For some time now the Missions team has been reflecting on a social justice issue, how we treat our Domestic Workers?
Our relationship with Jesus will impact and shape how we treat our neighbours, and how much closer a neighbour than the people who work in our homes. So, under Candice's lead, we have put together a draft Domestic Worker Charter which we want to put out for thought, discussion and feedback. What do you think?
Domestic
Worker: PVC principles
·
Principle 1: Dignity and respect
o
Treat Domestic Workers, as the image bearers of
God, with the dignity and respect you would show Jesus himself.
o
They are part of your family and integral to
your lives. Therefore, Domestic Workers should be encouraged to feel welcome
and loved in your home:
§
Eating and drinking with you and your family
§
Sharing your home
o
Treat Domestic Workers as valued co-workers,
enabling them to learn skills that can improve their career prospects (e.g.
attending a computer training course)
·
Principle 2: Living wage
o
Understand the financial situation of your
Domestic Worker and pay a wage that allows him/her to live with dignity (rather
than “the going rate”), taking into account all that we take for granted:
§
Living conditions
§
Safety and security
§
Transport
§
Nutrition
§
Education
§
Healthcare
o
Consider the luxuries you enjoy instead of
paying a living wage (Isaiah 58):
§
DSTV
§
Gym membership
§
Restaurant meals
§
Luxury cars
o
Consider helping your Domestic Worker to live in
a warm, dry, secure home
§
Consider buying (or contributing towards) a home
§
[If you are able to live in an affluent area, it
is possible to live in a home worth R100 000 less than “you can afford”
and in doing so help your Domestic Worker to purchase a “brick house”]
·
Principle 3: Compassion
o
Get to know your Domestic Workers as you would
your closest friend or family member.
§
Their families and life story
§
Their struggles and their dreams
§
Their walk with Jesus
o
Show compassion as Jesus did
§
Understand (and help to address) the challenges of
living in difficult conditions (such as availability of healthcare, childcare,
transport)
·
Principle 4: Labour Legislations
o
Ensure that, as an employer, you comply with all
labour legislation, including:
§
Registering yourself and Domestic Workers with
the Unemployment Insurance Fund
§
Concluding a written contract
