Domestic workers left in the lurch

MORE than five years after a key report called for the introduction of a minimum wage for domestic workers in Namibia, the Namibian Domestic and Allied Workers Union (Ndawu) has given up the battle.

Samson Amupanda, national organiser of the Namibia Farmworkers Union (Nafwu), told The Namibian that the two unions have now merged. “We understand the frustration of the domestic workers.Activities will start in August and we hope to approach the cleaning industry, saloons, pharmacies, embassies, consulting rooms and other employers for recognition agreements,” he said.The Namibian has since been reliably informed that a minimum wage comparable to that of farmworkers is in the pipeline.In 1999 the Commission of Inquiry into Labour-Related Matters Affecting Farm and Domestic Workers, issued several recommendations aimed at transforming the working conditions of both farm and domestic workers.A minimum wage of N$429 has since been introduced for farmworkers.However, the fate of more than 25 000 domestic workers throughout Namibia has remained unclear.”We understand the frustration of the domestic workers.Activities will start in August and we hope to approach the cleaning industry, saloons, pharmacies, embassies, consulting rooms and other employers for recognition agreements,” he said.The Namibian has since been reliably informed that a minimum wage comparable to that of farmworkers is in the pipeline.In 1999 the Commission of Inquiry into Labour-Related Matters Affecting Farm and Domestic Workers, issued several recommendations aimed at transforming the working conditions of both farm and domestic workers.A minimum wage of N$429 has since been introduced for farmworkers.However, the fate of more than 25 000 domestic workers throughout Namibia has remained unclear.