Farmers wage hearings conclude

Johannesburg - Public hearings to review farmworker minimum wages were concluded in Gauteng and Eastern Cape, the labour department said on Friday.

The department would consolidate the input and prepare a report for the Employment Conditions Commission (ECC) for consideration, said spokesperson Mokgadi Pela.

"The hearings were part of a consultative process to review the farmworkers' minimum wages."

The ECC advises the labour minister on wages and other conditions of employment in vulnerable sectors, including the farming sector.

Representatives from government, labour unions and farmers are among those who form the commission.

Acting director of labour standards Titus Mtsweni said this week the ECC was expected to meet in January 2013 to consider all inputs and advise the labour minister on the proposed new minimum wage review.

He did not rule out further public hearings in De Doorns and other areas.