South Africa official announces new minimum wage for farm workers after violent strikes

Published January 13, 2015

South Africa's labor minister has announced a new minimum wage for farm workers after violent strikes swept through portions of the country.

The South African Press Association reported Monday that Minister Mildred Oliphant said the new daily wage would be 105 rand (about $12) for manual laborers on the nation's farms. The minimum wage now is 69 rand ($7.80)

Oliphant said the wages would also be adjusted for inflation in coming years.

Farm workers had asked for 150 rand (nearly $17) a day. Last year, at least two people died in farm protests. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets during a January protest.

Vineyards in the Western Cape province, where protests hit hardest, are key to South Africa's wine industry. Laborers also work on apple and other fruit farms.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/world/south-africa-official-announces-new-minimum-wage-for-farm-workers-after-violent-strikes