Question NW3436 to the Minister of Labour
19 October 2015 - NW3436
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour
Has her department taken a decision on whether a national minimum wage will be put into place or not; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Labour Relations Indaba convened by the Deputy President under the auspices of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) adopted a Declaration on 4th November 2014. The Declaration contained a number of principles that the constituencies, including government, agreed would guide the work that has been taking place in NEDLAC since then.
One of the principles agreed to was to engage on the modalities of introducing a national minimum wage in South Africa. The election manifesto of the ruling party, the African National Congress, also pledges to investigate the modalities for the introduction of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.
The Department of Labour does therefore not have to take a decision on whether to introduce a national minimum wage. This is both a decision of the current administration and one that has been agreed with our social partners.
It is in relation to the modalities of a national minimum wage, including the level at which it is to be set, that the Department is now working towards a recommendation that will be made to the rest of government.
END