labour continues to lay down the law
19 March 2007

A Durban North manufacturing company has been ordered to appear before the Durban Labour Court for contravening provisions of the Employment Equity Act, the Labour Department said on Monday.

Department spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi said Cantoni Lounge Ltd, a company based in Stanger, had in the past week been served with papers ordering it to appear in court for contravening several provisions of Section 36 of the EEA.

"The company has been given until tomorrow (20 March) to oppose the move. A successful prosecution of Cantoni Lounge would be the second such action within three months," said Sigabi.

Earlier in the year a Newcastle-based textile manufacturing company was fined R200 000 for failing to prepare and implement the Employment Equity Plan.

"Jinghua Garments has been ordered to pay half of the fine, with the remainder suspended for three years. This is on condition that the employer is not found to have contravened any of the provisions of Sections 16, 19, 20 and 21 of the Act for which it has been convicted," Sigabi said.

Jinghua Garments failed to submit its report to the department and also failed to display the law on notice boards and consult with its workers on employment policies, practices and procedures in the working environment.  Judgment against Wincool, a third company that also contravened provisions contained in the EEA, is expected to be made.

"The department strongly warns all would-be violators that this could be their fate as well, should they ignore affirmative action measures that seek to eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace," Sigabi said. 

Sapa, www.business.iafrica.com