Break the chains
2009-06-25
WITH the slowdown in the economy and an increase in unemployment in the building sector, there is a growing tendency to exploit labour, by paying workers less than the minimum wage. Homeowners who are choosing contractors, have a civil obligation to check that their contractor is compliant with the minimum employment conditions. Says Henry Strydom, Secretary for the Building Industry Bargaining Council (Cape of Good Hope), “Many homeowners have renovations and repairs done to their properties during this time of the year, often contracting out to the person who quotes the lowest price, regardless of the competencies of the contractor and his workers and with no regard as to how much or how little the contractor is paying his workers. “The public has a social responsibility towards any person working for them - to see that the ‘chains of poverty’ are broken, for no other reason than that it is the right thing to do.” Whilst it is almost impossible for the BIBC to accurately gauge what wages each ‘bakkie builder’ is paying his staff, a minimum wage in the building industry (Paarl area) at present for a labourer is R88,68 per day; a general worker R146,69 per day; and an artisan R333,42 per day. Enquiries: 021 950 7400
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