What kind of jobs? Creating opportunities for decent work A Business Response 2008 Commissioners Indaba 19 – 21 st November 2008 Sun City, North West Province Tanya Cohen

Introduction Engage - growth constraints, unemployment and decent work deficits Growth sectors need attention: Type of work is not traditional Significant sources of employment Lack of understanding and appropriate policy engagement Need to grow the sectors, employment and quality of work 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Introduction 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Introduction 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City Source: Stats SA data

Introduction Comprehensive and frank research on the challenges pertaining to employment in ‘growth sectors’ Research and analysis is through traditional employment lens Research done from perspective of Labour Needs business information and what drives employment types 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Focus Areas Statistical Data problems Analysis of LFS Data Suggested Issues for Action 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Statistical Data Stats SA LFS data tools limiting and dated Method of data collection needs improvement Language, skill, access and nature of questions Definitions of employment outdated and inconsistent with law e.g. definition of casual No measures of employment relationships TES, part-time, casual, temporary, independent service providers Stats SA methodology based on traditional employment Data increasingly unsuited to form basis of policy analysis and development in current labour market 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Analysis of LFS Data Agree with Naledi nuanced and substantive approach to data is required Variables useful Continuum of decent work is helpful Variables considered by researchers are aligned to traditional employment types ill-suited to modern types of work and to decent work agenda Formal sector ≠ formal employment, Formal standard employment ≠ quality of jobs and decent work Careful with choice of indicators – what is being demonstrated? 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Decent Work Pillars Principles and Rights at Work Employment and Income Social Protection and Security Social Dialogue 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Analysis of LFS Data Employer registration status and size of employer ≠ indicator of decent work, but formality Salary level Based on traditional notion of work and not helpful for e.g. part time workers R1500 is a per capita poverty indicator, not a decent work indicator Permanent work ≠ cover fixed term employment 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Analysis of LFS Data Pension and Medical Aid Not a statutory benefit Seldom applicable to new types of work, e.g. part time and externalised work Trade Union membership Traditional view - regarded at enterprise level / within a bargaining council structure – decent work social dialogue E.g. sectoral determinations, 2010 summit, security agreement 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Analysis of LFS Data Need decent work indicators that incorporate particular country objectives: e.g. on transport, skills and employment equity Variables need to be adjusted to reflect decent work objectives at every level: Enterprise and Individual Sector National Variables must take account of the reality of new types of work 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Issues for Action All sectors, except call centres covered by sectoral determination / bargaining council agreements and labour laws Employers and employees either not aware or do not apply obligations Enabling measures to build capacity Fully resourced, and efficient inspectorate Temporary Employment Services Proposal by business through Nedlac for Self Regulated Governance Structure consisting of the social partners Would improve decent work and rights at work, without unduly compromising growth – no progress ? 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City

Issues for Action Social partners to engage on better Stats SA data tools on New forms of work Decent work indicators Social Security reform + safe transport essential Social dialogue Traditional methods of dialogue no longer appropriate Unpack what is needed to ensure growth, employment growth and decent work objectives Stop being in denial about new types of work Re-invent strategies and modernise approach to dialogue in these sectors Accelerate Decent Work Country Programme 2008 COMMISSIONERS INDABA November 2008 Sun City