The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed an increase of eight percent in minimum wage which has been proposed by the government.
The trade union federation said they have accepted the amount because it is very reasonable and will play an important role in millions of South African workers. However, Cosatu is still pushing for atleast a ten percent increase in minimum wage.
Cosatu Secretary General Solly Phetoe said, “Eight percent was not proposed by Cosatu. We made a submission as Cosatu through the National Minimum Wage Commission for the increase of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus three percent.”
Solly Phetoe added, “As Cosatu we would love that the increase goes up to ten percent for this year so that we can then be able to move quickly to the engagement of the living wage.”
Solly Phetoe has urged with the Minister of Labour Thulas Nxesi to deal accordingly with employers that undermine the National Minimum Wage, particularly where there are vulnerable workers such as farmers and domestic workers. Phetoe said this is not acceptable at all because over 35 percent of these employers do not comply with the rules of National Minimum Wage.
“As Cosatu together with other federations we would like to have a National Minimum Wage Act which will deal with employers that continue to pay peanuts to their vulnerable employees.” Solly Phetoe concluded.
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