SPEED UP NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

THE Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has called on the government to speed up the implementation of the National Minimum Wage as it joins millions of workers in South Africa and across the globe in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the World Day for Decent Work today.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), “decent work” refers to accessing opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace, social protection for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom for people to express their concerns, organise and participate in the decisions that affect their lives and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.

In 2015 the UN General Assembly also adopted the four pillars of the Decent Work Agenda – employment creation; social protection; rights at work; and social dialogue – as integral parts of its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; whose Goal Number 8 calls for the promotion of sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work.

The global focus for the World Day for Decent Work this year is on the struggle for a decent minimum wage and a pay rise for all workers of the world. In South Africa, both Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces – have passed the National Minimum Wage Bill which prescribes a basic wage of R3 500 a month which will lift more than 6.6 million workers earning below this out of abject poverty when promulgated. The bill awaits the signature of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Although there was progress last week towards achieving Pillar 1 of the Decent Work Agenda – employment creation – by holding a Presidential Jobs Summit which will create an estimated 275 000 direct jobs, the rest of the Pillars of the Decent Work Agenda… are still under duress as thousands of workers in the manufacturing and mining industries face job losses.

Frank Nxumalo | Fedusa Media Officer