Advocating for a safe workplace free from violence and harassment and a minimum wage for low earning employees – World Day for Decent Work

  07 October 2022

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) calls for a decent working environment and minimum wage for workers as World Day for Decent Work is commemorated worldwide.

FEDUSA advocates for decent work and decent life for all and encourages organizations to always create a healthy working environment for its workers.

The minimum wage of workers should be sufficient to meet the cost of living, it should also allow workers to have financial freedom.

In South Africa, the National Minimum Wage for each ordinary hour worked has been increased from R21,69 to R23.19 for the year 2022 with effect from 01 March 2022.

The National Minimum Wage Act was proclaimed in 2018, setting a historic precedent in the protection of low-earning workers in South Africa. The purpose of this Act is to advance economic development and social justice by improving the wages of lowest paid workers and protecting workers from unreasonably low wages.

This was also to preserving the value of the national minimum wage, promoting collective bargaining; and supporting economic policy. When the Act first came into effect the National Minimum Wage was R20 for each ordinary hour worked.

Recently FEDUSA called on government intervention to relieve the burden on the poor and working class this came after the increase in consumer inflation. A decent work and a national minimum wage give workers the ability to at least afford basic needs.

The introduction of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to low earning employees including domestic workers was the right direction to inclusivity.

FEDUSA also reiterates that a workplace should be a safe space for workers, sexual harassment and intimidation in the workplace should stop.

Convention No. 190 (C190) recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence harassment. It also recognizes that violence and harassment in the world of work can constitute a human rights violation or abuse, and that violence and harassment is a threat to equal opportunities, is unacceptable and incompatible with decent work.

ENDS

For interviews please contact:

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

079 696 2625

 

Mr. Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433