National Minimum Wage Act

The National Minimum Wage Act comes into effect on 1 January 2019.

The proclamation was published in Government Gazette 42104.

President Ramaphosa assented to the act at the end of November 2018.

The bill was passed by parliament and sent for assent in August 2018.

It was tabled in parliament in November 2017.

The act seeks to:

  • Provide for a national minimum wage;
  • Establish the National Minimum Wage Commission;
  • Provide for the composition and functions of the National Minimum Wage Commission;
  • Provide for the review and annual adjustment of the national minimum wage;
  • Provide for exemption from paying the national minimum wage; and
  • Provide for matters connected therein.

Meanwhile, the Labour Relations Amendment Act also comes into effect on 1 January 2019.

The proclamation was published in Gazette 42103.

The act intends amending the Labour Relations Act so as to:

  • Provide criteria for the minister before the minister is compelled to extend the collective agreement as contemplated in the act;
  • Provide for the renewal and extension of funding agreements;
  • Provide for picketing by collective agreement or by determination by the commission in terms of picketing regulations;
  • Provide for the classification of a ratified or determined minimum service;
  • Extend the meaning of ballot to include any voting by members that is recorded in secret;
  • Provide for the independence of the Registrar and the Deputy Registrar;
  • Provide for an advisory arbitration panel;
  • Provide for an advisory arbitration award;
  • Provide for transitional provisions; and
  • Provide for matters connected therewith.

Report by Nick Garvie