IDWFED Calls to action IDWF stands with our General Secretary, Elizabeth Tang

IDWF stands with our General Secretary, Elizabeth Tang

March 15, 2023
2:05 pm

27 March IDWF – UPDATE

Elizabeth Tang’s arrest incites a wave of global support

On 9 March, Elizabeth Tang was arrested by the Chinese National Security Policy under allegations of endangering national security. She remains out on bail until April 14 as the police continue their investigation

The IDWF, representing 88 affiliates and over 670,000 domestic workers worldwide, stands in solidarity and strongly supports Elizabeth Tang, our General Secretary, whose leadership and vision continue to lead the Federation through thick and thin. Today, we reiterate our position in refuting the allegations. Elizabeth Tang resumes her roles as the IDWF General Secretary despite the difficulties, renewing her commitment to the domestic workers movement above all.

For Elizabeth and the IDWF’s Executive Committee, the last few weeks have been challenging. While documenting all developments in Hong Kong, we firmly continue to develop our plans and activities to reach our goal: building a strong, representative, and united domestic worker global organization that will protect and advance domestic workers’ rights everywhere.

We sincerely appreciate the support and messages of solidarity for Elizabeth that have been coming nonstop from sisters and brothers in the labour movement across the world. The IDWF family awaits and hopes for a positive resolution of this difficult situation on April 14.

In moments like these, we find our strength, unity, and collective voice and realize that we never walk alone.

For further information, please get in touch with:

Roula Seghaier
[email protected]
IDWF Strategic Coordinator
Cell: +961 76 097 162
L: Tunisia

Sofia Trevino
[email protected]
Advocacy & Communications Strategist at WIEGO
Cell: +1 [613] 290-5258
L: Canada

15 March IDWF – UPDATE

On behalf of over 670,000 domestic workers members across the globe, the Executive Committee of the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) extend our deepest respect and solidarity with Elizabeth Tang. Not only is she the General Secretary of IDWF, she is also a leader in the global labour movement, a sister to many, and a mother of the domestic workers movement worldwide.

On 9 March, 2023, Elizabeth was arrested by the Hong Kong National Security police under allegations of “endangering national security”. She is currently out on bail awaiting to see how her case will unfold.

IDWF refutes all the allegations against Elizabeth. We stand in solidarity with Elizabeth, one of the world’s most principled and prominent women trade union leaders and activists.

Elizabeth began her career in the 1980s and co-founded the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions in 1990 where she served as its Executive Director for 16 years. In 2009, Elizabeth joined the domestic and household workers’ movement, supporting them in organizing to raise their voices and visibility while leading the global network of domestic workers in a campaign that led to the 2011 adoption of ILO Convention 189 concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers. This historic achievement has been a major step towards the protection and recognition of millions of domestic workers around the world, sparking a seismic shift in society towards respecting and valuing the vital contribution of these most vulnerable and ‘invisible’ workers. To date, the ILO Convention 189 has been ratified by 36 countries.

Through Elizabeth’s work, the domestic workers’ movement evolved into a global federation in 2013 with the primary goal of advocating for the rights of domestic workers worldwide. Over a decade, it has grown into a vibrant and dynamic global Federation representing 88 affiliates from 68 countries and close to 670,000 domestic, household and care workers. It is the only global union that is led by women and representing a predominately women membership.

The IDWF and its affiliates are closely following developments in Hong Kong and are documenting all reports. We are deeply grateful for all the messages of support and solidarity from our allies, partners, friends and our members from all corners of the globe.