THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2024
Team Herald
International Decent Work Day was observed on Saturday, and in Goa, the Domestic Workers Union marked the occasion by highlighting their demands. These demands included the establishment of a State Domestic Workers Welfare Board in Goa, the inclusion of domestic workers in the schedule of the Minimum Wages Act of 1948, the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act for domestic workers, and the extension of Social Security Act 2008 benefits to registered domestic workers. Additionally, they called for the recognition of homes as workplaces and the inclusion of domestic workers in the Social Security Board, with at least two members representing them.
A domestic worker pointed out that households are often viewed as private spaces rather than workplaces for the workers, and they aspire to change this perception to ensure fair treatment and rights protection.
Another domestic worker stated, "We often toil within households, providing essential care and support, including looking after the elderly while the homeowners are at work. Unfortunately, sometimes, if we fall ill, our employers do not show understanding and deduct our wages. We believe it's our right to be treated with respect and hope that the government will recognize and address our demands."
