Expert Talk on Domestic Staff Welfare by Parijatha G.P on Neighbourhoods of Tomorrow 2018

1. Proposal for a
Code of Practice
Parijatha G P

3. The Domestic Workers Rights Union (DWRU)
has organized domestic workers, in
Bangalore, Belagavi and Mangalore.
Over the last three decades, DWRU has been
fighting for the recognition of domestic
workers as workers, and to ensure that they
enjoy social security, in sync with the
community-based organisation Stree Jagruti
Samiti which has been fighting for womens’
rights
It has dealt with issues of the most vulnerable
marginalized women in the unorganized
sector. Our collectives address issues of
migrant domestic workers, of trafficked and
abused women and of child exploitation as
well as issue of governance and policy.
About us

4. Who are Domestic Workers?
Those who keep the house clean, who are cooking, who are looking after
children and the elderly, who are going to shop for the family, who are taking
the children to school, who are guard the house and do gardening …
Categories in domestic work:
• Part-time workers often work in several houses every day to make a
minimal living, its include four categories of work –sweeping ,mopping,
cleaning utensils and washing clothes.
• Full time/Live- in workers: usually full time work from morning to
evening. large no of migrants, who work as live –in domestic worker. E.g.-
Phoolmuni journey
• Child domestic workers: who are started domestic work from childhood
E.g.Rukminiyamma’s journey
Aspects to consider: Consent, legal issues, trafficking

5. ILO Convention 189
Domestic workers in India lack “decent work” as defined by ILO.
They make up one of the most vulnerable group of workers as
they are excluded from labour welfare legislations and have little
or no access to social protection.
ILO convention is that “Domestic work is Decent work” it has
ratified C189 in 2011, offers specific protection to domestic
workers.
26 countries ratified the C189. But India has not NOT ratified it.
The convention has recommendations to influence changes in
laws and improve the working and living conditions of the
domestic workers.

6. Code of Practices
• Defined working hours followed by both the parties
• Scope of work, expectations, responsibilities - e.g waste
segregation followed by both parties
• Off days, Leave
• Salary – Part Time/Live-in employee
• Benefits: Maternity leave, health insurance, smart cards
• Increment & Bonus
• Notice Period
• Safety and health
• Respect & Behavior
• Breach of terms, Theft

7. Thank you
Let us join hands to march forward to a new society where
domestic workers can walk with their heads held high, with
dignity and security.
Ph: 9611579299 / 9845445408
parijathagp@gmail.com / gmenonsjs@gmail.com
No 2643, 36A cross, 28th Main Road
Jayanagar 9th block, Bengaluru