Student Number : 0413841X - MA research report - School of Social Sciences - Faculty of Humanities / People living and working on commercial farms in South Africa are the poorest and most vulnerable group in the labour market. They rely on multiple livelihood strategies to alleviate risk and to survive. Wages from their employment in agriculture usually constitute their primary source of income and therefore play an important part in their livelihood strategy, as does their dependence on the farmer for housing, food, credit and access to services. The livelihood strategies of these poor people have been disturbed by the introduction of the Sectoral Determination for the Agricultural Sector, which prescribes a minimum wage for farm workers. It is especially the most vulnerable workers who are hit by the farmers’ reluctance to grant them the same benefits as they received before. The law thus only succeeds in supporting those workers who are better educated, healthy and able to manage the higher amount of cash wage in a responsible way. It is necessary to protect those who are made worse off through the legislation by a comprehensive rural development strategy. Such a development strategy must target those factors keeping the poorest farm workers vulnerable and struggling for survival.

This thesis examines the effect of minimum wage changes on employment, labour force participation and schooling using Canadian provincial data for the period 1981 to 2000. This study uses two measures of schooling namely enrollment rates and continuation ratios. The analysis also includes the effect of the minimum wage on the employment and labour force participation of both teenage and adult age groups. The minimum wage variable in the regression analysis is the real adult minimum wage rate. Coverage of the minimum wage is not incorporated in the formula since minimum wage coverage is almost complete for the period being analyzed. Results show that the minimum wage has a significant negative effect on both employment and labour force participation rates for most age-sex groups studied. The effect of the minimum wage on enrollment rates and continuation ratios were insignificant for most grade and transition-sex groups with positive results observed in most cases where significant results were obtained.

This thesis examines the effect of minimum wage changes on employment, labour force participation and schooling using Canadian provincial data for the period 1981 to 2000. This study uses two measures of schooling namely enrollment rates and continuation ratios. The analysis also includes the effect of the minimum wage on the employment and labour force participation of both teenage and adult age groups. The minimum wage variable in the regression analysis is the real adult minimum wage rate. Coverage of the minimum wage is not incorporated in the formula since minimum wage coverage is almost complete for the period being analyzed. Results show that the minimum wage has a significant negative effect on both employment and labour force participation rates for most age-sex groups studied. The effect of the minimum wage on enrollment rates and continuation ratios were insignificant for most grade and transition-sex groups with positive results observed in most cases where significant results were obtained.

We investigate the empirical evidence of the "textbook theory" of minimum wages for the Austrian Industry. The bargaining result of unions and firms is interpreted as a minimum wage, as the bargaining situation in Austria may be described best by a "right to manage" model". Based on the analysis of micro-founded "employment functions" in contrast to the predictions of the "textbook analysis" no significant negative effect of minimum wages on employment is found. (author's abstract) / Series: Working Papers Series "Growth and Employment in Europe: Sustainability and Competitiveness"

This paper deals with the effects of minimum wages on human capital accumulation, and steady state employment and growth. The minimum wage is introduced in a model of endogenous growth driven by human capital accumulation. Unemployed agents maximize utility given the information that they are unemployed facing changed budget constraints. This situation is implemented in a "non-market-clearing equilibrium" framework. We show that the steady state rate of growth is not affected by the minimum wage and that in the steady state the system yields full employment. These effects are generated by intertemporal adjustments of the employed households who re-act to the relatively higher minimum wage which increases skills accumulation. (author's abstract) / Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Series

On the basis of descriptive and prescriptive ethics and by means of literature study and exegesis of the Scriptures, this study poses an answer to the question: "How should factors that define labour compensation in South Africa since 1994 be judged according to theological ethics?" Since the subsistence farming of the seventeenth century in South Africa labour compensation has changed to a mainly capitalistic system with money as the most important compensation to labourers for services rendered. Since the seventeenth century a period of unfolding and development of careers has taken place mainly as a result of the influence of colonists from Europe. Gradual development taking place in the economic field has made subsequent factors in lieu of labour compensation more relevant for labourers. Various factors with regard to compensation of labour after 1994 - when the first fully-fledged democratic voting took place in South Africa - defines that it must be seen against the developmental background before 1994. In this study thirteen factors that have an influence on compensation since 1994, will be identified. Some factors tend to lean towards underpayment and others to overpayment. Interior factors relating to insufficient payment are unemployment, child labour, HIV/Aids and gambling. Foreign factors relative to insufficient payment are illegal immigration and cheap imports. Relevant to this, there are also factors resulting in higher remuneration of labourers. Labour laws with regard to affirmative action and minimum wages have a positive influence on payment for labourers. Illegal conduct of labourers gives rise to theft, robbery and corruption. Positive reactions are also in place with regard to remuneration of labourers. In view of this, over-pay, strikes and emigration play an important role. The factors that influence payment since 1994 are being judged according to the Scriptures, pertaining labour and remuneration. God created mankind serving as inhabitants and workers of the earth. He also decreed that mankind will live from the fruit of his labour. This decree forms the basis by which labourers receive remuneration for their efforts. Through fellowship man shows that he is sewing God and fellow-country men and does not labour only for his own advantage. The fall of man has far-reaching influences on mankind, his labours, place of labour and the consequent remuneration be receives for services rendered. One cannot fatalistically accept the influence of the fall of mankind. The recreation of mankind, started by Jesus Christ also affects the area of labour. This study demonstrates how remuneration for labour does not comply to Bible principles. Guidance will be given to how, especially believers, be they employers or employees, portray God's image through their conduct. Believers should execute their labours in such a way, that they are worthy of decent remuneration. Christian employers ought to be reasonable when paying employees, create and protect job opportunities and where possible, employ more labourers. Maximum opportunity should be granted by the ruling authority in order that as many people possible have the opportunity to labour without being exploited. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

On the basis of descriptive and prescriptive ethics and by means of literature study and exegesis of the Scriptures, this study poses an answer to the question: "How should factors that define labour compensation in South Africa since 1994 be judged according to theological ethics?" Since the subsistence farming of the seventeenth century in South Africa labour compensation has changed to a mainly capitalistic system with money as the most important compensation to labourers for services rendered. Since the seventeenth century a period of unfolding and development of careers has taken place mainly as a result of the influence of colonists from Europe. Gradual development taking place in the economic field has made subsequent factors in lieu of labour compensation more relevant for labourers. Various factors with regard to compensation of labour after 1994 - when the first fully-fledged democratic voting took place in South Africa - defines that it must be seen against the developmental background before 1994. In this study thirteen factors that have an influence on compensation since 1994, will be identified. Some factors tend to lean towards underpayment and others to overpayment. Interior factors relating to insufficient payment are unemployment, child labour, HIV/Aids and gambling. Foreign factors relative to insufficient payment are illegal immigration and cheap imports. Relevant to this, there are also factors resulting in higher remuneration of labourers. Labour laws with regard to affirmative action and minimum wages have a positive influence on payment for labourers. Illegal conduct of labourers gives rise to theft, robbery and corruption. Positive reactions are also in place with regard to remuneration of labourers. In view of this, over-pay, strikes and emigration play an important role. The factors that influence payment since 1994 are being judged according to the Scriptures, pertaining labour and remuneration. God created mankind serving as inhabitants and workers of the earth. He also decreed that mankind will live from the fruit of his labour. This decree forms the basis by which labourers receive remuneration for their efforts. Through fellowship man shows that he is sewing God and fellow-country men and does not labour only for his own advantage. The fall of man has far-reaching influences on mankind, his labours, place of labour and the consequent remuneration be receives for services rendered. One cannot fatalistically accept the influence of the fall of mankind. The recreation of mankind, started by Jesus Christ also affects the area of labour. This study demonstrates how remuneration for labour does not comply to Bible principles. Guidance will be given to how, especially believers, be they employers or employees, portray God's image through their conduct. Believers should execute their labours in such a way, that they are worthy of decent remuneration. Christian employers ought to be reasonable when paying employees, create and protect job opportunities and where possible, employ more labourers. Maximum opportunity should be granted by the ruling authority in order that as many people possible have the opportunity to labour without being exploited. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The aim of my work is mainly to capture the evolution of statutory minimum wages and unemployment in the European Union and determine whether and under what situations can affect unemployment. The Thesis describes the establishment and gradual extension of the minimum wage over the world. In additional, I deal with legal regulation and its mechanism of implementation of the EU, the Czech Republic is always devoted a separate chapter. Completes the entire Thesis description and subsequent analysis of the impact of minimum wages on employment.

The South African agricultural sector is of great economic importance; not only does it contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is also a significant provider of employment. On average, a South African producer feeds approximately 1 600 people compared to the average in Africa of only 26 people and, therefore, the South African agricultural sector is key in providing food security in South Africa. Over the last number of years, South African producers have experienced mounting pressure when it comes to producing profitably. A recent announcement of a 51% increase in agricultural minimum wages resulted in retrenchments by producers in an attempt to reduce production costs. Furthermore, rising production costs, including the cost of labour, have left producers considering alternatives such as mechanisation and/or diversifying into other sectors. Other more drastic measures include relocating or diversifying agricultural activities to other African countries in search of more profitable investments and other benefits such as affordable labour. However, when considering relocating, the cost of labour in the host country will be a determining factor. The main objective of this study was to determine the financial viability of producing in South Africa compared to Mozambique focusing on labour cost. In-depth, structured interviews with experts in this study field were conducted in order to determine the stability of the labour market in South Africa and Mozambique and also to examine the possibility of a link between higher wages and the level of development or mechanisation in the grain sector. The findings include that cheap labour is available in Mozambique and can possibly add value to the grain-producing value chain cycle. However, other factors including the lack of a properly developed market and insufficient infrastructure may counter the possible cost advantages that could be gained through cheaper labour costs. A decision matrix was developed for grain producers as decision-making tool when considering relocating or diversifying agricultural activities to another African country. / MCom (Management Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The South African agricultural sector is of great economic importance; not only does it contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is also a significant provider of employment. On average, a South African producer feeds approximately 1 600 people compared to the average in Africa of only 26 people and, therefore, the South African agricultural sector is key in providing food security in South Africa. Over the last number of years, South African producers have experienced mounting pressure when it comes to producing profitably. A recent announcement of a 51% increase in agricultural minimum wages resulted in retrenchments by producers in an attempt to reduce production costs. Furthermore, rising production costs, including the cost of labour, have left producers considering alternatives such as mechanisation and/or diversifying into other sectors. Other more drastic measures include relocating or diversifying agricultural activities to other African countries in search of more profitable investments and other benefits such as affordable labour. However, when considering relocating, the cost of labour in the host country will be a determining factor. The main objective of this study was to determine the financial viability of producing in South Africa compared to Mozambique focusing on labour cost. In-depth, structured interviews with experts in this study field were conducted in order to determine the stability of the labour market in South Africa and Mozambique and also to examine the possibility of a link between higher wages and the level of development or mechanisation in the grain sector. The findings include that cheap labour is available in Mozambique and can possibly add value to the grain-producing value chain cycle. However, other factors including the lack of a properly developed market and insufficient infrastructure may counter the possible cost advantages that could be gained through cheaper labour costs. A decision matrix was developed for grain producers as decision-making tool when considering relocating or diversifying agricultural activities to another African country. / MCom (Management Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014