DWIDF demands better working conditions for domestic workers

DWIDF demands better working conditions for domestic workers

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 20: The Domestic Workers’ Integral Development Forum (DWIDF) Mangalore organized a protest rally from Kankanady to Jeppu on Feb 19, Saturday.

Rita Noronha, the retired professor of School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, inaugurated this rally at its starting point in St. Joseph’s High School Campus Kankanady.

Sr. Celia UMI, the coordinator of KDWU Bangalore, said in his keynote address that domestic workers comprise a large percentage of the working class, but are the most oppressed and exploited. She said that one of the objectives of DWIDF is to provide a common platform for these workers to voice their opinions and fight for their rights. Stating that the most common problem faced by domestic workers was sexual harassment in the workplace, she urged the government to protect these workers as per the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment Bill.  While admitting that many employers take good care of their domestic workers, she said that around 50 percent of domestic workers are harassed at the workplace. She also informed that seven NGOs, including Roshni Nilaya, CODP, Sahodaya, Break Through, St. Aloysius, PUCL, and DKPO, are working with DWIDF.

Dr. Sandeep, the associate professor of St. Aloysius College, presented the demands of the domestic workers as follows: just wages and regular increments, protective working environment, leave and other benefits, specific hours of work, government identity card, and welfare measures.

Speaking on the occasion, CODP Secretary Fr. Onil urged the government to issue identity cards to domestic workers.

Expressing his dissatisfaction that many domestic workers are deprived of facilities available to the rest of the unorganized workers, Assistant Labour Commissioner D. G. Nagesh spoke of important acts such as minimum wages act, new pension bill, and so on.

Labour Commissioner Shri Venkatesh Sindhihatti presided on behalf of DC Subodh Yadav and said in his address that he was happy to be part of this protest and will turn over the demands to the authorities concerned. He also said that the domestic workers will be included under the Unorganized Social Security Bill 2008 and that the government will set up workers’ facilitation centres in all taluks so that domestic workers can register at these centres and get their identity cards.