Wage increase for domestic workers

The increase in domestic workers’ annual wages that came into effect on 1 December 2016 demonstrates government’s commitment to create decent work.

The latest relief ahead of the festive season will be applicable until 30 November 2017.

According to the Department of Labour, the minimum wage adjustment is in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which is regulated through the Sectoral Determination.

“Domestic Workers are by law classified as vulnerable, hence the Sectoral Determination governing minimum wage and conditions of employment,” the department said in a statement.

The new sectoral determination of domestic workers prescribes that the minimum wages for domestic workers who work more than 27 ordinary hours per week will earn as follows:

• Area A (those in major metropolitan areas) will earn R12.42 (R11.44: 2015/2016) hourly rate, R559.09 (R514.82: 2015/2016) weekly rate and R2 422.54 (R2 230.70: 2015/2016) monthly rate.

• Area B (those not mentioned in Area A) R11.31 (R10.23: 2015/2016) hourly rate, R508.93 (R460.15: 2015/2016) weekly rate and R2 205.17 (R1 993.82: 2015/2016) monthly rate.

The minimum wages for domestic workers from 1 December 2014 to 30 November 2015 who work 27 ordinary hours per week or less is as follows:

• Area A (those in major metropolitan areas) will earn R14.54 (R13.39: 2015/2016) hourly rate, R392.58 (R361.50: 2015/2016) weekly rate and R1 701.06 (R1 566.35: 2015/2016) monthly rate.

• Area B (those not mentioned in Area A) R13.53 (R12.07: 2015/2016) hourly rate, R360.54 (R325.98: 2015/2016) weekly rate and R1 562.21 (R1 412.49: 2015/2016) monthly rate.

Domestic workers include housekeepers, gardeners, nannies and domestic drivers among others.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s contract cleaning employees’ minimum wages have also been adjusted upward with effect from 1 December 2016. This includes workers in:

• Area A – Metropolitan Councils that include City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay and also Local Councils of Emfuleni, Merafong, Mogale City, Metsimaholo, Randfontein, Stellenbosch and Westonaria – will earn a minimum of R19.38 (R18.01: 2015/2016) per hour.

•  Area B – the rates applicable are those as prescribed by the KwaZulu-Natal Contract Cleaning Bargaining Council.

• Area C – which includes the rest of South Africa the minimum rate per hour will be R17.66 (2015/2016: R16.41).