Thiruvananthapuram, June 17, 2012 The Hindu
‘No longer servants, but workers’ is the essence of the
International Labour Organisation’s Convention 189, the ratification of
which was sought by domestic workers who organised a ‘human chain’ in
front of the Secretariat on Friday.
The 100th ILO
Conference had adopted a resolution regarding decent work for domestic
workers. The ‘human chain’ organised by the Self-Employed Women’s
Association (SEWA) demanded that the government should implement the
provisions ratified by the convention.
The
association said that no minimum wages were offered to them, there were
no fixed work hours, and they were denied respect and dignity from
their employers. “Seven years ago, I was paid just Rs.40 a day, when I
worked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now it has gone up to Rs.130. This is still
not enough, as I have a 10-year-old son to look after on my own,” said
Vasantha, a worker.
The ‘human chain’ stretched from
Palayam to Statue. SEWA president Sunita S.L and secretary Sonia George
were present. Former Forest Minister Benoy Viswom and Jamila Prakasam,
MLA, addressed the gathering. All spoke of the need to ratify the
convention and subsequently adopt laws to ensure better livelihood for
domestic workers. The workers demanded Rs.200 as minimum wage. They also
wanted a board to be constituted to study their problems.
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