LABOUR
Minimum wages must be sectoral, says DA
The DA proposes setting up a panel that cannot be unduly influenced by politicians, business or unions, mandated to set minimum wages for each sector
The DA says it rejects a blanket national minimum wage, arguing that this will lead to job losses and lock out the unemployed from the labour market. This is despite some DA members expressing their support for the minimum wage at the party’s recently concluded national congress. Some maintained that a minimum wage was important for the protection of workers. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Parliament’s portfolio committee on labour is due to receive oral presentations from various stakeholders, including unions, on the labour bills, and then chart the way ahead on the proposed laws. The new laws, among others, propose the setting of a national minimum wage at R20 per hour or R3,500 a month — to be reviewed annually — except for domestic and farm workers, whose rate will be set at R15 and R18 an hour. Amendments to the Labour Relations Act would also require unions to ballot their members on strike action. DA leader Mmusi Maimane on Monday said what the Basic Conditions of Employment Amen...
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.