Sir – The IFP does not call for the total ban of labour brokers, for labour brokers provide a service in the marketplace. However, the IFP is totally opposed to the exploitative practices by certain labour brokers, if not all of them.
The IFP therefore calls upon Government to put in place regulatory measures, which will ensure labour brokers do not exploit workers. Such regulatory measures should be strictly monitored by Government to ensure workers are not exploited by unscrupulous business people and stiff penalties should be put in place to ensure such practices do not occur.
Labour brokers provide a temporary service and enable employers to quickly get workers, who are required to perform a service.
This is required for the optimal economic performance of South Africa’s economy, because output demands in various industries fluctuate and employment levels are necessarily changeable.
In fact, the IFP has always advocated for greater flexibility in the marketplace. Of utmost importance is the necessity to ensure employees hired through labour brokers enjoy the same rights and protection as those hired directly by employers.
It is unacceptable that the employee can be employed through a labour broker for a period of more than one year. Worst of all, in some cases there are some employees who work for an employer for 10 years, having been seconded by the labour broker. This is exploitation of the highest order.
This is scandalous because such employees do not enjoy the benefits like medical aid and pension benefits. The IFP is aware the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) remains an effective way of the Government’s response to the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. EPWP is making a real difference to people’s lives.
However, EPWP is not enough to meet the expense of participants in this programme, who live in abject poverty. We propose the stipend be increased, to take into account the inflation rate and the increase in the prices of basic foodstuffs. We believe people who participate in EPWP must be empowered to start their own businesses.
Otto Kunene, IFP MPL
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