Domestic workers cry foul

DOMESTIC workers have raised concern over the violation of their labour rights by employers, some of whom deny them off days to commemorate Workers’ Day.

International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day in some countries and often referred to as May Day is a celebration of the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement and occurs every year on 1 May in many countries.

It is celebrated to honour workers and commemorate their struggles for fair wages and better working conditions. On the occasion, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) emphasised the importance of renewing commitment to social justice.

National co-ordinator for the Domestic Workers Association of Zimbabwe, Ms Mendy Lerato Lusaba said domestic workers deserve recognition and tribute for their tireless dedication.

“It is worrying to note that while we celebrate Workers’ Day across the globe, there are certain workers who often go unnoticed despite their significant contributions to society.

“Among them are domestic workers, who deserve recognition for their tireless dedication and it is important to acknowledge their invaluable role in societies worldwide,” she said.

Ms Lusaba said domestic workers were an integral part of the country’s workforce.

“As the nation comes together to celebrate this day on the global stage, we must not overlook these vital employees who contribute tirelessly within our households. I urge employers to honour the rights of domestic workers by allowing them an opportunity to commemorate May Day alongside their peers,” she said.

“Just like any other worker, domestic workers are entitled to their labour rights.”

Ms Lusaba called on the Government to regulate living wages for domestic workers and protect their rights.

She said there is a need to integrate domestic workers into social security programmes as they provide an essential service.

“Government has an obligation to set a minimum wage for domestic workers, ensuring that they earn a living wage. We, therefore, implore the Government to integrate this sector into the social security programmes such as NSSA,” said Ms Lusaba.

“Additionally, comprehensive Government regulations must be enforced as domestic work remains unregulated, necessitating a vigilant monitoring approach.”

Ms Lusaba said domestic workers face numerous challenges in their workplaces such as a lack of recognition during Worker’s Day commemorations, poor working conditions, human trafficking, unpaid overtime and other various forms of abuse.

She said there was a need to educate domestic workers and their employers about their labour rights.

“We also have migrant domestic workers who work in the diaspora, often enduring unfavourable working conditions. It’s pertinent to educate them about their rights, to avoid possible abuses.

“While there is a statutory instrument for domestic workers under the Labour Act, the majority are unaware of it, which limits their ability to claim and enforce their rights,” said Ms Lusaba.

“Employers may unintentionally violate their employees’ rights, while the employees themselves remain unaware of their entitlements. We aim to raise awareness and simplify access to this crucial knowledge, ensuring both parties are informed and empowered.”

Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Zimbabwe’s national general secretary, Ms Sheila Matindike said the organisation helps to address challenges such as unfair labour practices and match the prospective employer with a compatible employee.

“A conducive working atmosphere in the domestic work sector begins by making sure that working parents and homeowners identify trustworthy, loyal and committed domestic workers to look after their children, the elderly, their homes and other assets,” she said.

“In return, domestic workers entrusted with such responsibilities should be treated with dignity and respect and receive a decent pay. There is also concern over an increase in theft cases by employees, which emanates from unfair labour practices as some domestic workers are grossly underpaid.”