Domestic workers to demand fixation of minimum wages

SHILLONG: Domestic workers from Meghalaya are all set to demand fixation of workers’ wage under the Minimum Wage Act as well as ratification of the ILO Convention No. 189.
Wanpynhun Kharsyntiew, Programme Coordinator, North East Regional Domestic Workers’ Movement on Friday said two delegations from Meghalaya will attend the all-India level meeting of the Federation of Domestic Workers’ Union to be organised in collaboration with National Federation of Domestic Workers’ Union to apprise the Union government and other stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of the domestic workers.
With regards to fixation of the minimum wage rate, Kharsyntiew said there are three different types of workers – part time, full time and live in workers.
Speaking of the ILO Convention No. 189, she said the ratification of the Convention will provide the workers a decent wage that will sustain their livelihood.
“With the meager income of Rs.3000 to Rs.4000 per month domestic workers cannot sustain themselves considering the rent coupled with the soaring prices,” Kharsyntiew said while asserting that life was tough for the domestic workers.
She also stated that the State government should have a separate wage rate fixation taking into account the background of their performances.
Kharsyntiew also specified that     the Union government should reconsider its decision to amend the Child Labour Prohibition Act, which will allow children below the age of 14 years to be employed in home based works.
She also said that the November 30 signature campaign was successful with over 25,000 signatures collected in the city itself and added that they will design postcards to be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers demanding their rights.
On being queried if the domestic workers face any harassment in terms of physical, financial and sexual abuse, Kharsyntiew said, “There are over 500-600 cases of physical and sexual abuse, mostly in cases of live in domestic workers since 2003 and as many as 1000 cases of financial abuse.”