6 February 2007
Adherence with the labour legislation governing the farming sector in
Kroonstad, Free State has gained momentum following the record 88% compliance
with the law.
This follows a five-day blitz inspection last week where 16 employers were
visited and 14 were found to be complying. Only two employers did not
comply.
The inspectors checked among other things compliance with the farm worker
sectoral determination, including compliance with the minimum wages and
adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
"There is still substantial room for improvement in the compliance area. I
therefore want to encourage farm workers and farmers to use the services of my
inspectors to assist them with compliance," said Minister Mdladlana.
Last year (2006) farm workers minimum wages increases for Area A (urban
areas) was prescribed at R994 per month and Area B (rural areas) R885 per
month.
As from 1 March 2007, minimum wages will increase to R1 041 per month for
area A, and R989 per month for Area B.
Following recent amendments of the sectoral determination, the department
has vowed to scrap the 27-hour provision. The current determination allows
employers to pay employees who work less than 45 hours per week, the number of
hours which they have worked.
All workers who work less than 45 hours per week are now being paid in terms
of the number of hours worked.
Minister Mdladlana commended the law abiding employers saying the shift
towards a single minimum wage for the sector as well as the scrapping of the
27-hour provision were as a result of an extensive engagement by stakeholders
in the sector itself.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: Zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
6 February 2007
