Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
Cabinet has approved a review of minimum wages and related conditions of employment for domestic workers and workers in unclassified operations, with the minimum wage for domestic workers set at US$90 with immediate effect.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing this afternoon, Government said the review was undertaken in terms of the Labour Act and followed recommendations from the tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC).
“Cabinet noted and approved the review of minimum wages and related conditions of employment for domestic workers and workers in unclassified operations as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo,” reads the statement.
“The minimum wage for domestic workers will be US$90.
“The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare sought the review of minimum wages and related conditions of employment for certain classes of workers in terms of Section 19 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].”
Government said the new wage structure took into account recommendations from labour, business and Government representatives through WASC.
“In fixing the minimum wages and related conditions of employment for domestic workers and workers in unclassified operations who are not covered by National Employment Councils, recommendations of the tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC) were taken into consideration,” reads the statement.
Cabinet also announced revised wages for various categories of domestic workers.
“Other workers will be paid as follows: yard worker/gardener US$90.00; cook/housekeeper US$99.00; child/disabled/aged minder US$108.00; and disabled/aged minder with Red Cross Certificate US$117.00.
“The minimum wage for workers in unclassified operations is henceforth pegged at US$270 payable in local currency.”
Government said the revised minimum wages take effect immediately.
The review is expected to provide a benchmark for employers and employees, while enhancing protection for vulnerable workers in domestic and unclassified employment categories.
