Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has announced an upward adjustment to the minimum wage of farmworkers with effect from 1 March 2015. In terms of the new adjustments, farmworkers will earn a minimum wage of R2 606.78 per month (from R2 420.41 in 2014/15), a weekly minimum wage of R601.61 (R558.60 in 2014/15), a daily rate of R120.32 (R111.72 in 2014/15,) and an hourly rate of R13.37 (R12.41 in 2014/15). According to the Labour Department, the new sectoral determination level is … [Read more...] about Farmworkers to get an increase
labour
Getting small business on board
The developers of the Baywest Mall in Port Elizabeth, Abacus Asset Management and Billion Group, are targeting small-to-medium sized businesses for involvement during the construction phase of the centre. With more than 400 SMMEs registered on the mall's database for possible work on the mammoth project, developers recently held a workshop for SMMEs struggling to get the required paperwork required by law for registration. A Compliance Workshop, held at the Newton Park Methodist hall … [Read more...] about Getting small business on board
Parties urged to resolve motor industry strike
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has condemned the violence in the on-going motor industry strike, and has also called on parties to speed up negotiations. Oliphant said the country's laws guarantee the right to protest, but cautioned that every right must be exercised with responsibility. "I therefore urge those that are involved in these acts of violence to refrain from such behaviour. "This undermines genuine workers' demands and peaceful collective bargaining. The trade union … [Read more...] about Parties urged to resolve motor industry strike
New BCEA Amended Earnings Threshold of R183 008.00 from 1 July 2012
The Earnings Threshold has been amended from the 2011 threshold of R172 000 per annum to R183 008.00 per annum with effect from 1 July 2012 and employers are urged to commence an investigation to ascertain the impact of the increased earning threshold on their salary bills. This is according to Johan Botes, Employment Director at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr business law firm. Botes explains that on 26 April 2012, the Minister of Labour announced the Employment Conditions Commission (Commission) … [Read more...] about New BCEA Amended Earnings Threshold of R183 008.00 from 1 July 2012
All Work But No Pay
The Labour Market is unable to absorb most or all newly qualified work seekers and matriculants are flooding universities who can't accommodate them. This is according to Faan Coetzee, a Director in the Employment practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr business law firm, who further notes that a relatively small number will also end up in the training programmes funded by Setas and others may be contemplating working for free to obtain suitable experience to rely on to progress to a duly paid … [Read more...] about All Work But No Pay
Business advised to plan ahead for 2012 public holidays
Faan Coetzee, a director in the Employment practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has advised South African businesses to think ahead regarding public holidays and the impact they will have on business this year. He says that this year, the 16th of December 2012 is the only public holiday that falls on a Sunday. In terms of the Public Holidays Act, Monday 17 December 2012 becomes an additional public holiday. The extra day off, in addition to the existing public holiday, impacts on working … [Read more...] about Business advised to plan ahead for 2012 public holidays
Government Warns Against Bogus Placement Agents
Members of the public have been warned to be on the lookout for bogus 'placement agents' or so-called companies that claim to offer employment to job seekers and later claim a fee for placement. According to the Department of Labour, the scam is seemingly spreading with the scammers taking advantage of the biting unemployment in the country. Chief Director of Collective Bargaining at the department, Thembinkosi Mkalipi, said no prospective employer can demand payment for a job … [Read more...] about Government Warns Against Bogus Placement Agents
Labour Issues a Continuing Business Concern
Labour matters are of concern to business, a survey by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) says. SACCI president Chose Choeu said a survey of SACCI members has shown increasingly negative perceptions of the impact of labour behaviour and demands on the business environment. "Members cited the skills shortage and the potential for job creation as most concerning. There also appears to be a lingering concern regarding the proposed amendments to labour legislation and … [Read more...] about Labour Issues a Continuing Business Concern
Transnet and Labour Settle on 8.5% Increase
Transnet and labour have reached an 8.5 percent across the board wage settlement. The parastatal and its two recognised unions - the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) - finalised the terms of agreement at the Transnet Bargaining Council on Wednesday. Transnet group chief executive, Brian Molefe, described the agreement as a milestone that will go a long way in strengthening relations with employees. "Crucially, … [Read more...] about Transnet and Labour Settle on 8.5% Increase
Illegal Child Labour in the Spotlight
As the country prepares to mark National Labour Day on Monday, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant is set to bring illegal child labour practices to the nation's attention. The main event, to be held in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, will build on the minister's campaign to support the International Labour Organisation's efforts to end the practice and call for decisive action by governments and stakeholders around the world. Oliphant has fingered the agriculture sector as the largest … [Read more...] about Illegal Child Labour in the Spotlight
Hospitality Industry Cheating Employees
The Department of Labour has warned hospitality industry employers to pay their workers as stipulated or face the full might of the law. This after Free State Labour inspectors uncovered that some employers were shortchanging their employees. According to the department, some employers with more than 10 workers were cheating their employees by underpaying their wages, and instead were paying them the wages they would if they had less than 10 employees. According to the Hospitality … [Read more...] about Hospitality Industry Cheating Employees
Labour Inspectors to get Tougher
Department of Labour inspectors are to be given more power to enable them to carry out their duties more effectively. Thembinkosi Mkalipi, Chief Director for Labour Market Policy in Turfontein, made the announcement yesterday during a public consultation meeting on the proposed amendments to labour law. Mkalipi told about 700 stakeholders from business, labour and government that the time had come for inspectors to be given more power to enforce the law. "Inspectors no longer require to … [Read more...] about Labour Inspectors to get Tougher
