THURSDAY, 10.30AM
ALTHOUGH employment in the public sector showed a marginal annual increase between the first quarter of 1996 and the first quarter of 1997, R3 005,2-million more had been paid to public servants by the end of the first quarter of 1997 compared with the first quarter of 1996, according to data released by the Central Statistical Service on Thursday.
Total salaries and wages paid to public sector employees rose by 13,9% from R21 618,7-million to R24 623,9-million between March 1996 and March 1997 but decreased by 1,3% or R334,3-million between December 1996 and March 1997. The decrease was due mainly to no thirteenth cheques being paid out to workers in most of the public sector during the first quarter of each year.
Employment in the public sector showed an annual increase of 0,2%, or 4 371 workers up to the first quarter of 1997. However, between the last quarter of 1996 and the first quarter of 1997 employment decreased by 0,5%, or 8 939 workers, the CSS said.
Average monthly salaries and wages, including employers’ contribution to funds, increased by 13,6% from R3 828 in March 1996 to R4 350 in March 1997. However, it decreased by 0,9% from R4 391 in December 1996 to R4 350 in March 1997.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
I-NET IN US JOINT VENTURE I-NET, TML’s internet-based financial information service, said on Thursday it is to form a joint venture with US-based global news group Bridge. The I-Net-Bridge venture will offer access to local and international financial data, with Bridge carrying I-net data to its clients around the world.
REVENUE COLLECTION UP The finance ministry said on Thursday that total internal revenue and customs and excise receipts in June this year were up 20,7% on last June, at R11,832-billion. The ministry added that June receipts bring total revenue for the first quarter of 1997/98 to R33,769-billion, 13% up on the same period last year.
NEW AIRLINE CODE SOUTHERN African airlines on Thursday signed a new code of conduct to provide for continued self-regulation of the industry.Airlines Association of Southern Africa CEO John Morrison said the code aims to protect passengers from unsound airlines and practices. Most airlines in the region are signatories to the code.
SUGAR STRIKE TO CCMA The lengthy wage dispute in the sugar industry, which has precipitated strikes that have closed down 14 refininfg and milling operations, has been referred to the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, the Sugar Bargaining Council said on Thursday.
SECOND MINES ACCORD THE Chamber of Mines and two unions representing skilled staff on Thursday signed a three-year wage increase deal linked to increased productivity and production in the gold and coal sectors, mirroring a similar agreement signed earlier this week with the National Union of Mineworkers on behalf of unskilled gold miners.