MUMBAI: A global treaty for the protection of domestic workers came into effect on September 5, offering solace to a category of workers who have till now remained invisible under labour laws in most countries. The Domestic Workers Convention 2011 adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) sets minimum standards for domestic workers who undertake a slew of activities including cooking, cleaning, ironing clothes, caring for children, elderly or sick members in private households.
It effectively entitles domestic workers to certain basic rights such as a weekly-off for at least 24 hours, a minimum wage on par with a country's laws as well as a minimum age bar before entry into the profession.
India has in recent times taken baby steps in acknowledging domestic help as 'workers', but is yet to ratify the treaty or adopt holistic protection to this workforce. In 2012, India extended the benefits of a government health insurance scheme to domestic workers, even as a bill pending in the Rajya Sabha seeks to protect them against sexual harassment.
"Domestic workers are among the most abused and exploited workers in the world," said Gauri van Gulik, women's rights advocate at Human Rights Watch in a press note, adding that the coming into effect of the Domestic Workers Convention offers millions of women and girls a chance for safer working conditions and better lives.
The ILO estimates that there are currently there are at least 53 million domestic workers worldwide, not including child domestic workers, but only eight countries have ratified the convention till date. As the world's largest democracy, India should lead the way in paving the way for change.
Source: Times of India
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