Govt. yet to ratify Domestic Workers Convention, 2011
The government of Botswana has been urged to review the minimum working wage of domestic workers in the context of the cost of living.
Botswana Centre for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Botswana Domestic Workers Association (DWA) and Justice for Miners (JFM) - Botswana Chapter – made the call.
In commemoration of International Labour Day, the organisations called on the government of Botswana to enact policies and legislative measures, which are aimed at the eradication of poor working conditions for all workers in Botswana.
Government was further challenged to ratify and domesticate the Domestic Workers Convention of 2011. The Labour Day or May Day serves to commemorate the historic struggles and gains made by workers and labour movements.
It is commemorated on 1 May, every year. The day is about workers’ rights and the empowerment of labour unions. It has its deep roots in the 130 years of the labour movement and its efforts to improve workers’ conditions across the globe. The theme for this year is, ‘Demanding Workers’ Rights and Economic Power’.
DITSHWANELO says it has been working on the rights of domestic workers since 1995, enabling the registration of the Domestic Workers Association in 2013. According to DITSHWANELO, the Association holds awareness-raising meetings around the country, to educate the public about the rights of domestic workers.
The human rights organisation has indicated that the domestic workers’ sector is one of the most vulnerable sectors of the labour force in Botswana.
“It is characterised by low pay, poor working conditions and long working hours. Despite the revised policies and laws on domestic workers’ wages and salaries, the minimum official wages still fall far below a living wage. Botswana has been a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 27 February 1978.
“It has not yet ratified the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). The Convention aims at improving the working conditions of domestic workers, and obliges the government to promote and protect the human rights of domestic workers”.
It explained that the Convention also calls for a minimum wage, the abolition of child labour, reasonable working hours, clear terms of conditions of employment, the right to collective bargaining, freedom of association and the elimination of forced labour.
DITSHWANELO says it recognises the daily challenges faced by domestic workers in their professional lives. Key challenges include their welfare, conditions of employment and their work environment.
“We therefore reject the statement which was made by Honourable Annah Mokgethi at the Botswana Parliament, that the minimum wage of domestic workers is P1084 as their wages have already been subsidised.
“It is important to consider the high cost of living which also affects domestic workers because they have families of whom they take care.”