Labour department urges retailers to be cognisant of working conditions
Employment and Labour is urging major retailers to take an interest in the working conditions of the suppliers with whom they do business.
The department says cases of unsafe working environments in KZN are an ongoing concern.
The government says issues of lawlessness and inhumane working conditions seem to continuously crop up in KZN's clothing and textile sector.
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A three-day blitz inspection targeting this sector was carried out in Mandeni this week.
Inspector Edward Khambula warned that, if left unchecked, the situation of exploitation will fester into civil violence.
He says they are faced with numerous challenges.
Khambula decried the deplorable exploitation of women in the clothing and textiles industries, who are often paid far less than their ordinary hourly wage.
The inspector says there is also widespread disregard for labour laws, which needs urgent attention.
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