Stakeholders within the domestic sector have until July 31, to make their final inputs in relation to the review of domestic worker wages and conditions of employment. This follows the Employment Conditions Commission’s (ECC) completion of the public hearing process which took place in Bloemfontein over the weekend.  The review began in April and stakeholders were afforded an opportunity to make their verbal representations on wages and conditions of employment. The current minimum wages will lapse on November 30, 2008 and new wages will have to be set for a period of three years thereafter.  

The following are some of the inputs received from stakeholders during the public hearings:

·          Wage, should increase by Consumer Price Index excluding mortgage ( CPIX) plus 2% as from 1 December 2008 and the same  increase (CPIX+2%) should apply for a period of three years.

·          That the increase should not be capped at 10% if CPIX increases beyond 10% as this will not have the effect of addressing inflationary pressures for these workers.

·          The standby allowance should be increased from R20 to R50 per shift

·          There should be a provision for a transport allowance given the increased transport costs

In finalizing the process, the Department would like to afford stakeholders an opportunity to further commment on the above mentioned proposals received during the hearings. The comments should take into consideration amongst others, the ability of employers to pay the proposed wages and also the impact which the proposed wages will have on poverty alleviation.

Written inputs should be forwarded to the following address:

The Executive Manager: Employment Standards

Private Bag X117

Pretoria

0001

Fax: 012 309 4709 or email to: titus.mtsweni@labour.gov.za