News
Spain: EESC adopted an "opinion" paper on the rights of live-in care workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 02, 2016 09:17 PMThe European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an “opinion” paper, to which IDWF provided input, on "the rights of live-in care workers, which we hope will be a good contribution to the discussion on how European societies should address home care workers.
Bahrain: Drive for rights of domestic workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Oct 12, 2016 12:24 AMA CAMPAIGN to promote the rights of domestic workers across the region was launched in Bahrain.
Brazil: The FENATRAD affiliates to the International Domestic Workers Federation
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 02, 2016 09:07 PMIn September, the National Federation of Domestic Workers (FENATRAD) in Brazil held its XI National Congress in Rio de Janeiro with the theme "Ratification of Convention 189, Equal Rights and Organization of Domestic Workers in World." 13 unions of domestic workers from different parts of the country make up this Federation.
Jamaica: GraceKennedy lauds Holness for ratifying Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 16, 2016 04:46 PMJamaican conglomerate GraceKennedy has applauded Prime Minister Andrew Holness for signing the instrument of ratification for ILO Convention C 189 during the recently-held 71st session of the United Nation’s (UN) General Assembly.
Hong Kong: Working Conditions of Domestic Workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Oct 13, 2016 05:17 PMNami, an organizer of the Union of Nepalese Domestic Worker (UNDW) talked about underpayment issues and working conditions of Nepalese domestic workers on the RTHK radio program "Backchat".
Jamaica: Jamaica Ratifies Domestic Workers Convention
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 23, 2016 10:29 PMPrime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the government on Thursday, September 22, due to its commitment to empower women economically has signed the instrument of ratification of ILO Convention C 189 (also known as the Domestic Workers Convention).
USA: NDWA holds National Assembly with 500 domestic workers and leaders
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 02, 2016 09:32 PMEveryone an organizer! That was the message of Dignity, Unity, Power, NDWA’s National Assembly in Washington DC from September 16th-20th. Every two years, we come together as a movement to support each other, learn from each other, and work together to strengthen our organizing of home care workers and domestic workers around the country.
Jamaica: Government in Final Stages of Ratifying Domestic Workers Convention
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 23, 2016 10:35 PMLabour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says Government is in the final stages of ratifying the Convention for Decent Work for Domestic Workers, 2011.
Qatar: The average salary of a domestic worker is $431 a month
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 16, 2016 04:54 PMThe majority of domestic workers in Qatar make about QR1,571 ($431) a month, according to a new survey by an online recruitment firm.
Global: What the "Uber-isation" of domestic work means for women
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 16, 2016 05:14 PMApps providing domestic cooks, cleaners and care workers are growing rapidly in countries like India, Mexico and South Africa. Research Officer Abigail Hunt explores whether this is likely to be good or bad for the women who use them.
Brazil: IDWF at the AWID Forum 2016
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 02, 2016 09:01 PMIn September, IDWF had a delegation of 9 people participating in the Association of Women in Development Forum in Bahia, Brazil. This conference takes place every four years. The theme of the Forum was ‘Feminist Futures’ and it brought together a diverse array of feminist and women’s rights organisations, workers’ organisations, LBTI groups, and indigenous and peasant organizations.
USA: Matahari Women Workers' Center Condemns Au Pair Industry Efforts to Remove Labor Protections for Domestic Workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 07, 2016 11:29 PMAs the U.S. Recognizes Workers on Labor Day, the Matahari Women Workers’ Center Condemns Industry Efforts to Remove Labor Protections From Domestic Workers
Hong Kong: Employment agency found guilty at court for overcharging second case in 3 months
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 12, 2016 04:42 PMAn employment agency named Ursula Employment Center found found guilty at court for overcharge agency fees.
Hong Kong: Three years and waiting- Indonesian DW still owed money locked into welfare account of dead Hong Kong boss
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 16, 2016 05:00 PMBack home in Surabaya, Sri Agustini urges the Social Welfare Department to release the HK$21,000 due to her after serving disabled employer for over seven years.
Philippines: Set to lift a ban on Filipino domestic workers going to the UAE
— by IDWFED — last modified Aug 30, 2016 06:04 PMConsuls meets recruitment offices to inform them of rules.
India: Health insurance scheme for domestic workers to be launched soon by Centre
— by IDWFED — last modified Aug 30, 2016 05:44 PMThe Union Labour Ministry will launch a social security scheme soon for domestic workers on pilot basis in Delhi and Hyderabad as part of its commitment to provide health insurance for all, Union minister for labour and employment Bandaru Dattatreya said.
USA: Sign petition and Send some love and solidarity to black domestic workers in the US
— by IDWFED — last modified Jul 28, 2016 12:56 AMIDWF invites affiliates around the world to send messages of solidarity through social media. Use the hashtags #dwdignity and #blacklivesmatter and @IDWFed. Post a photo on facebook saying "Domestic Workers from [your country] in solidarity with black domestic workers in the US #blacklivesmatter."
Jamaica: To Prime Minister Andrew Holness: Yes! We look forward to Jamaica becoming the 23rd country to ratify C189!
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 23, 2016 06:46 PMPlease add your name to this sign-on letter encouraging him and the Jamaican government to take quick action to become the 13th country in Latin America and the Caribbean (out of 22 internationally) to ratify the ILO’s Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers (C189).
Trinidad and Tobago: Domestic workers law coming, says Baptiste-Primus, Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development
— by IDWFED — last modified Jul 22, 2016 08:39 PMMinister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, says she is fully supportive of the inclusion of domestic workers under labour legislation and the measure will be in “the first package” of forthcoming amendments to the Industrial Relations Act (IRA).
Oman: Domestic Workers Trafficked, Trapped
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 20, 2016 04:09 PMReform System, Laws to Protect Migrant Women
Singapore: Foreign domestic workers' living conditions survey
— by IDWFED — last modified Jul 11, 2016 05:51 PMTransient Workers Count Too found that 5% of foreign domestic workers had to share their sleeping space with a male teenager or adult. This is against written law, with a possible fine of up to $10,000. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed this when the ministry responded to a query by the Straits Times.
Jamaica: Shirley Pryce given a special award for her contribution to the development of domestic workers' profession
— by IDWFED — last modified Jul 28, 2016 12:36 AMPresident of Jamaica Household Workers’ Union Shirley Pryce received a special award for her sterling contribution to the development of the profession. For the past 25 years, Pryce has fought for the rights of domestic workers in Jamaica and the Caribbean. In receiving her award, Pryce acknowledged the role played by Heather Little-White in inspiring her to dedicate her time to this cause.
Jamaica: Prime Minister Pledges to Speed up Ratification of Domestic Workers Convention
— by IDWFED — last modified Jul 28, 2016 12:40 AMPrime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will be moving quickly to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Domestic Workers. It is aimed at guaranteeing fundamental labour rights to an estimated 53 million domestic workers worldwide. The Prime Minister, in the meanwhile, lauded GraceKennedy for implementing the Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award, noting that it is a good demonstration of corporate social responsibility by the company.
Indonesia: Domestic workers drama in celebration of the 5th anniversary of C189
— by Fish Ip — last modified Jul 22, 2016 08:55 PMIn celebration of the 5th anniversary of adoption of ILO Convention 189, Jala PRT organized a drama which domestic worker tell people about their plight.
Global: On International Domestic Workers' Day, Turn Rights into Reality
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 28, 2016 04:41 PMOn International Domestic Workers’ Day, we celebrate a growing movement to assert the rights of this vast but hidden workforce. An estimated 67.1 million people are employed in domestic work around the world, most of them women. They cook, clean, and care for children and the elderly. But working behind closed doors in private homes, many have few legal protections and regularly experience exploitation and abuse.
Australia: Plight of domestic workers must not be overlooked
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 28, 2016 04:09 PMWhat we do know is that because of the extreme power imbalance within the employment relationship and isolated working conditions not subject to standard labour inspection, domestic workers are among the most marginalised and exploited workers in the world today. This is particularly true for those working for diplomatic and foreign officials.
Global: Today is International #DomesticWorkersDay – 5 years after the convention
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 28, 2016 03:51 PMOn June 16 2011, the ILO adopted Convention 189 on decent work for domestic workers and its accompanying Recommendation 201. Since then, after a slow start progress has been made: 22 countries have ratified the convention, more than 30 have extended legislative protections to domestic workers.
Asia: Asia scores low on labour law protection for domestic workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2016 08:58 PMOver 35% of the domestic workers worldwide are accounted for in Asia where the Philippines remains the only country to ratify international labour standards for their protection. Changes are brewing and support is needed.
Trinidad and Tobago: A First Step Toward Strengthening Domestic Workers' Cooperatives
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2016 05:51 PMIn Trinidad and Tobago, domestic work (estimated at 30,000 employees by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago) is a growing sector. The members of the National Union of Domestic Workers (NUDE) formed Service Workers Centre Cooperative Society (SWCCS) in 2014 for improved benefits and working conditions and to have a legal entity for domestic workers that is recognized by employers. Domestic workers’ participation in a democratic workplace upholds their rights as workers and as citizens of our society. The work of the ILO on this topic is guided by the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) , which to date has been adopted by 22 countries.
Nepal: Domestic Workers are also workers! NTUC urges the Government to Ratify ILO Convention 189
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 21, 2016 09:22 PMNepal Home workers Union affiliates of Nepal Trade Union Congress organized a conference on "Awareness on ILO Convention C189 and My Fair Home Campaign" to observe the 5th Anniversary of C189 and as the International Domestic Workers Day.