ED RICHARDSON WORKERS IN the wholesale and retail sectors were entitled to a minimum wage increase of 8.8% from February 1. These annual guaranteed wage hikes are regulated by the Department of Labour’s sectoral determination for the industry, which sets minimum wages and employment conditions for the sector. Many workers from the formerly excluded areas such as the homelands will receive more than the prescribed 8.8%, as their salaries are brought into line with those in the rest of the country, according to labour minister Membathisi Mdadlana. In terms of the regulations, workers can choose to exchange a percentage of benefits for more money, while employers may have more flexibility to reshuffle around 40 to 45 working hours a week as stipulated by the determination.
