Labour standards for domestic workers
A dozen countries in Asia-Pacific say
'yes' in principle to international labour standard for domestic workers
- global discussion at ILC in June
Governments, worker and employer organizations in Asia and the
Pacific have indicated their general support - in principle - of setting
a new international labour standard which could offer better social
protection to millions of domestic workers - defined as women and men -
who earn their living by working in the homes of others.
An ILO report, 'Decent Work for Domestic Workers,' carries the
responses of 75 member States to a Questionnaire on the idea of an
international labour standard for domestic workers.
It includes the replies from 13 Governments of member States from the
Asia and Pacific region.
Responses were received from 32 worker and employer organizations
across the region.
The document was published in preparation of a formal discussion at
the International Labour Conference in June on the subject.
This annual Conference brings together Governments, Worker and
Employer Organizations from more than 180 member States - the only
tripartite meeting of its kind within the UN system - to discuss
critical issues in the world of work.
The setting of an international standard for domestic workers would
be an historic move to recognize and protect an occupation often
under-acknowledged by society. In Asia and the Pacific many domestic
workers face indifference at best by the public and can be subject to
outright physical and sexual abuse by their employers who are often
beyond the pale of labour inspections or redress under national labour
laws. Migrant domestic workers are especially vulnerable.
The publishing of the report comes just a few days in advance of
International Women*s Day (8 March). This year the various themes to
mark the occasion focus on progress for equal rights and equal
opportunities in society and in the workplace.
"It is encouraging and timely to see the positive comments coming
from member States here in Asia and the Pacific," ILO's Regional
Director for Asia and the Pacific Sachiko Yamamoto said.
"Judging by the responses received so far, the indication is that
there should be an international standard to better protect domestic
workers in Asia and the Pacific."
If the June ILC decides that it is advisable to adopt one or more
international instruments, the International Labour Office will draw up,
on the basis of the conclusions adopted by the Conference, one or more
draft international labour instruments to be considered. It will then be
for the Conference to make a final decision on the subject at a future
session.
(ILO News) |