Implement domestic workers convention: ILO

to improve the working conditions of millions of domestic workers worldwide.
Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers was adopted at the ILO 100th session in Geneva, Switzerland in June this year.

“We are happy that this year was a special year for ILO as we celebrated our 100th Session, which gave birth to a special convention on domestic workers. Such a convention which seeks to protect the domestic worker has been long overdue,” Ms Doumbia-Henry said.

She said although most domestic workers were unskilled and uneducated they have tremendously contributed to the world economy but continued to be a vulnerable group of workers.
“Domestic workers make the bulk of the workers globally. They are in the category of the most vulnerable and most abused group of workers. We need to recognise that they are very important. They are workers and they need protection,” she said.

Ms Doumbia-Henry said the convention includes setting standards for working and living conditions, and guaranteeing domestic workers the right to collective bargaining.
She noted that if member countries ratify this convention it would make a huge difference to the lives of domestic workers who currently face daily exploitation and abuse at work.

“We call on members to take measures to ensure that domestic workers enjoy effective protection against all forms of abuse, harassment and violence. A protection sadly lacking today and desperately needed to prevent situations of abuse and harassment from happening in the future,” she said.

Ms Dombia-Henry said governments would dedicate time and resources in raising awareness among domestic workers and their employers about the labour rights and protections guaranteed in the ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

The new ILO standards set out that domestic workers around the world who care for families and households, must have the same basic labour rights as those available to other workers, reasonable hours of work, weekly rest of at least 24 consecutive hours.
A limit on in-kind payment, clear information on terms and conditions of employment, as well as respect for fundamental principles and rights at work including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

According to the ILO, based on national surveys and censuses of 117 countries, the number of domestic workers is around 53 million. However, experts say that due to the fact that this kind of work is often hidden and unregistered, the total number of domestic workers could be as high as 100 million. In developing countries, they make up at least four to 12 percent of wage employment. Around 83 percent of these are women or girls and many are migrant workers.