Farmworkers to get pay hike
13 February 2009

The Department of Labour has announced that workers in the farming sector can expect an increase in wages. 

The increase would be effective from 1 March 2009, in line with amended minimum wages set out in government's sectoral determination, the Department said.

Farm workers would now earn R6.31 per hour, R284 per week and a monthly rate of R1231.70.

The amendment further stipulates that an employer must pay a farm worker – who was 15 years of age or older, but less than 18 and who worked for 35 hours per week or less – at least the hourly rate.

"Employees in this sector will be paid one single minimum wage irrespective of their location.

"There will no longer be a distinction between those employers and employees previously in so-called rural areas," the Department said. The increase was based on the September 2008 consumer price index excluding mortgage costs (CPIX) which was 13 percent at the time.

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