The Millennium Labour Council - Millennium Agreement

The following agreement was signed by Zwelinzima Vavi representing labour, and Leslie Boyd representing business:

South African business and labour, following visits to Eire and Holland, and after numerous discussions, agree to establish a bilateral structure known as the Millennium Labour Council.

They agree:

  1. The current unemployment, job losses and lack of job creation constitute a deepening crisis in South Africa that requires urgent action.
  2. Current levels of poverty and inequality are unacceptable and new initiatives are needed to promote improved quality of life and decent work for all.
  3. The Millennium Labour Council is to comprise twelve members each from the business and trade union constituencies.
  4. The Millennium Labour Council will be associated with NEDLAC as a bilateral council and will operate with full policy autonomy.
  5. The objective of the Council is to develop a shared analysis of the crisis and potential solutions to be pursued with government and NEDLAC, as appropriate.

Representing Labour: Zwelinzima Vavi, Representing Business: Leslie Boyd

7 July 2000, Johannesburg

 

The Launch

The Millennium Labour Agreement between South African business and labour was signed on 7 July 2000. Click on the icons below to read the speeches from this landmark event:


Zwelinzima Vavi
Leslie Boyd
President Thabo Mbeki

 

Operational Guidelines

  1. Structure and Operation
    1. The Council will consist of twelve a side, with joint chairs - one on each side.
      By the date of the launch of the Council, the composition of each consitutency will have been finalised.
    2. Discussions in the Council will be confidential and agreements will be made public.
    3. The Council will meet at least once per quarter.
  2. Administration and Finance
    1. The Council will constitute sub-committees and will employ administrative and research staff as required.
      In the initial period the International Labour Organisation will be requested to provide administrative and technical support.
    2. The parties to the Council will seek a regular subsidy from NEDLAC to help defray the cost of its operation. This builds on the precedent in NEDLAC of providing funding to associated institutions, such as the National Labour Secretariat, and through the NEDLAC capacity building fund.
© The Millennium Labour Council 2025