Domestic workers get new wage arrangement

The Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant has approved the new wage structure of domestic workers which will be effective as of December 1.

The new sectoral determination of these workers, as of December 1 to November 30, 2015 recommends that the minimum salaries for domestic workers, who work more than 27 ordinary hours per week, as follows:

Domestic workers in major metropolitan areas will get a R10.95 hourly rate, R476.68 weekly rate and R2 065.47 monthly rate.

Those not covered in the above areas will get R9.30 hourly rate, R418.32 weekly rate and R1 812.57 monthly rate.

The minimum wages for domestic workers, who work 27 ordinary hours, has also been adjusted from December 1 to November 2015 30, 2015 as follows:

In major metropolitan areas domestic workers will be paid R12.40 hourly rate, R334.74 weekly rate and R1 450.33 monthly rate.

Those not covered in the above mentioned areas will be paid R10.98 hourly rate, R296.35 weekly rate and R1 284.09 monthly rate.

The information was shared by spokesperson Mokgadi Pela in a statement.

Pela said that this was in accordance with laws protecting workers in sectors where they were exposed to potential exploitation, where worker organisations and trade unions were absent, and workers were not covered by regulating mechanisms.

A domestic worker who has been in this sector for 13 years, Elce Motseko said she is very happy with the news of getting an increase in her pay.

She said that over the years it has taken a long time for the domestic workers to be able to get standard or better salaries, but they are grateful.

“This money will assist me in providing for my family and in providing a better life for my children.

“We hope this effort by the Department of Labour will be an ongoing thing,” Motseko said.

@TebohoSeabelo