SAFTU against proposed labour law changes making it easier to dismiss workers

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) said it is against proposed changes to labour laws that will make it easier for employers to dismiss workers.

SAFTU is part of a task team at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) that has been discussing imminent changes to the Labour Relations Act.

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Its general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, said workers would not be protected if the new proposals become law.

"With the proposed changes, employers are not obliged to convene a formal disciplinary hearing before disciplining or dismissing a worker. 

"The employer can merely request the worker to provide written reasons why they should not be dismissed. If the worker does not provide written reasons, the worker can be dismissed without the employer convening a disciplinary hearing."