Business Report writes that union rivalry came to the fore again last week when SA’s labour unions reacted differently to the R20 an hour national minimum wage (NMW) approved by cabinet.  

Labour federation Cosatu welcomed the policy, which will be implemented in May, but quickly warned it would become redundant if the government failed to implement its requirements.  Noting that the labour department had 1,000 labour inspectors, it said more were needed.  The rival SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), rejected the NMW, charging that it sought to formalise poverty wages.  Spokesperson Patrick Craven said the proposed R20 hourly rate was “outrageous”.  Federation of Trade Unions of SA (Fedusa) general secretary Dennis George said they welcomed the NMW, which would help reduce inequality and poverty.

• Read this report by Luyolo Mkentane in full at Business Report

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