Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Anna Mokgethi, delivered a statement in Parliament earlier today regarding the government's decision to increase the minimum wage.
Minister Mokgethi disclosed that the minimum wage in the public service would see an increase to P2,500, effective from February 1, 2024. The escalation of the minimum wage has been a prominent subject of discussion in Parliament, given the government's prior indication of its commitment to achieving this elevation before the culmination of the 2022–2023 financial year. "The board has also considered recommending sectoral adjustments of the minimum wage rates, ... (but) the board resolved not to do so," stated Mokgethi.
Furthermore, Mokgethi delineated government has contemplated revising the minimum wage for specific categories outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Employment Act.
"Considering all factors alluded to, I have, therefore, adjusted the increase of the statutory minimum wage rates ... in all trades by 23.5%, except the Agricultural and Domestic sectors," the minister stated.
Regarding the Agricultural and Domestic sectors, the minister emphasised that these two areas would undergo their own distinctive augmentation. "The increase of statutory minimum wage rates for the Agriculture and Domestic sector will be by 38.4% to P1,500 per month, while for the Retail Distributive Trade with other sectors will have an initial once-off increase of 12.75% to adjust hourly rates from the current P6.51 to P7.34 and subsequently be increased [by] 23.5% like other sectors," she elucidated.
Following up on the announcement, the minister plans to address the media on the adjusted wages tomorrow.
