Domestic helps on strike from today

Domestic helps on strike from today

BANGALORE: Don't be surprised if your maid doesn't turn up for work. For, domestic workers across the country are slated to go on strike from Saturday. Their protest will culminate in a rally in New Delhi on July 31.

The National Platform for Domestic Workers (NPDW) has called for the nationwide strike. In Bangalore, the protest will take off with a rally from Banappa Park to Town Hall.

There are over 50 lakh domestic workers in Bangalore, said Sister Celia, National Care Team member in NPDW. She said the nation-wide campaign is backed by 50-60 unions and NGOs working for the betterment of domestic helps.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted Convention 189 on June 16 to ensure decent working conditions for domestic workers and giving them equal rights. Activists point out that in India, the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act (2008) and Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (2013) are just for namesake.

NPDW activists slammed the government for failing to enforce any law to ensure social and legal securities of domestic workers. "Their condition is unpardonable. A large section comes from vulnerable communities and backward areas. Most are poor, illiterate, unskilled and do not understand the urban labour market," Celia told TOI.

Lack of decent wages, poor work conditions, undefined work time, violence, abuse, sexual harassment, victimization at the hands of traffickers or placement agencies and forced migration are major problems faced by domestic workers.  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Domestic-helps-on-strike-from-today/articleshow/20598554.cms