CCMA discusses impact of minimum wage
MIDRAND – The CCMA hosted a serious discussion on the impact of the National Minimum Wage Act.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) hosted 400 shop stewards and union officials at a conference to discuss the impact of the National Minimum Wage Act.
The dialogue was held at Gallagher Estate on 12 and 13 September under the theme, The National Minimum Wage: Post Implementation Conversation. The starting of the conversation stemmed from the CCMA’s 16 729 dispute cases relating to the National Minimum Wage Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi said the acts intended to assist in eradicating poverty and income inequality in the country.
The minister said employers and companies who attempted to sidestep the act and transformation would face harsh sanctions from the government.
He added, “Shop stewards and union officials are the first points of contact for a worker in distress and therefore our eyes and ears are on the ground to ensure that the intended six million beneficiaries of the National Minimum Wage Act enjoy this constitutional right.”
Communications officer for the CCMA Amos Tshabalala said, “The conference is part of the CCMA’s outreach and advocacy to capacitate social partners to ensure that workers know their rights and employers understand their obligations to workers on the National Minimum Wage Act and all employment laws.”
CCMA director Cameron Morajane said, “We must have a system that is able to detect non-compliance across-the-board. For example, a company might be found compliant with the National Minimum Wage Act but non-compliant to the Employment Equity Act.
“Through an integrated enforcement system, we will be better placed to enforce labour laws and ensure workers enjoy their constitutional right to a fair labour practice.”
The conference hosted a number of speakers including Professor Adrian van der Walt who presented an extensive list of key insights into the challenges on National Minimum Wage legislation in South Africa, and director of the Policy Research Unit Professor Haroon Bhorat who presented research into the high wage inequality in South Africa’s emerging economy.
Member of the South African Chemical Workers Union Mothoko Zisi said the discussion was very important and while harsh realities were presented it was important to host the conference as a starting point for change.
Details: www.ccma.org.za
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