Friday deadline for minimum wage adjustments

Ahead of Friday’s deadline, a call has once again been made for input on next year’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) adjustments.

While concerns have been expressed by some sectors on the negative impact of above-inflation increases, the NMW commission says it is awaiting further comments before making recommendations on next year’s adjustment.

The current rate of R25,42 per hour, which includes farm and domestic workers, was announced in February – a R2,23 increase from last year’s rate.

For workers employed on an expanded public works programme, the minimum wage is set at R13,97 per hour.

Written comments or representations concerning possible adjustments must be submitted by 8 September to be considered.

“The primary functions of the commission is to review the NMW and make recommendations annually for its adjustment, and to investigate the impact of the NMW on the economy, collective bargaining, and income differentials, among others,” said Department of Labour and Employment spokesperson, Teboho Thejane.

Speaking at an advocacy seminar in Richards Bay recently, employment and labour’s, Dr Pravine Naidoo warned employers who pay their employees less than the set national minimum wage, face hefty fines.

“An employer who is found to have failed to comply with the NMW will be fined by a labour inspector an amount equal to twice the value of the underpayment or twice the monthly wage, whichever is greater for first offenders, and an amount equal to thrice the value of the underpayment or thrice the monthly wage, whichever is the greater, for repeat offenders,” Dr Naidoo said.

He also warned that it is unfair labour practice for an employer to unilaterally alter hours of work or other conditions of employment in implementing the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

“The NMW does not include payment of allowances such as transport, tools, food, or accommodation, or payments in kind board or lodging, tips, bonuses nor gifts,” said Dr Naidoo.

HAVE YOUR SAY