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by IDWFED published Oct 14, 2014 04:45 PM
Singapore agencies warned vs. advertising domestic workers as commodities

Singapore agencies warned vs. advertising domestic workers as commodities

by IDWFED — last modified May 22, 2015 05:24 PM

Employment agencies (EA) in Singapore were reminded by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to refrain from commodifying domestic workers in their marketing strategies. According to a report in The Straits Times, MOM's advisory, released Wednesday, told EAs not to include words such as "cheap fees" or "promotional rates" in their campaigns. It also instructed agencies to refrain from "displaying" foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in an "undignified" light, including having them sit outside agency premises.

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Ireland: Minister Bruton announces ratification of ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers

Ireland: Minister Bruton announces ratification of ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers

by IDWFED — last modified May 27, 2015 02:16 PM

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr. Richard Bruton, TD, today announced the Government’s decision to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers (No. 189), 2011. Minister Bruton secured Government approval to ratify the Convention at its meeting yesterday. This decision puts Ireland among the small group of ILO member countries who have ratified this Convention. To date, only 14 ILO member countries out of 185 have ratified the Domestic Workers Convention and Ireland will be only the third EU country to ratify.

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Ireland: Landmark day for workers in private homes as Ireland ratifies Domestic Workers Convention

Ireland: Landmark day for workers in private homes as Ireland ratifies Domestic Workers Convention

by IDWFED — last modified May 22, 2015 05:35 PM

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland welcomes ‘momentous’ ratification of ILO Convention Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today (Wednesday 9th July) welcomed Ireland’s ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, saying it will provide increased protection for thousands of vulnerable domestic workers here.

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USA: Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

USA: Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

by IDWFED — last modified May 23, 2015 08:35 PM

Victory! Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Domestic Workers Bill of Rights into law, the fourth state in as many years. The Massachusetts Bill is the most forward-thinking bill of rights to date and sets the stage for even more comprehensive legislation in other states. The bill will protect workers and employers by requiring clear guidelines for employers and workers including: a written contract; 30 days notice of termination for live-in workers; and maternity leave for workers, among other protections. Congratulations, Massachusetts!

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Bangladesh: High Court asks govt why not make law for protection on rights of domestic workers

Bangladesh: High Court asks govt why not make law for protection on rights of domestic workers

by IDWFED — last modified May 25, 2015 05:26 PM

The High Court yesterday asked the government to explain in four weeks why it should not be directed to take effective steps to formulate a law to establish rights of domestic helps. The court issued the rule after Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh filed a writ petition on June 12 saying domestic workers are deprived of their fundamental rights even after they work 15 to 16 hours a day as they are not considered labourers under the existing laws.

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USA: NDWA Statement on the Harris vs. Quinn Supreme Court Case Decision

USA: NDWA Statement on the Harris vs. Quinn Supreme Court Case Decision

by IDWFED — last modified Jan 31, 2016 07:43 PM

On Monday, June 30, 2014, the Supreme Court made a decision that threatens the fundamental right of state-funded home care workers in Illinois to make progress towards living wage jobs.

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Pakistan: Domestic workers should be protected under labour laws

Pakistan: Domestic workers should be protected under labour laws

by IDWFED — last modified May 25, 2015 05:43 PM

The government must protect the rights of millions of domestic workers and ensure that they get decent wages and protection from exploitation at the hands of their employers. Besides, this sector should be regulated and covered with the labour laws and these workers should have an opportunity to organise themselves. These demands were made at a key stakeholders’ meeting on “Taking Forward Organising of Domestic Workers in Punjab” arranged by HomeNet Pakistan at a local hotel on Friday. The event was a component of the Gender Equity Programme (GEP) implemented in collaboration with the Aurat Foundation (AF) and supported by the USAID. The participants of the event gave an overview of the issues faced by domestic workers in the country and ways to bring them in the limelight.

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UK: Domestic workers rally against modern slavery

UK: Domestic workers rally against modern slavery

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 24, 2015 04:14 PM

Migrant domestic workers and human rights campaigners joined forces at a Westminster rally to call an end to modern slavery in Britain.

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Sweden: You need to put pressure on countries, says Vicky Kanyoka (Swedish only)

Sweden: You need to put pressure on countries, says Vicky Kanyoka (Swedish only)

by IDWFED — last modified Jan 11, 2016 11:17 PM

Invited by the Swedish LO-TCO (Secretariat of International Trade Union Development Co-operation), Vicky Kanyoka, IDWF Regional Coordinator - Africa, attended at the Nordic Women’s Forum in Malmö, Sweden on June 13, Friday. She was interviewed by the LO-TCO and talked about the need of ratification of C189.

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India: Domestic workers pitch for legal reform in labour laws

India: Domestic workers pitch for legal reform in labour laws

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 24, 2015 04:54 PM

About 1,000 domestic workers from different parts of the city came together at Talkatora Stadium to demand an amendment in existing labour laws and a separate law to address their specific occupation.

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Ireland: Government still "failing" domestic workers, MRCI claims

Ireland: Government still "failing" domestic workers, MRCI claims

by IDWFED — last modified May 27, 2015 04:47 PM

The Government has been accused of "failing" domestic workers falling prey to exploitation by not ratifying laws aimed at securing their rights. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland yesterday marked International Domestic Workers Day by stating that the Government needed to ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, claiming “justice delayed is justice denied”. The MRCI’s Domestic Workers Action Group said au pairs, carers, childminders, cleaners, and housekeepers were still being exploited and experiencing poor working conditions.

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Pakistan: 8.5 Million Domestic Workers are looking for their Rights to be recognized

Pakistan: 8.5 Million Domestic Workers are looking for their Rights to be recognized

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2015 09:29 PM

The First Convection of Domestic workers’ is observing the third anniversary of ILO convention C189, which was adopted by the general assembly on 16 June 2011. Speaking on the occasion, President of the Domestic workers Union Ms shagufta said that the DW Union is a symbol of unity for the rights of domestic workers in Islamabad. We have learned the meaning of organized workforce and collective action and as a result union is formed to raise our voice for our rights and we demand fair and equal wages.

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Domestic workers: Silent no more

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 24, 2015 09:18 PM

It is time to acknowledge the importance of domestic workers as valuable members of society.

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On Anniversary of Historic ILO Convention, Domestic Workers Speak Out Worldwide

On Anniversary of Historic ILO Convention, Domestic Workers Speak Out Worldwide

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 24, 2015 06:31 PM

By caring for our homes and loved ones, domestic workers do the work that makes all other work possible. Unfortunately, the important labor of some 100 million domestic workers worldwide frequently goes unrecognized. In fact, domestic workers are vulnerable to labor exploitation, sexual assault and even forced labor and trafficking because they are mainly women, their workplace is behind closed doors and, in many places, they still are not covered under labor laws. In the United States, domestic workers are excluded from the most basic fairness and safety regulations on the job, including minimum wage and hour laws.

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Europe: ENoMW calls for equal rights and treatment of migrant domestic workers

Europe: ENoMW calls for equal rights and treatment of migrant domestic workers

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 24, 2015 06:05 PM

On the occasion of International Day of Domestic Workers, the European Network of Migrant Women [ENoMW] draws the attention of the European Union institutions and all national and European stakeholders to the situation and treatment of Domestic Workers within the European Union member states, as well as their contribution to European society.

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Thailand: Call to boost domestic workers' welfare

Thailand: Call to boost domestic workers' welfare

by IDWFED — last modified May 27, 2015 10:32 PM

Activists representing vulnerable low-income workers have urged the Labour Ministry to do more to enforce a ministerial regulation protecting domestic workers. The call was made yesterday at a seminar to mark International Domestic Workers' Day in Bangkok, organised by the Network for Protection of Domestic Workers of Thailand.

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Switzerland approved ratification of ILO-Convention 189 (German only)

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2015 09:38 PM

Der Nationalrat setzt ein Zeichen gegen die Ausbeutung von Hausangestellten in aller Welt. Trotz scharfer Kritik aus bürgerlichen Kreisen ratifiziert die grosse Kammer das Übereinkommen der Internationalen Arbeitsorganisation (IAO). Linke und CVP befürworten das Abkommen aus Solidaritätsgründen.

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ILO adopts new Protocol to tackle modern forms of forced labour

ILO adopts new Protocol to tackle modern forms of forced labour

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 10, 2019 03:34 PM

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted a new legally binding Protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour. The Protocol, supported by a Recommendation, was adopted by government, employer and worker delegates to the International Labour Conference (ILC) with 437 votes for 27 abstentions and 8 against.

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India: Sign petition to urge Indian Government to ratify C189

India: Sign petition to urge Indian Government to ratify C189

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2015 10:04 PM

While 13 countries have ratified this convention so far, India has not. Join us in urging the Government of India to ratify the ILO Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers (Domestic Workers Convention, C.189) and requesting them to review the national laws in accordance with the new convention and recommendation. YOU can help us in bringing this change. In order to get justice we would need as much support as we can get to ensure that The Government of India is listening and takes immediate action. By signing on this petition, you stand with us in solidarity and help the domestic workers to have access to a life of dignity.

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Hong Kong: News updates on case of Erwiana - Former employer denies charges in court

Hong Kong: News updates on case of Erwiana - Former employer denies charges in court

by IDWFED — last modified Feb 22, 2016 11:39 PM

The allegedly abusive former employer of an Indonesian helper has denied all 20 charges against her for abusing her three maids and breaching labour laws - in a case that sparked international concern. Law Wan-tung, a 44-year-old mother of two, was arrested in January for seriously wounding Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, her former domestic worker. She faces charges including grievous bodily harm with intent, criminal intimidation and failure to pay wages - a total of 20 counts, some of which also relate to her previous employees. Prosecutors have said she turned household items such as a mop, a ruler and a clothes hanger into “weapons” against her workers. Erwiana, who said she suffered months of abuse, left Hong Kong in January and was admitted to hospital in Indonesia, emaciated and in a critical condition.

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Global: Mme Asmaou Bah from Guinee, representing IUF/IDWF speaking at ILO Assembly Hall

Global: Mme Asmaou Bah from Guinee, representing IUF/IDWF speaking at ILO Assembly Hall

by IDWFED — last modified Jan 11, 2016 11:09 PM

"Any work done without consent is forced labour" was the message sent in a strong statement by Mme Asmaou Bah when addressing government and workers' representatives yesterday at the ILO Assembly Hall.

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Switzerland: Elizabeth Tang speaks in front of UN in Geneva at the "Route of Shame" action

Switzerland: Elizabeth Tang speaks in front of UN in Geneva at the "Route of Shame" action

by IDWFED — last modified Jan 11, 2016 10:51 PM

"This is about all the workers in the world to have democracy & human rights & trade unions' rights." Elizabeth Tang speaks in front of UN in Geneva at the "Route of Shame" action.

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South Africa: SADSAWU welcomes the latest review of the minimum wage for Domestic workers

by IDWFED — last modified Jan 31, 2016 07:02 PM

SADSAWU welcomes the latest review of the minimum wage for Domestic workers.

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Global: Myrtle Witbooi speaks at the Standards Committee, ILC 2014

Global: Myrtle Witbooi speaks at the Standards Committee, ILC 2014

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 10, 2019 03:32 PM

Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President, speaks at the Standards Committee, ILC 2014 on June 3

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South Africa: Salaries of domestic workers in the spotlight

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2015 10:11 PM

The Department of Labour is holding public hearings to determine a new sectoral wage for domestic workers.

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Jamaica: Number one household worker named

Jamaica: Number one household worker named

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 27, 2015 10:21 PM

There were hugs, laughter, and tears of joy after Elaine Duncan won this year’s inaugural GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year award. Duncan topped the field of 11 people shortlisted from over 100 nominees for the award, which honours Jamaica’s finest and exemplary household workers.

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Global: Myrtle Witbooi shares at the 2014 LabourStart Conference plenary

Global: Myrtle Witbooi shares at the 2014 LabourStart Conference plenary

by IDWFED — last modified Feb 23, 2016 03:40 PM

Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President, spoke at the 2014 LabourStart Conference plenary on "How do we build power at the global workplace? Experiences in building various models."

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Global: Domestic workers will earn respect and decent salary, says Myrtle Witbooi

Global: Domestic workers will earn respect and decent salary, says Myrtle Witbooi

by IDWFED — last modified Jan 31, 2016 07:04 PM

Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President, spoke at the 2014 LabourStart Conference plenary on "How do we build power at the global workplace? Experiences in building various models."

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Global: Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President, speaks at the ILC 2014 on May 29

Global: Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President, speaks at the ILC 2014 on May 29

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 10, 2019 03:32 PM

Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President, speaks at the ILC 2014 on May 29

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Forced labour laws need more than lip service to be effective

by IDWFED — last modified Jun 10, 2019 03:36 PM

In 1930, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) established a Forced Labour Convention, an attempt to address such practices in what was then still a colonial world. Over the decades the manifestations of forced labour have changed, whereas international law has remains rooted in the past. Beginning this week, and running until 12 June, the International Labour Conference (ILC) is meeting to try to address the gaps in the convention that have emerged over the past 80 years. The conference represents an opportunity to advance the eradication of forced labour, updating legislation in the areas of prevention, victim protection and compensation, and including new forms of forced labour such as trafficking.

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