Domestic workers get wage increase
DOMESTIC workers should expect an increase in wages from their employees from 1 December.
As from 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014, the minimum wages for domestic workers who work more than 27 hours per week will be as follows:
In urban areas the hourly rate is R9,63; R433.35 weekly (for a 45 hour week) and R1,877.70 monthly (for a 45 hour week).
In municipalities outside of urban areas, the hourly rate is R8,30, R373,50 weekly (for a 45 hour week) and R1,618. 37 monthly (for a 45 hour week).
The minimum wages for domestic workers who work 27 hours per week or less are as follows:
In urban areas with municipalities, the hourly rate is R11,27, R304,29 weekly (for a 27 hour week) and R1,318.48 monthly (for a 27 hour week).
In municipalities outside of urban areas the hourly rate is R9,80, R264,60 weekly (for a 27 hour week and R1,146,51 monthly (for a 27 hour week).
The 2012 hourly rate for urban areas was R8,95 and for rural areas was R7,65.
The Department of Labour cautions employers that in terms of the law, a domestic worker may not be made to work more than 45 hours a week; work more than nine hours per day for a five-day work week; or work more than eight hours a day for a six-day work week.
Overtime must be paid at one and half times the employee’s normal wage or an employee may agree to receive paid time-off.
