Minimum wages for domestic workers

New minimum wages for domestic workers, applicable from 1/12/2005, have been published in Government Gazette no. 28223, of 11/11/2005.

Minimum Wages for Domestic Workers
 
Jan Stemmett
Law Society Councillor
 
New minimum wages for domestic workers, applicable from 1/12/2005, have been published in Government Gazette no. 28223, of 11/11/2005.
 
Minimum wages have been prescribed for domestic workers since 2002 and is increased annually.
 
AREA A:
 
The new minimum wages for Area A, which in the Northern Provinces include the municipal areas of Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni (East Rand), Mogale (Krugersdorp), Emalahleni (Witbank), Kungwini (Bronkhorstspruit), Emfuleni (Vanderbijlpark), Metsimaholo (Sasolburg), Lesedi (Heidelberg), Middelburg, Midvaal, Potchefstroom and Randfontein, for workers who work more than 27 hours per week, is R997.04 per month (R230.10 per week/R5.11 per hour).
 
The minimum wage for domestic workers who work 27 hours or less, is R706.63 per month (R163.08 per week/R6.04 per hour).
 
AREA B:
 
The prescribed minimum wages in all areas not mentioned in Area A, for domestic workers who work more than 27 ordinary hours per week, is R808.92 per month (or R186.69 per week/R4.15 per hour).
 
The minimum wage for domestic workers in Area B who work 27 hours per week or less, is R573.26 per month (R132.30 per week/R4.90 per hour).
 
DEDUCTIONS:
 
A maximum of 10% of the worker’s remuneration may be deducted for accommodation on condition that the accommodation complies with certain requirements.
 
No deductions may be made for training, equipment, tools, clothing or food supplied while the worker is working or at the workplace.
 
UIF CONTRIBUTIONS
 
Both the employer and the worker must contribute 1% of the worker’s remuneration to the Unemployed Insurance Fund. As the worker’s wages increase, the UIF contribution has to be increased accordingly.
 
PAYSLIPS:
 
Employers are required to give domestic workers pay slips and copies of the slips must be kept by the employer for 3 years.