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Mbombela - Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant says workers should be at the forefront of ensuring that they are safe when on duty.
Oliphant said: "We've seen that workers do not play a pivotal role in their own safety in workplaces we've visited over the past few years.
"They leave everything to the company and sometimes companies cut corners.
"Workers should approach and report to inspectors things that make them uncomfortable or feel unsafe.
'We cannot continue having workplaces becoming death places."
New entrants
The minister added the new Employment Services Act will ensure that more people get opportunities for work.
"The Amendment Bill seeks, among other things, to improve the benefits of pregnant mothers and all the beneficiaries.
"The bill is also aimed to promote the employment of citizens, to improve access to the labour market for work seekers and to provide opportunities for new entrants to the labour market to gain work experience," said Oliphant.
She said one of the significant changes to the amended Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Amendments (BCEA) is that it will enable inspectors to fine companies that do not comply with the labour laws.
Submission
“This is not what we want. We want companies to understand that to comply with the law is good business.
"It is in their interests and their workers to do the right thing.
"Our commitment is firstly to educate and guide business on what needs to be done,” she said.
The minister said the cabinet also approved the submission of the improved Unemployment Insurance Act.
Oliphant said: "We've seen that workers do not play a pivotal role in their own safety in workplaces we've visited over the past few years.
"They leave everything to the company and sometimes companies cut corners.
"Workers should approach and report to inspectors things that make them uncomfortable or feel unsafe.
'We cannot continue having workplaces becoming death places."
New entrants
The minister added the new Employment Services Act will ensure that more people get opportunities for work.
"The Amendment Bill seeks, among other things, to improve the benefits of pregnant mothers and all the beneficiaries.
"The bill is also aimed to promote the employment of citizens, to improve access to the labour market for work seekers and to provide opportunities for new entrants to the labour market to gain work experience," said Oliphant.
She said one of the significant changes to the amended Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Amendments (BCEA) is that it will enable inspectors to fine companies that do not comply with the labour laws.
Submission
“This is not what we want. We want companies to understand that to comply with the law is good business.
"It is in their interests and their workers to do the right thing.
"Our commitment is firstly to educate and guide business on what needs to be done,” she said.
The minister said the cabinet also approved the submission of the improved Unemployment Insurance Act.
