No blanket exemptions from national minimum wage
The labour minister says economic sectors will not enjoy blanket exemptions from the R20 an hour level as they would ‘go against the grain’ of its intention
There will be no blanket exemptions for economic sectors from the national minimum wage, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant clarified on Thursday. DA labour spokesman Ian Ollis wanted to know whether there would be a blanket exemption for the clothing and blanket sections of the textile industry to which the minister said "No" in a written reply. She said blanket exemptions would "go against the grain of what is intended with this policy instrument". Oliphant said the national minimum wage is intended to ensure that the benefits of growth are more equitably shared and to address poverty and inequality. For this reason, it targets as a wide a range of sectors as possible.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.