employers called on to review wages for domestic workers
24 June 2008 

The review, which began in April, afforded stakeholders the opportunity to make their verbal representations on wages and conditions of employment.   This follows the Employment Conditions Commission’s (ECC) completion of the public hearing process which took place in Bloemfontein over the weekend.   Department of Labour spokesperson Page Boikanyo said: “The comments should take into consideration the ability of employers to pay the proposed wages and also the impact which the proposed wages will have on poverty alleviation.

“The inputs will assist the ECC to make an informed decision when advising the Minister on minimum wage levels and conditions of employment for the sector.”  According to the department, the current minimum wages will lapse on 30 November, and then new wages will have to be set for a period of three years.  

A suggestion which was made at the hearing was that wages should increase by Consumer Price Index excluding mortgage plus 2 percent as from 1 December 2008 and the same  increase (CPIX+2%) should apply for a period of three years.

Another participant said the increase should not be capped at 10 percent if CPIX increases beyond 10 percent as this will not have the effect of addressing inflationary pressures for these workers. The standby allowance should be increased from R20 to R50 per shift and there should be a provision for a transport allowance given the increased transport costs, were other suggestions.

Written inputs should be forwarded to the following address before 31 July 2008:
The Executive Manager: Employment Standards
Private Bag X117
Pretoria
0001

Alternatively they can be faxed to 012 309 4709 or emailed to: titus.mtsweni@labour.gov.za.

www.buanews.gov.za