will entail formalising the informal economy, which will involve enforcing and promoting labour standards and tripartism”.
Gradual implementation
“Representatives at the launch of the Decent Work Country Programme said further meetings and documents regarding the programme’s implementation would follow gradually”.