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Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance has called on Domestic Workers nationwide to come on board and unite in creating a dignified work environment for all.
Izwi has partnered with various alliances to embark on a national initiative, the ‘Dignity in Every Home campaign,’ aimed at promoting awareness of domestic workers’ rights among domestic workers and their employers.
It aligned with the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), the United Domestic Workers of South Africa (UDWOSA), the South African Domestic Service, and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU).
It advocates for its members to secure employee-friendly packages, including employment contracts, UIF/COIDA registration, and fair working conditions.
The campaign aims to educate domestic workers about their rights further and help them benefit from the R30.23-per-hour minimum wage, which amounts to R5239.46 per month.
The campaign will work closely with organisations such as the Department of Labour, CCMA and unions, in order to be protected from being mistreated.
Izwi was founded by a group of domestic workers who wanted to change how they are treated by employers and by society in general.
It provides labour rights advice, representation for domestic workers, labour mediation services, including related advocacy and research.
Maggie Mthombeni, a former domestic worker and current Case Manager at Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance, explained that the Dignity in Every Home campaign aims to raise awareness among domestic workers and their employers about the basic labour law requirements governing this work.
She emphasized that both domestic workers and their employers need to know what the labour law requires.
“The little money they earn has to stretch towards trying to meet their children’s basic needs, including rent, food, sanitary products, transport, airtime and electricity,” said Mthombeni.
She said the law states that domestic workers have the right to fair pay, a payslip, a written contract, working hours and rest, paid leave, safety and respect,
Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, and fair dismissal.
Information on the rights of domestic workers is available at: https://www.dignityineveryhome.org.za/
Pictures: Jonathan Torgovnik/Getty Images/Images of Empowerment.
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