Labour federation Saftu says it will intensify its campaign to oppose the proposed R20 per hour minimum wage and 15% VAT which was effected on the 1st of April.
Over 7000 Saftu members from 24 affiliated trade unions have converged at a rally in Bloemfontein to also celebrate the first anniversary of the federation.
Saftu Northern Cape and Free State regional chairperson Puleng Phaaka says “ The 14% that was increase to 15% means workers won’t be able to buy more food they used to buy so many they won’t be able to get with the little money they are earning.”
Meanwhile, Deputy President David Mabuza will address KwaZulu-Natal Cosatu May Day rally at Curris Fontein in Durban.
The rally will be preceded by a march which will be led by Cosatu, SACP and ANC provincial leaders. Issues such as the recently announced minimum wage, unity and solidarity among workers in pursuit of their rights are expected to take a centre stage during the speeches.
Workers are slowly tickling in outside the Durban City hall where the march is expected to start.
Minimum Wage App
The National Minimum Wage Act, 2017 is set to be implemented in May 2018. However, according to the Department of Labour, the process could be delayed by one or two months.
SABC Digital News and OpenUp (formerly Code for South Africa) has partnered to develop a Minimum Wage App that will give answers to the question: “Can South Africans survive on R3 500?”
Where does the information come from?
OpenUp has used the following data sources:
- Stats SA “Poverty Trends in South Africa” report
- Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action (PACSA) “Food Price Barometer“
- Stats SA “Income and Expenditure of Households Survey”
How is it calculated?
The money available for food is calculated by subtracting the money used for other expenses from household income. It could be said that it comes after these expenses, though they are actually in conjunction with each other.
