Cabinet Approves Pay Rise For Domestic Workers

The Cabinet has approved increases to the minimum wage for domestic workers and employees in unclassified operations, with the new rates taking immediate effect.

The minimum wage for domestic workers has been raised to US$90, up from US$85. Workers in unclassified operations, those not covered by National Employment Councils, will now earn a minimum of US$270. Both amounts are payable in local currency.

The review was presented to Cabinet by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, based on recommendations from the tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC).

In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, the 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,” said a government spokesperson.

“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].”

Within the domestic worker category, graduated rates have been set according to the type of work performed:

• Yard worker or gardener: US$90, matching the new general domestic worker minimum.
• Cook or housekeeper: US$99.
• Child, disabled or aged minder: US$108, up from US$95.
• Disabled or aged minder with a Red Cross certificate: US$117, up from US$100.

Domestic workers in Zimbabwe have historically been among the lowest-paid categories of labour. They fall outside sectoral collective bargaining structures, meaning the WASC-led government review process is their main mechanism for wage adjustments.

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