one of the most difficult issues when employing staff is deciding fair remuneration.

this is particularly important in the wine industry as employees are often rewarded with valuable extras such as accommodation, allowances and access to resources, such as wine and firewood. these aren’t always recognised.

after numerous requests from our clients, and many industry-others, we have decided to formally research the remuneration levels relating to positions in the wine industry, based on district and winery size.

why?
our aim is to provide wineries with useful information with regards job descriptions, remuneration options and general feedback on employment in the industry. the survey will report on the demographics of the participants varying from tonnage, vineyard size, cases, staff employed and turnover brackets. this will afford every user the opportunity to view information that has not been previously available and very difficult to obtain. this information will allow you to compare your operation with others, either within your district, or as part of the industry as a whole. every position surveyed will be reported on in relation to core duties, remuneration, benefits and personal demographics such as age, educational qualification, population group to name but a few.

how?
you as an enterprise decide which staff will be included and provide email details for them on an application form. a link is then provided to every participant, the questionnaire is completed online and will take approximately 5 – 7 minutes to complete. we are doing this in collaboration with an online survey tool which allows us to deal with the mass of information and, most importantly, confidentiality. information obtained from the survey is stored offsite.

what?
the inaugural survey, in 2010, will cover ten districts and ten specific positions.

2010 districts - cape point/constantia, darling/swartland, overberg, paarl, robertson, stellenbosch, tulbagh, tygerberg, walker bay & franschhoek .

2010 positions - winemaker, assistant winemaker, farm manager, viticulturist, finance manager, finance admin, export administration, sales & marketing, sales representative & tasting room

2011 onwards?
2011 will see the inclusion of hospitality positions on wine farms, all districts, more positions and touch on moral issues relating to staff. the future of the survey aims to embrace the diversity that is embedded in our industry. the perception that the wine industry pays badly prevails today, even though this is not necessarily the case. we aim to lift the profile of the wine industry as an employer group.

when?
the survey will open on 2 August 2010 and will close on 30 September 2010.
the success for all will depend on the participant ratio. let’s get involved and be part of a focused and proactive approach to uplifting the industry as a whole.

Should you have questions, concerns or hesitations please make contact with us.
regards,
trudy & erica
tel:021 - 851 5588
fax: 086 518 7509
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it