Statutory minimum wages for factory, retailers, hotels, construction, and domestic workers, with an increment ranging between two and ten percent will come into effect from October 01, Minister of Employment and Labour Mrs. Mpeo Mahase Moiloa has announced.

In a statement in the National Assembly on September 29, Mrs. Mahase-Moiloa said the increases have been based on 'different economic performance by each sector'.

The textile manufacturing sector has performed poorly due to a strong Loti against US Dollar in world markets. The world market has affected the developing countries negatively as they compete against more developed countries like China, India and Pakistan.

On the other hand, other sectors have performed well and therefore minimum wages in these sectors will be better compared to the textile manufacturing factories.

Despite the General Minimum Wage, employees can still negotiate for better wages through collective bargaining.

Mrs. Mahase Moiloa warned the employers who will fail to abide by the new improved wages that legal action would be taken against them.

30 September 2005