“What we ultimately want are jobs that are decent. We know that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines work as being productive jobs for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity,’’ Oliphant said.

She said it was critical that Nedlac’s social partners engage seriously and vigorously with the proposed amendments to the labour law.

“I am sure we would all want the amendments to be passed into law as soon as possible so that the legal reforms can begin to change labour relations and the operation of the labour market for the better,’’ she said.

Oliphant said the eight strategic objectives of the department in the next five years were:

-                    contributing to employment creation

-                    promoting equity in the labour market

-                    protecting vulnerable workers

-                    strengthening multilateral and bilateral relations

-                    strengthening social protection

-                    promoting sound labour relations

-                    strengthening the capacity of labour market institutions, and

-                    strengthening the institutional capacity of the department.

Oliphant said through the proposed changes, the department wanted to strengthen the powers of the inspectorate. This will see non-compliance with the law being criminalised and penalties being increased for violation of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Employment Equity Act.

“The Labour Relations Act is also being amended to strengthen the enforcement of arbitration awards issued by the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) as well as Bargaining and Statutory Councils,’’ the minister said.

She said it was only through co-operation rather than competition that the labour market could be changed for the better.

The annual labour policy conference is being held under the theme “The Department of Labour’s five-year strategic plan and policy issues in 2011.” - BuaNews