The Department of Labour recently announced the increase of minimum wages for the taxi sector by an average of 6.2% as from August 1.
Acting departmental spokesman Mokgadi Pela said in a statement on Wednesday that wages for administrative workers would rise monthly from R3020.67 to R3218.57; weekly from R697.13 to R742.80; and hourly from R14.51 to R15.47.
However Sowetan Live spoke to some taxi drivers and queue marshals who believe that the decision will not make a difference in their lives.
One taxi driver who wanted to remain anonymous fearing that he might lose his job if named, said that he is sure that 95% of taxi drivers and most employers that he knows are not registered with the department of labour. This means that the workers do not enjoy the same benefits as those who are registered and that taxi owners are not obligated to follow the law.
Another blow to him is is that he is not even earning a minimum wage as recommended by the department.
"You can work for an employer for ten years and if one day he doesn't reach his daily target the employer can fire you immediately without warning", he said.
Taxi drivers think increase will not benefit all
The Department of Labour recently announced the increase of minimum wages for the taxi sector by an average of 6.2% as from August 1.
Acting departmental spokesman Mokgadi Pela said in a statement on Wednesday that wages for administrative workers would rise monthly from R3020.67 to R3218.57; weekly from R697.13 to R742.80; and hourly from R14.51 to R15.47.
However Sowetan Live spoke to some taxi drivers and queue marshals who believe that the decision will not make a difference in their lives.
One taxi driver who wanted to remain anonymous fearing that he might lose his job if named, said that he is sure that 95% of taxi drivers and most employers that he knows are not registered with the department of labour. This means that the workers do not enjoy the same benefits as those who are registered and that taxi owners are not obligated to follow the law.
Another blow to him is is that he is not even earning a minimum wage as recommended by the department.
"You can work for an employer for ten years and if one day he doesn't reach his daily target the employer can fire you immediately without warning", he said.
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