New minimum wages for domestic workers apply from December 3

The minimum wages in the domestic worker sector have been increased by about 4,9 per cent with effect from December 3.

The actual extent of the respective increases depends on the geographic location of the employer, as well as whether the employee works for more than 27 hours a week, said Labourwise.

Cities and towns

In most of our cities and most towns, the new minimum rates are:

– Works for more than 27 hours per week: R13,69 per hour;

– Works 27 hours or less per week: R16,03 per hour.

Rural areas

In rural areas, the new minimum rates are:

– Works for more than 27 hours per week: R12,47 per hour;

– Works 27 hours or less per week: R14,72 per hour.

Effect of National Minimum Wage

According to Labourwise some confusion has arisen around the implementation of a new ‘National Minimum Wage’ (NMW) of R20 per hour on January 1, 2019. This will not have an immediate effect on domestic workers’ wages.

“There will be a phasing-in period during which domestic workers’ wages will gradually be increased to catch up with the NMW. We expect the domestic minimum wage to increase to R15 per hour in the near future.”