12 hours ago
International Domestic Workers' Day observed
The SEWA-Union observed International Domestic Workers' Day here on Monday with a rally demanding that comprehensive legislation for domestic workers.
The rally began from the Secretariat and ended at Martyrs' Column, Palayam. A public meeting that followed was inaugurated by SEWA-Union secretary Sonia George.
It was pointed out at the meeting that labour laws at the Centre or in States did not formally recognise domestic workers as workers. Domestic workers were the most unorganised segment in the labour sector and the most exploited. Without any recognition as workers, they did not get any labour law protection. They were almost outside the ambit of the labour codes. The main reason for this was that private homes were not recognised as workplaces. It was also a fact that those responsible for framing laws were employers, a statement from SEWA-Union pointed out.
It was pointed out that that the National Platform of Domestic Workers had been engaged in initiatives that underlined that domestic work was one of dignity. However, the government had made little efforts in this regard. The State government had published the draft of the legislation for the welfare of domestic workers in 2024, but there had been no action on it. No funds were earmarked for the welfare of domestic workers either.
In the wake of a 2024 Supreme Court order to frame legislation urgently for domestic workers, the workers announced that they would stage strong protests to press their cause.
