Fedusa welcomes domestic worker pay increase

By Mandisi Tyulu
11 December 2008

The Federation of Unions of South Africa in principle welcomes government’s decision to increase the minimum wage for domestic workers. According to the Department of Labour, the annual increase for domestic workers is now based on CPIX + 2 % (12.4 percent) with effect from 1 December this year.

Fedusa President Dannie Carstens says that, Fedusa believes that the decision came at an appropriate time in order to properly compensate domestic workers over the festive season. The new wage structures for domestic workers employed in metropolitan municipal areas and who work more than 27 hours a week have been set at a minimum wage of R6. 88 per hour or R1 340. 95 per month. On the other hand, the minimum wage for domestic workers, who work in rural areas, has been set at R8.12 per hour or R949. 97.

Fedusa is pleased with the proposal and believes that the increase is fair. “Fedusa calls on employers not to retrench domestic workers due to the proposed wage increases. Domestic workers play a crucial role in our lives, as they render a very important service to our households and have become an indispensable part of our families,” says Carstens.

“Fedusa appeals to all employers of domestic workers to “round off” if possible; the said minimum wage of R1340. 95 to an amount of R1 500, so as to accommodate the travel expenses of those domestic workers who do not live on the premises of their employers”.

“Given the current economic crisis, fedusa encourages employers who are already paying above the minimum wage to continue to do so, or to pay more if possible,” said Carstens