DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

PRESENTATION TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON LABOUR

CAPETOWN
12-10-2001

DOL RESPONSE TO KEY POLICY INPUTS
· Domestic /seasonal workers
· State employees
· Composition of the board
· Migrant workers
· Income from other sources
· Employees working less than 24 hours a month

DOMESTIC AND SEASONAL WORKERS
· DoL supports in principle the inclusion of these workers and the amendment has been made accordingly
· A process for the investigation of the application of the Act to these workers will commence immediately and be completed within 12 months after its promulgation

STATE EMPLOYEES
· The inclusion of these employees at this stage is not supported.
· The matter needs to be dealt with in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council

COMPOSITION OF THE UI Board
· DoL supports the inclusion of the community constituency on the UI Board and the amendment has been drafted

MIGRANT WORKERS
· The current bill provides adequately for the coverage of this category of workers
· No need to amend the bill

INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES
· DoL has noted concerns of the stakeholders and as a result clause 14 has been amended accordingly
· State disability grant has been excluded as a collateral source

EMPLOYEES WORKING LESS THAN 24 HOURS A MONTH
· DoL does not support the inclusion of these workers for the following reasons:
· Current labour laws exclude them
· Creates inconsistencies in the application of laws

RECOVERY OF BENEFITS PAID IN ERROR
Amendments have been made to effect the following:
· State to inform the affected beneficiary within 3yrs
· Repayment period to be 90days

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
· Clause 37 been amended to provide for an appeals committee

ENFORCEMENT
· Clauses 38-41 have been amended to simplify the enforcement procedures in line with COIDA

MINISTERIAL POWERS
An additional clause to define the ministerial powers in respect of categories of contributors has been included.

FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS
· The Nedlac agreement sufficiently addresses the Uif funding needs for the current and the transitional periods
· Clause 10 as amended adequately deals with future funding needs of the fund