Domestic workers have described the minimum wages approved
by Government a fortnight ago as starvation wages that make it impossible for
them to access basic services.
Zimbabwe Domestic and Allied Workers Union deputy
secretary-general Mr Toindepi Dhure said the new wages need to be revisited.
“So what we have actually legislated is that domestic
workers can no longer send their children to school; they cannot access health
services. We appreciate the challenges in our economy. Government is trying its
level best, but legislating such wages is something they need to revisit and
correct,” he said.
The new wage structure sets the minimum wage for gardeners,
housekeepers and child minders at $160, $168 and $179 respectively.
A disabled minder who holds a Red Cross certificate or
equivalent is now entitled to get $189.
Domestic workers who are not accommodated at their
workplace will receive a minimum allowance of $60, transport allowance $50
(based on Zupco fares) and $20 for both lighting and water.
Government, Mr Dhure said, has to come up with a
legislative framework that protects vulnerable members of society.
Gender Links Zimbabwe country manager Ms Priscilla Maposa
said Zimbabwe’s Constitution is one of the best on the continent in protecting
domestic workers.
“Zimbabwe as a country is signatory to a number of laws and
protocols. If you look at our Constitution, it is one of the best in trying to
promote gender equality and address those areas where women were previously
discriminated, but on this one (issue of domestic workers’ wages) I think as a
nation we need to sit down and rethink,” she said.
Ms Rejoice Timire, executive director of Disabled Women
Support Organisation, told The Sunday Mail that pitiable wages were doubly
tragic for disabled domestic workers who are often taken advantage of.
She added that domesticating conventions such as the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities into local laws
might be helpful.
“In countries like South Africa, where such conventions
have been domesticated, disabled individuals qualify for grants, which then
cushion low wages either for the disabled caregiver or the disabled employer
receiving care,” said Ms Timire. Sunday Mail
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