Skip to main content

Farm workers in line for wage boost

| Economic factors

The minimum wages for workers in the farming and forestry sectors will increase with effect from March 1, the Department of Labour said on Monday.

“Wage adjustments are morally right so as to ensure that workers’ earnings keep pace with the rising cost of living while boosting the purchasing power which benefits the economy,” acting spokesperson Mokgadi Pela said in a statement.

The minimum salary increased to R2 778.83 from R2 606.78 and the hourly rate increased to R14.25 from R13.37.

The weekly wage increased to R641.32 from R601.61. A daily wage for a farm worker is R128.26 for a nine-hour day.

The previous daily wage was R120.32.

Pela said the department was aware of the problems facing the agricultural sector, including the drought which left farmers with tough choices on whether or not to retain labour.

“We encourage farmers in areas that are affected by the drought to apply for ministerial variations in terms of section 50 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Section 50 makes provision for the Minister to replace or exclude any basic condition of employment provided for in the Act.”

ANA

Pin It

Related Articles

By: Jason Woosey - IOL Expect to pay more for fuel from Wednesday, February 5, with month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) pointing to significant increases for both petrol and diesel.
By: Ashley Lechman - IOL The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved a significant 12.7% increase in electricity tariffs, set to come into effect on April 1.
By: Yogashen Pillay - IOL Energy experts and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) have called for the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to be wary of the impact of their decision on Eskom’s tariff a…
Despite ongoing economic pressures, South African consumers turned out in record numbers to capitalise on Black Friday deals, driving notable growth in payment volumes and showcasing a clear preference for digital payment platforms and online shoppi…
By: Dieketseng Maleke - IOL South Africa's Retail Sector Shows Promise for Final Quarter of 2024, Despite Economic Challenges