Working Paper

Mining Sector Wage Structuring: Literature Review

Wages differ significantly between industries and occupations. The results show that wage inequality persists in South Africa based on gender, race, education, industry and occupation, with education and race significantly stronger than the other factors. Based on Bhorat (2000) wage analysis per sector shows that wage inequality is more prominent by community services, financial & business services and utilities. Historically wage inequality was based on ethnicity and gender. However Post-apartheid South Africa derived policies and strategies to eliminate wage inequality. Trade unions assisted in assuring that wages are equal in all sectors for people under trade unions though continuous research is required and adaptation to new strategies and laws regarding labour.