New minimum wage for funeral sector

Johannesburg - The labour department will hold hearings in the Eastern Cape next week on working conditions in the funeral parlour business.

Spokesperson Vuyokazi Mbanjwa said the objective was to introduce a minimum wage in the industry.

"The process forms part of the Employment Conditions Commission campaign to create a sectoral determination for the industry," she said.

Mbanjwa said the department would announce a new minimum wage in March next year.

Department head in the Eastern Cape, Bheki Gama said the mandate was to contribute to economic growth and protect vulnerable workers.

"This initiative will make sure that we are striking a balance," he said.

The department will conduct public meetings from Monday to Thursday with employers and employees in the funeral sector.