1 March 2007
As from 1 April 2007, forestry workers who are planting, growing, tending
and harvesting trees for commercial purposes will for the first time receive an
increase on their minimum wages.
The increase will be CPIX (consumer price index excluding mortgage bond)
plus two percent. The CPIX will be calculated at a rate applicable six weeks
before 1 April 2007.
The current minimum wages for forestry workers is R836 per month or R4,28
per hour. This will increase as from 1 April 2007. The determination also
covers plantation operations of commercial, small and emergent timber growers
which end at the point where the logs are stacked for transportation.
Community forestry and conversation forestry are excluded from the scope of
the new law, because they are non-commercial by nature. However out-grower
schemes are not excluded from the scope of the determination although it has a
community forestry component. In addition, the determination provides for
task-based payment system provided that forestry workers earn at least the
prescribed minimum wage. The task-based payment is only allowed over and above
the prescribed minimum wage.
The determination also lays conditions of employment for forestry workers
and other workers in the forestry sector such as hours of work, leave,
particulars of employment and termination of employment.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
1 March 2007
