3.5.8 The DCS has for the past several years been battling a number of serious human resource-related challenges. These include the establishment of shift systems that would make the successful implementation of the Seven Day Establishment possible, the implementation of the second phase of the occupational specific dispensation, payment of backdated overtime, and the management of disciplinary matters. The Committee had welcomed the establishment, in February 2013, of a Ministerial Consultative Forum (MCF). It had been hoped that the Ministerial Task Team that formed part of the MCF, and which comprised labour unions and DCS senior managers, would be able to amicably and within a reasonable timeframe conclude negotiations on how the ongoing challenges may be resolved. The Committee has noted with concern that despite the intervention being in its final stages, labour unions were expressing extreme frustration about the lack of progress, and about their apparent exclusion from some aspects of the process.