/ 23 July 2003

Taxi owners favour minimum wage for drivers

The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), a body representing over 100 000 taxi owners, committed itself on Tuesday to a minimum wage and basic conditions of employment in the industry, the Department of Labour said.

At a meeting with Santaco representatives in Pretoria, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana called on the council to make its proposals about the matter to the Employment Conditions Commission urgently, the department said in a statement.

”The sectoral determination is nearing completion and we would like to consult with all stakeholders and reach consensus on the proposed minimum wage… There is still room for more inputs,” Mdladlana said.

He assured taxi operators that he would not rush the process, but said it had to be speeded up. Consultations had begun in 1999.

”The taxi industry, which accounts for 65% of all public transport commuter trips, employs around 185 000 drivers who do not enjoy the benefit of a minimum wage and basic conditions of employment,” the minister said.

”We would like to see taxi drivers being paid a decent wage and protected by the Labour Relations Act.”

According to the statement, Santaco general manager Reginald Mutsi said there was no reason to oppose anything in the act.

”There is no resistance from our side. All we are requesting… is constant consultation and communication.” – Sapa