By Thabisani Dube
HARARE – Domestic workers and employees in unclassified operations have been awarded new minimum wages with immediate effect, with workers in unclassified operations now set to earn at least US$270 payable in local currency and domestic workers earning a minimum of US$90 per month.
Under the new wage structure, yard workers and gardeners will also earn US$90, while cooks and housekeepers will receive US$99 per month. Child, disabled and aged minders will earn US$108, while disabled and aged minders with a Red Cross certificate will receive US$117.
The review of minimum wages and related conditions of employment was undertaken in terms of Section 19 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] and targets workers who are not covered by National Employment Councils.
The revised wage structure was informed by recommendations of the tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC), which considered appropriate remuneration and conditions of employment for domestic workers and employees in unclassified operations.
The new wages take effect immediately and form part of government efforts to improve working conditions and provide fair compensation for vulnerable workers in the domestic and informal sectors.
