Domestic Workers Rights Union members protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Monday
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
On International Domestic Workers’ Day, the Domestic Workers’ Rights Union urged the Karnataka government to introduce a law similar to that of the platform-based gig workers’ ordinance for the domestic workers too.
Workers gathered at Freedom Park submitted a memorandum to Meena Patil, Assistant Labour Commissioner, demanding a welfare board, a taskforce with a dedicated helpline, and constitution of tripartite boards to regulate employment, wages, working conditions and social security of domestic workers, among other demands.
‘Not considered workers’
“The recent introduction of four new labour codes by the government largely ignores the critical issues of the informal sector, specifically excluding domestic workers, as seen in the Occupational Health and Safety Code,” read a statement from the union.
It pointed out that although in 2013-14, the Government of India developed a National Policy for Domestic Workers, it was never tabled in Parliament.
The memorandum submitted to the labour department called for the ratification of ILO Convention C189 to facilitate the enactment of national legislation. C189 convention is an international treaty that ensures domestic workers have the same rights as other workers. India has not ratified it yet.
“We have not even been given the identity of workers. Many people see us with suspicion and treat us like criminals,” said Geeta Menon, secretary, Stree Jagruti Samiti, addressing the workers.
Welfare board, smart cards for seniors
The memorandum also demanded that the workers be granted constitutional rights to safety, health, and social protection through the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism and a Domestic Workers Welfare Board comprising domestic workers and their unions.
A comprehensive benefits scheme for domestic workers through tripartite boards, with a sectoral levy or cess of 1%, in addition to 1% of the GST and 3% of the annual Central and State Budgets, is yet another demand. DWRU urged the State government to constitute a committee comprising the union, subject experts and domestic workers to recommend a legal framework for the benefit, protect and regulation of the rights of the workers.
Other demands included smart card facilities and accident insurance coverage for senior domestic workers and stringent action against agencies and employers involved in trafficking and exploitation of workers.
“The placement agency control act needs to be enacted, with the assistance of unions and workers. The guidelines on trafficking, by the High Court of Karnataka in 2015 need to be implemented,” read the memorandum.
Published – June 16, 2025 09:56 pm IST