International Domestic Workers’ Day 2023

*PRESS NOTE*

Domestic Workers Union Calls for Comprehensive Legislation

Celebrates International Domestic Workers’ Day 2023 with 5 Demands

Demanding a comprehensive legislation for the domestic workers in Telangana, Bro. Verghese Theckaneth, Director of Montfort Social Institute, said that a law is needed to recognise and protect the rights of domestic workers and safeguard them against violence and discrimination. Domestic Workers from three districts of Telangana – Rangareddy, Hyderabad & Medchal - Malkajgiri met to celebrate the International Domestic Workers’ Day at the Montfort Social Institute (MSI) in Uppal. Registered as a trade Union, Gruhakarmikula Union Telangana State (GUTS) has come up with 5 demands as they commemorated the spirit of domestic workers across the world. 

Speaking on the occasion, he said a majority of the domestic workers receive wages below minimum wage, work without any weekly off, face verbal abuse from employers, working without any job security. He mentioned that if brought forth, Telangana would be first in the country to legislate for the domestic workers.

 

Standing in solidarity with the fight of domestic workers, Mala Mukunda, the Founder of Queer Bandhu has highlighted about the Transgenders and the social stigma they face. She outlined that they must be recognised and respected for who they are.

Sajaya Kakarla, social activist and Sahitya Akademi Awardee, raised the importance of ratifying ILO Convention 189 which talks about decent work conditions for domestic workers. She asked that when politicians come to ask for votes next time, instead of taking money for the vote, they have to be demanded to do something about Convention 189.

Joshna, Founder of Caste Annihilation Society, raised about the health issues of domestic workers and urged the government to include Domestic Workers in ESI and PF so they have social security and acces to halth care without which they are forced to incur out-of-pocket expenditure. Currently, E-shram card only has one benefit - Rs. 2,00,000 in case of accidental death. Even though Domestic Workers contribute majorly, they continue to remain the most vulnerable of groups within the unorganized sector. Brother Susai Alangaram, Manjula, Sandhya, Sisters Lourdu, Jenastus, Nirmala and others have joined the programme.

Courtesy by : MSI