Clothing industry welcomes increase in wage rate

The Clothing and Textile Council has welcomed the 10 percent increase in the minimum wage rate however is calling for a wage-setting formula.

Council president, Kalpesh Solanki said productivity growth and export market conditions need to be taken into account as double-digit wage increments without productivity growth is not sustainable.

Solanki said the recent natural disasters in New Zealand and Australia impacts the industry while domestically, huge increases in electricity and fuel costs have meant much higher operational costs.

The Council is of the opinion that productivity growth & prevailing market conditions must be important elements for future minimum wage increments.

However, the Association said they are happy that the plight of the employees has been taken into account.

This follows the recent announcement by Government for a 10 percent increase for nine industrial private sectors, including the hotel and catering, Garment, saw milling and logging industries along with the mining, printing, wholesale and retail and the security services sectors.


Story by: Paradise Tudrau