Domestic workers stage protest in Bengaluru; demand recognition

Bengaluru: Domestic workers staged a protest in the city on Monday and demanded that the Union government recognise them as workers and ensure that they enjoy labour rights. Scores of domestic workers, clad in red sarees, took part in the protest.

Reportedly, the workers who are part of Domestic Workers Rights’ Union said that despite the government being a signatory on the ILO Convention C 189 -- ‘Decent work is Domestic work’ -- has failed to make the convention official.

Reports stated that an activist who has been fighting for the rights of domestic workers said that despite repeated reminders in the form of memoranda, protests and strikes, both the State and Union governments have ignored the demands of domestic workers across the country.

Reports stated that the “negligent attitude of the lawmakers” has forced domestic workers to take to the streets and raise their voices. A domestic worker, who works for eight hours a day, can earn around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month. It falls below even the bare minimum requirement to make ends meet, reports said.

A domestic worker from JP Nagar reportedly said that apart from the wage issue, they are also exposed to violent atrocities by their employers. Accidents also occur at the place of work. She said that a pot of boiling dal fell on her feet one day and it caused severe burns. Her wages were cut as she had to take a fortnight off from work.

Their plight has worsened by the absence of any kind of bonuses, social security and regularity of wages.

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• Domestic workers
• Bengaluru
• Recognition
• Governments