Domestic workers urge govt. to implement ILO treaty

Dimapur, June 16 (EMN): Commemorating the ‘International Domestic Workers Day’ on Wednesday, domestic workers in Dimapur have appealed to the government to implement the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention of 189 on decent work for domestic workers.

The appeal was made during a programme organised by the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Nagaland Region, in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) and All Nagaland Domestic Workers Union (ANDWU) at ACID hall on the theme “Decent work a reality beyond Covid-19 for domestic workers.”

It has urged the government of India (GoI) to enact comprehensive legislation for domestic workers, register all domestic workers under the Labour department, provide INR 10,000 a month compensation for loss of work, prioritise vaccination for domestic workers, and to honour the domestic workers.

It has also demanded the state government to recognise domestic workers as workers, protect them from all types of harassment, social security and access to benefits, inclusion of domestic workers in schedule of employment and entitled to minimum wages.

It also demanded the employer to treat domestic workers with respect, recognise their work, pay decent wage, guarantee sufficient rest, provide decent working conditions, and to grant weekly off, paid holidays, sick leave.

Meanwhile, it also demanded the public recognise domestic workers as workers, support them in their cry, give justice, right and dignity and to call them by name.

Speaking at the programme, coordinator of NDWM Nagaland chapter Pramila Lobo highlighted the significance of the day; the struggles faced by the domestic workers, and concerns to be met by central and state governments.

She informed that there are 2000 domestic workers in Dimapur alone.

She further urged to accept them as workers not as helpers or servants and to pay them just and decent wage, give weekly off, safety and security at the work place.

Report also stated that some of the domestic workers have expressed their grievances during the programme.

In a similar programme, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) observed ‘International Domestic Workers Day’ at the state capital.

Speaking at the programme, NVCO president Kezhokhoto Savi stated that many countries around the world have worked to improve their protection since the adoption of ILO Convention 189 on decent work for domestic workers.

He added that ILO is celebrating the 10th anniversary of convention 189 this year. He, however, lamented that domestic workers are still fighting for equality and decent working conditions.

He further appealed to the public to recognise them ‘domestic worker’ and not as ‘maid’ or ‘helper’ or ‘servant’.