Letsholo wants minimum wage to be increased
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday November 7, 2023 13:24
Letsholo’s proposal is to up all levels of minimum wage starting at P1,750 for domestic workers. The MP says during consultations with his constituents, the issue of the rising cost of living is high up on the agenda with the majority appealing for a high minimum wage. “People are complaining that they can no longer afford to buy anything because things are very expensive. Some residents of my area are worried that prices have been increased but people are still getting low minimum wage,” said Letsholo.
He continued: “When was the last review of the minimum wage conducted, and what were the primary factors and considerations that informed this review; to what extent has inflation impacted the purchasing power of Botswana, and how has this affected the necessity for an adjustment to the minimum wage”.
Letsholo wants to know if it is feasible for the ministry to contemplate setting the minimum wage at P1, 750 for domestic and farm workers, and at least P3, 500 for individuals engaged in commercial businesses, including chain stores and how the Ministry typically arrives at specific figures. He also wants to know the specific measures and initiatives the ministry has undertaken to address and prevent the abuse of employees, particularly in cases involving domestic workers, farm workers, and chain store employees? The MP said he wants the minister to inform the nation on how much the minimum wage is and what the ministry’s thinking on the matter. He said it is time the matter gets addressed since the cost of living is high. The country's minimum wage was reviewed in 2021 and the new rates came into effect on January 1, 2022. They are currently standing at P7.34 per an hour for most sectors and P1, 084 per month for domestic and agricultural sectors.