/ 6 May 1997

First quarter wages up 9,1%

MONDAY, 4.30PM

LABOUR consultants Andrew Levy & Associates today published its quarterly wgae report, which shows that wages in SA increased by an average of 9,1% in the first three months of this year, just below the 9,6% average inflation rate so far this year.

Researcher Jackie Kelly said wage increases across all industries ranged beteween 8% and 12,5%. The average minimum wage is R1 675, and the average time lapse between demands and settlements was 91 days.

The National Union of Mineworkers achieved an 11% average wage increase, the Transport and General Workers Union 10,7% and the Chemical Workers Industrial Union 9,8%. These were the three highest averages.