Minimum wage increases for farm workers

LABOURERS in the farming and forestry sectors are all set to receive higher minimum wages from 1 March.

This was announced last week by Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant, who said the Department of Labour (DoL) has after much deliberation agreed to bump up numbers to minimal rates of R14.25 per hour (from R13.37), R641.32 per week (from R601.61), R2 778.83 per month (from R2 606.78) and a daily wage of R128.26 for those who work nine hours per day (from R120.32).

The decision wields a double-edged sword as farmers are already struggling to produce crop and afford payrolls in the midst of the drought crisis, but also understand the necessity for their staff to earn increased wages to counter rising living costs and food inflation.

‘The increase seems rather reasonable, but rising unemployment could become a serious subsequent issue,’ said Felixton Crop Growers’ Association Chairman, John Readman.

‘In Zululand, one farming employee supports seven dependents. Without the increases, farmers could have afforded to employ more workers and two-thirds more people living in poverty today could have been supported.

‘The coastal sugar industry is on its knees. There is not one farmer between Durban and Empangeni who is in a good position.

‘But we have to be responsible. Even if increases can’t be afforded, we have to respect the humanitarian aspect,’ said Readman.

Minister Oliphant said the DoL has taken the dilemma farmers face into consideration.

‘The department is aware of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector with regard to certain areas affected by drought and how farmers are toiling with some tough decisions on whether or not to retain labour,’ said the Minister.

‘We encourage farmers in areas that are affected by drought to apply for ministerial variations in terms of Section 50 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

‘Section 50 makes provision for the Minister to replace or exclude any basic condition of employment provided for in the Act.

‘My Department will expeditiously assist in processing variation applications.

‘I further encourage farmers to solicit guidance on how to apply for variations from their relevant associations.

‘Wage adjustments are morally right so as to ensure that workers’ earnings keep pace with the rising cost of living while boosting the purchasing power which benefits the economy.’