NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY NO2152 / NW2841E
Mr Louw (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether, with reference to the Director-Generalâs statement
reported on 27 October 2009 that the public debate on labour
brokering had been too broad, resulting in confusion where
legitimate outsourcing firms had become stigmatised, he and his
department differentiate between labour brokers and legitimate
outsourcing firms; if not, why not; if so, what is the
difference;
(2) whether the Director-General was mandated by him to make this
statement; if not, why not;
(3) whether the Director-Generalâs statement was in accordance with
his departmentâs policy on the matter; if not, what is the
position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2841E
Minister of Labour replied:
1) With regard to the question of differentiating between labour
brokers and legitimate outsourcing firms, the Department of Labour
does take note of different practices that exist within the labour
broker or temporary employment service sector.
It is common knowledge that labour brokers have been associated
with abusive practices such as, undermining collective agreements
and health and safety provisions.
2) The Director-General is entitled to make statements in regard to
matters being dealt with by his department.
3) The Department of Labour is in the process of formulating policy on
the issue of labour broking. Discussions have concluded on the
matter in NEDLAC and the Department is in the process of drafting a
bill that will be processed in terms of the normal legislative
procedures.