New minimum wage for domestic workers
The labour ministry has confirmed that an 11% increase in the minimum wage for domestic workers has been gazetted and is mandatory since the beginning of October.
The new minimum wages for domestic workers are N$1 502.05 per month, N$346.89 per week, or N$69.37 per day.
The previous minimum monthly rate was N$1 353.20. The weekly wage was N$312.30 and the daily wage N$62.45. The hourly wage was previously set at a minimum of N$7.80.
The new hourly wage is N$8.67 and the minimum pay for part-time domestic workers who work five hours or less in any day other than a Sunday or public holiday is N$43.35.
The labour ministry acknowledged that the minimum wage for domestic workers does not constitute a living wage that will ensure a decent standard of living for domestic workers and their families.
“It is a bare minimum. Employers and employees alike are therefore urged to understand that the Wage Order is a step towards decent work in this sector and toward the goal of establishing a guaranteed living wage in the longer term.”
The minimum overtime pay for those who are asked to work on public holidays or Sundays was also adjusted.
The minimum wage will increase again on 1 October 2018, by an amount equal to one percent plus a percentage equal to the increase of the annual inflation rate of the above-mentioned categories, the ministry confirmed.
The gazette also instructs that where public transport is available, a domestic worker is entitled to receive a transport allowance for travel to and from work unless alternative transport is provided by the employer. The allowance must equal the cost of a return trip for each day of work.
Live-in domestic workers, who are defined as those who care for children in a household, cook, or are employed as a driver, gardener or housekeeper, should be provided with living quarters at no additional charge and no deductions may be made.
Domestic workers, like all Namibian employees, are entitled to paid sick leave. An employee who works a five-day week should be given not less than 30 days for every three-year sick leave cycle. Those who work six days a week are entitled to not less than 36 days. Employees who work less than five days a week are entitled to sick leave calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Domestic workers are also entitled to compassionate and maternity leave as per Namibian labour law and annual paid leave, calculated on the number of days the domestic worker ordinarily works.
All employers must register domestic workers as a member of the social security, maternity, sick and death benefit fund and the employee compensation fund.
The updated labour regulations for domestic workers also make it mandatory for food to be provided to live-in domestic workers and domestic workers are entitled to a meal break.
Domestic workers must be provided with uniforms and personal protective equipment at no cost to the employee.
The regulations also instruct all employers of domestic workers to enter into a written contract with their new employees.
The new minimum wages for domestic workers are N$1 502.05 per month, N$346.89 per week, or N$69.37 per day.
The previous minimum monthly rate was N$1 353.20. The weekly wage was N$312.30 and the daily wage N$62.45. The hourly wage was previously set at a minimum of N$7.80.
The new hourly wage is N$8.67 and the minimum pay for part-time domestic workers who work five hours or less in any day other than a Sunday or public holiday is N$43.35.
The labour ministry acknowledged that the minimum wage for domestic workers does not constitute a living wage that will ensure a decent standard of living for domestic workers and their families.
“It is a bare minimum. Employers and employees alike are therefore urged to understand that the Wage Order is a step towards decent work in this sector and toward the goal of establishing a guaranteed living wage in the longer term.”
The minimum overtime pay for those who are asked to work on public holidays or Sundays was also adjusted.
The minimum wage will increase again on 1 October 2018, by an amount equal to one percent plus a percentage equal to the increase of the annual inflation rate of the above-mentioned categories, the ministry confirmed.
The gazette also instructs that where public transport is available, a domestic worker is entitled to receive a transport allowance for travel to and from work unless alternative transport is provided by the employer. The allowance must equal the cost of a return trip for each day of work.
Live-in domestic workers, who are defined as those who care for children in a household, cook, or are employed as a driver, gardener or housekeeper, should be provided with living quarters at no additional charge and no deductions may be made.
Domestic workers, like all Namibian employees, are entitled to paid sick leave. An employee who works a five-day week should be given not less than 30 days for every three-year sick leave cycle. Those who work six days a week are entitled to not less than 36 days. Employees who work less than five days a week are entitled to sick leave calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Domestic workers are also entitled to compassionate and maternity leave as per Namibian labour law and annual paid leave, calculated on the number of days the domestic worker ordinarily works.
All employers must register domestic workers as a member of the social security, maternity, sick and death benefit fund and the employee compensation fund.
The updated labour regulations for domestic workers also make it mandatory for food to be provided to live-in domestic workers and domestic workers are entitled to a meal break.
Domestic workers must be provided with uniforms and personal protective equipment at no cost to the employee.
The regulations also instruct all employers of domestic workers to enter into a written contract with their new employees.
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