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Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995)

Notices

National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry

Extension to Non-Parties of the COVID-19 Lockdown II Collective Agreement

4. COVID-19 Relief Payments to Employees

 

4.1. The Council shall submit COVID-19 TERS Relief Fund applications to the UIF on behalf of all companies which fall within the registered scope of the Council, for employees covered by the Main Agreement of the Council or for such other category of employees which the Council may decide from time to time.

 

4.2. All employers shall pay each of their employees an amount of no less than 2 weeks wages for COVID-19 relief assistance.

 

4.3. The amounts referred to in sub-clause 4.2 of this collective agreement shalt be paid to each employee by no later than 1 week after the effective date of this collective agreement.

 

4.4. The provisions of sub-clauses 4.2 and 4.3 of this collective agreement shall not be applicable to employers who have already paid their employees a minimum of 2 weeks' wages as relief assistance during the COVID-19 Lockdown period, including those companies which have been exempted therefrom and on the terms as decided on by the Exemptions Committee as provided for in sub-clause 9.1 of this collective agreement.

 

4.5. The amount referred to in sub-clause 4.2 of this collective agreement shall be in addition to any UIF COVID-19 funds due to employees.

 

4.6. Normal statutory deductions and deductions prescribed by the Council's main agreement shall continue to be effected for all payment periods referred to in sub-clause 4.2 of this agreement.

 

Similarly, employer contributions to statutory obligations and those prescribed by the Council's Main Agreement shalt continue to be executed.

 

4.7. The parties acknowledge that there is a possibility that a new lockdown period might be declared in future, and commit to constructively continue to explore income support for employees, in the event of such a new lockdown period being declared.

 

4.8. The parties acknowledge that the cost implications of the provisions of clause 4 of this agreement is unforeseen and unprecedented and shall continue to explore means by which it could be mitigated.

 

4.9. The provisions of clause 4 of this agreement apply to companies and employees within the registered scope of the Council as well as those referred to in sub-clause 2.3 but provided that the latter shall not be required to register with the Council.