The national minimum wage: A step forward for South African workers?
South Africa's National Assembly recently approved the National Minimum Wage Bill, but is the new figure enough for workers to survive on?
Listen as KZN reacts to the new minimum wage below, or read the details under the podcast.
Over the years, the minimum wage has been one of the most debated topics in South Africa. Due to the rising cost of food, petrol, and general living, employees are looking for the best possible wage to help them survive in today's tough economy.
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The Mail & Guardian reported that the National Assembly recently passed the National Minimum Wage Bill which aims to better the lives of those South African workers in low-income brackets. The proposed minimum wage was set at R20 per hour, which equates to R3,500 per month based on a 40-hour week, and R3,900 for a 45-hour week.
Many unions have protested against the minimum wage overs the years. South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) protested back in April this year, adding that the proposed minimum wage is just not enough for them to survive on, with many saying that they are currently 'living in poverty'.
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I guess we’d like to believe millions of workers in our country will receive a hike in pay with the proposed increase in minimum wage, but the sad reality is that job loss will more than likely follow. Due to the rising costs of salaries, this may cut company's profitability and could prompt organisations to reduce the amount of labour they employ.
What position are you in? Will you raise your domestic's or staff members' salaries according to the new minimum wage? Do you think the R20 an hour as prescribed by the minimum wage bill in SA enough?