Domestic worker, Lillian Dlamini from Ntshongweni, wants to warn of employers who take domestic workers for a ride.
Dlamini was hired by a Westville woman in the beginning of June; a few days before payday she received a message from her employer saying she can’t pay her.
“I went to the CCMA, and when they contacted my boss she told them that she did pay me, yet there is no proof she did,” Dlamini said.
Dlamini’s former employer threatened to go to the police and open a case of theft against her if she continues to ask for her wages.
Domestic workers have arguably been among the most exploited of all workers, which led to significant steps being taken to improve their situation, and they are now included under the Basic Conditions of Employment and Labour Relations Acts.
This means a minimum wage has been set, specific working conditions have been laid down and other measures have been put in place to regulate a previously unregulated industry.
According to the Basic Conditions of Employment and Labour Relations Act, an employer wishing to dismiss a worker must give a week’s notice if the domestic worker has been employed for six months or less, and four weeks’ notice if he or she has worked for more than six months.
Domestics are also entitled to severance pay of one week for each year of service, as well as four months’ unpaid maternity leave.
The services of an employee may not be terminated unless a valid and fair reason exists and fair procedure is followed. This is outlined in the Labour Relations Act.
Dlamini wants to warn other job seekers, especially domestic workers of employers like this Westville woman.
“They should have written agreements to avoid falling victim,” she said.
