Domestic Workers Bemoan "Paltry Slave Wages"

The Zimbabwe Domestic and Allied Workers Union (ZIDAWU) has lamented over the US$10 monthly salary and prolonged lack of pension plan by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

Speaking during an exclusive interview on NewZim TV recently, ZIDAWU secretary-general, Hilarious Ruyi, described the “slave-like” situation under which domestic workers are operating as inhumane. Ruyi said:

Government stipulated minimum wage for domestic workers is $900 which is almost the equivalent of US$10. Grade differentials from that minimum salary are not much and can just differ by $10 per grade. Against this background, surely one wonders how a gainfully employed worker can survive from such a paltry slave wage after a month’s work.

Ruyi said the workers’ group has since engaged government over the matter but similar grievances with civil servants had stalled progress on negotiations.

He added that the workers are demanding a restoration of their 2011 salaries which saw the least paid earning S$85.

Ruyi said he was perplexed by local employers who were failing to recognise domestic work and pay decent wages as done in other countries.

He also blamed employers for continuously blocking wage increments and also blamed social perceptions around the jobs as stumbling blocks against meaningful salary increases.

More: NewZimbabwe