40% of domestic workers earn less than minimum wage – Sweepsouth

702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane speaks with Gloria Kente of the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU).

Listen below:

Domestic workers are the backbone of so many South African households, but some are not paid their worth.

Around 40% of domestic workers are paid less than minimum wage and have limited access to benefits, according to a survey by Sweepsouth.

Kente says these workers are paid so poorly because there is poor enforcement of labour laws.

Additionally, many domestic workers do not have a written contract, making it easier for the employers to circumvent the laws.

RELATED: Fair compensation for domestic workers: 5 factors every employer must consider

She says they not only underpay their workers, but they will also deduct money from their salaries for accommodation without discussing it.

“The worker cannot even argue about this because there is no contract.”

- Gloria Kente, SA Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union

SADSAWU is calling for better enforcement of labour laws to ensure domestic workers are protected and paid fairly.

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