Speaker, on Tuesday the Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant, reiterated her government's refusal to engage with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, Amcu, claiming that the union was not recognised. In reality, this means that the ANC is continuing to avoid engaging with unions not affiliated to its alliance partner, Cosatu.
The Minister is clearly willing to risk another Marikana by defending a majoritarian labour regime. To prevent a repeat of the events of Marikana, we need a fair labour regime that includes all unions, not just those politically connected.
That is why the DA will push very hard for amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Labour Relations Act to bring an end to a virtual monopoly by employers and majoritarian unions.
Cosatu's stranglehold on government must be broken once and for all. We need labour reform that is aligned to present-day realities. Thank you. [Applause.]