GroundUp reports that the SA Domestic Service and Allied Workers’ Union (Sadsawu) says the work of domestic workers is not taken seriously by the Department of Labour.  

On 1 November, the department released the new minimum wage rates for domestic workers that come into effect on 1 December.  Area A (major metropolitan municipalities and cities) rates are up 8.6% and Area B (mostly rural areas) rates are up 10.6%.  A worker in Area A who works more than 27 hours a week will have an adjusted monthly rate of R2,422.54.  Area A workers have a minimum wage that is about 10% higher than Area B ones.  Sadsawu organiser Sindiswa Ningiza said the union has been asking the department for R3,500 as the minimum wage.  They also want the same amount for all domestic workers rather than the present division into two areas.

• Read this report by Thembela Ntongana in full at GroundUp
• Read too, Sadsawu slams new domestic wage, at The New Age

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page