IMPHAL, December 3: The Manipur Domestic Workers’ Movement Organisation under the National Domestic Workers’ Movement has started a signature campaign demanding the government to pass a legislation ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189 which will be presented at the Winter Session of the Parliament, co-ordinator of the movement Sr Agues Khala told media persons today.
Speaking at a press conference at the TRI hall, she said domestic work is one of the largest employment sectors for females in the urban area.
Although the demand for domestic workers has only increased over the years, decent working conditions, wages and conditions of employment are still not available to the workers when compared to other class of workers, she asserted.
She continued that domestic work is still to receive recognition from the people as real work.
Many domestic workers are exploited, ill-treated and have to suffer violence as well as overworked, underpaid and unprotected, she claimed.
She said that adoption of the ILO convention 189 will recognized the domestic workers’ dignity, justice and empowerment which have been the three major objective of the National Domestic Workers’ Movement since 1985.
It will give basic labour rights as those available to other workers including reasonable hours of work, weekly day off, social security, occupational safety and health and decent wage etc.
MDWMO demands the government to pass the legislation and ratify ILO convention C 189 in the country, she said.
Stating that around 1500 domestic labour have registered under the MDWMO till today, she said more area in the State will be covered.
Meanwhile, Deputy Labour Commissioner, E Tomba said that the Labour department is going to enact a law for domestic workers.
However, until it is done so, workers should get a contract of employment before starting any work, he said.
The press conference was also attended by many domestic workers who shared their testimonials of the various grievances before the press and the Labour department officials.