NELSPRUIT – Remuneration for domestic workers in urban municipal areas will increase by 7,6% next month. In terms of the Sectoral Determination for the domestic worker sector, the rate will increase by 8,6% in rural municipal areas.
This is the legislation South Africa has enacted to protect domestic workers. Since November 1, 2002, an employer had to pay a domestic worker at least the minimum wage prescribed.
The new minimum wage rates for domestic workers will become effective on December 1 and remain applicable until November 20.
To outline all the requirements of the law pertaining to domestic workers, Mr Bernard Reisner, an industrial relations consultant with Cape Labour & Industrial Consultants has published a booklet.
The booklet, titled, “You, Your Domestic Worker and the New Laws” covers a wide spectrum of facts.
These range from general conditions of employment to letters of employment, a pay slip format, a written warning format and fair dismissal procedures. “These increases will elicit mixed reaction from employers and domestic workers,” Reisner said.
“Certain employers may feel that they can no longer afford to retain the services of a domestic worker and may have to retrench. The domestic workers, on the other hand, may feel that the increase is nominal and that it will not alleviate their struggle to meet their financial commitments,” he said.
The new hourly minimum rate for a domestic worker who works more than 27 hours a week is R9,63. The new weekly minimum rate is R433,35 and new monthly minimum rate is R1 877,70.
The new hourly minimum rate for a domestic worker who works less than 27 hours a week is R11,27. The new weekly minimum rate is R304,29 and new monthly minimum rate is R1 318,48. Enquiries: www.capelabour.co.za
