Govt easy on non-compliant textile firms, but not unions

07 Oct '10

2 min read

The Economic Development Ministry has stayed the execution of non-compliant textile producers and has thus safeguarded jobs of around 22,000 workers as of now, but the workers have made it clear that, they are not ready to compromise for a lesser minimum wage.

SA Clothing and Textile Workers Union (Sactwu) officials said that, they are not going to give up their claims for a minimum wage of R444 per week for qualified machinists in rural areas.

The unionists said that, they have been summoning the errant employers for discussions; else they may have to face legal consequences.

Congress of SA Trade Unions commended the Ministry's move to reprieve factory owners to save jobs of workers, but alike other unions, they too said that, they are not ready to accept lower wages.

Sactwu said that, they look upon the Ministry's interference in the matter and its call for working out a new settlement, as a chance for the errant textile factory owners to arrive at a compromise formula.

Though the Ministry action has relieved the 385 noncompliant units, paying wages below the minimum fixed, from any intimidation of legal action, this relaxation is only available till December 31.

Further, the Sactwu officials who said that they are in favour of conducting such bilateral talks also added that, the time limit fixed for the purpose was very short. According to them the issue is so intricate that it is difficult to strike a solution by year end.

They also told the errant factory owners that, such non-compliance, could actually mean, losing access to the funds that the government has reserved to help the ailing industries.

In reply to all the allegations, textile producers said that, they are in a fix over the low-cost products coming in to the country from India and China, which has stagnated their trade and hence they cannot afford to pay higher wages.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India