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Invitees to the International Domestic Workers Day programme light a ceremonial lamp at the Assisi auditorium on Sat. June 15 at the Assisi auditorium in Dimapur.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, June 15: A government officer has suggested that domestic workers need a contract to set conditions of service as surety for their rights.
A project officer of the Labour department and secretary of the Nagaland construction workers' welfare board, T Chubayanger, called on domestic workers to have a work contract with their employers and set service conditions.
That way, the officer said, they can stand for their rights when situation compels them. Without a written document, it becomes complicated to claim one's right, he said.
The officer was addressing a programme that was conducted to mark International Domestic Workers Day on Sat. June 15 at the Assisi auditorium in Dimapur.
The programme was organised by the 'National Workers Movement-Nagaland region' in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development and All Nagaland Domestic Workers' Union.
The event was observed with the theme "zero tolerance on gender-based violence or domestic workers in the world of work."
Chubayanger, no surname available at the time this report was being filed, said the minimum wage has been hiked by the govt. which will be soon implemented for workers in the Scheduled Employment list.
However, it may be mentioned that the Nagaland domestic workers union are yet to be included in the Schedule Employment list for which the union is continuously fighting.
Emphasising on the theme, he said most of the domestic workers are women and that they were the ones who are most prone to domestic violence. He encouraged them to know their rights and stand up for it.
Chubayanger asserted further that domestic violence was not only physical but includes sexual and psychological violence and financial deprivation. On this line, the project officer emphasised on the importance of the Sakhi-One
Stop Centre for women affected by violence. He urged them to make use of the centre which was for women in distress. He expressed hope that violence would be prevented 'when we understand the contributions made by the domestic workers for the family they work for.'
"You are the foundation of a family and today we are standing here against all abuses endured by the domestic workers and for the rights of the domestic workers," Chubayanger said.
Dimapur extra assistant commissioner Avonuo Kire also spoke at the event. In her address on behalf of the district administration, she reminded the domestic workers community that the day was commemorated to celebrate their contribution. She urged them to give their 100% loyalty to their work. Their contribution is important for the family, she remarked.
The official acknowledged that domestic workers had never been duly recognised for their sacrifice and that it was about time individuals and employers consider their rights.
Also, Kire urged them to contribute with sincerity as every profession was a two-way process. She assured the union of support in helping to achieve their rights to minimum wage.