NEDLAC'S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RATIFIES KEY AGREEMENTS

28 June 1996

Nedlac's Executive Council ratified four key agreements and agreed to follow up proposals made with regard to Nedlac's future agenda, processes and structure at its quarterly meeting held in Johannesburg today.

Agreements approved by the Executive Council included amendments to the Labour Relations Act and the Insolvency Act, support for the passage of the small business bill through Parliament, and a framework for a social clause.

"The agreements tabled for approval by the Executive Council show that the Nedlac process is maturing and the process of negotiating difficult agreements is becoming more focused, more efficient and more effective," Nedlac Executive Director Jayendra Naidoo said.

Proposals flowing from a special leadership planning meeting - convened to discuss Nedlac's ongoing role and agenda - were noted, and the Nedlac secretariat was mandated to further develop these proposals and make specific recommendations for consideration by the Management Committee by the end of July.

The Executive Council also mandated the Labour Market Chamber to conclude Nedlac's consideration of the green paper on employment standards. It further mandated the chamber and a committee of principals under the Management Committee to oversee the drafting of an employment standards bill and its tabling in Parliament this year.

"I believe that we have managed to complete a lot of important work in the past three months, and the next three months will see a vigorous effort to conclude further issues on our agenda," Mr Naidoo said.