Ten years after ILO pact, domestic workers’ struggles continue

Pandemic and lockdown have increased their woes as many are unable to reach workplaces

Mercy Shaji of Kottayam may count herself lucky. A domestic worker, Mercy is picked up by her employers thrice a week since she does not have a vehicle nor public transport is available to reach her workplace. Mercy’s wages feed her family of four as her husband, a labourer, does not have work due to the lockdown. Many domestic workers, though, have lost their jobs in the wake of the pandemic. Others have not been able to travel to work owing to restrictions. A good number of them are single women, trying to provide for their families. While there is a moratorium on loan repayment, they worry about the steep interest rates when repayments resume, says Mercy. Wednesday (June 16), International Domestic Workers’ Day, marks the 10th anniversary of adoption of the ILO Convention 189 stipulating decent work for domestic workers. India is a signatory to the convention, but is yet to ratify it. Instead of improvement in the conditions of domestic workers, neglect of their rights continues. There is little recognition of them as workers and essential service providers. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated matters.