Minimum wage for domestic workers

THE Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare intends to establish a wage commission to investigate wages and conditions of employment of domestic workers.

The current labour law gives the minister the right to make a wage order through a notice in the Government Gazette, which determines the pay and conditions of employment in any industry or area after consideration of recommendations of a wage commission. A wage order is binding on all employers and employees, and such an order becomes the basic conditions of employment. The draft terms of reference of the commission is to investigate a minimum wage for domestic workers; to ensure that child domestic workers have access to education or training opportunities; and the nature and circumstances of work likely to be harmful to the safety and morals of child workers. It is also to investigate urban and rural levels of minimum wages; whether minimum wages for domestic workers should vary according to duties and considering the different income levels of employers; and whether any portion of the basic salary should be paid out in kind. Another consideration would be whether live-in domestic workers should have different salaries than others. Provisions are made in the labour law for the suspension or cancellation of a part or the entire order under certain circumstances. The special advisor to the minister, Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo, said at last week’s public hearing on the conditions of domestic workers that the wage commission would be small, but well represented. The commission will consist of a chairperson and at least two – and no more than four – additional members nominated by and representative of trade unions and employers’ organisations. Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko has already submitted the intention to establish the commission and the anticipated investigation into wages and conditions to Cabinet for endorsement. Once Cabinet endorses the establishment of the commission, the Labour Ministry will make the necessary preparations for it.

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