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Decent Work for Domestic Workers in Asia

This advocacy campaign is designed to work with constituents in governments, worker and employer organizations in Asia to prepare for the 2010 ILC discussion on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. The discussion could lead to the creation of an international instrument to extend social protection to domestic workers (such as a new ILO Convention or Recommendation). The campaign also advocates to the public at large the value domestic workers bring to families and societies, their rights and responsibilities at work.

Related information

Regions and countries covered Asia
Unit responsible ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Subjects decent work, migrant workers, international labour standards, social protection, workers rights

Across Asia, ‘domestic work’ (e.g. work carried out in the homes of others) is a common occupation. Yet domestic work is usually not recognized in many societies as ‘employment’ and the workers are often not protected by labour laws.

The total number of domestic workers in Asia and the Pacific is hard to estimate, though it’s believed their labours account for as much as 2.5% of total employment in developed countries, and as much as 10% in some developing countries. In China the number of domestic workers is estimated to be around 20 million, in Thailand around 700,000. The vast majority are women – mainly under the age of 40 – and in too many cases, children are still found working in the homes of others.

In June 2010, at the 99th International Labour Conference, delegates from Governments, Worker and Employer Organizations will formally consider whether domestic work should be covered by an international labour standard (e.g. such as a Convention or Recommendation). In preparation for these discussions, the ILO has been working with its constituents in twelve countries across Asia examining the various aspects inherent to domestic work, such as migration, gender aspects and stereotyping, workplace and societal discrimination, lack of social protection, isolation and its impediment in the right to organize.

Working with Governments, Worker and Employer Organizations

The International Labour Office at Geneva and its regional and sub-regional offices in Asia and the Pacific are supporting the efforts of their constituents in a number of ways in preparation for the 2010 ILC discussions.

Cambodia

China

Lao PDR

  • Consultation with Worker Organizations in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
  • National Consultation on Decent Work for Domestic Workers in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Press release)

Indonesia

Thailand

Working with civil society organizations

In addition to the advocacy push by the international trade union movement to recognize and protect domestic workers, civil society organizations have also been very active in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand to name but a few.

The ILO continues to work with many of these organizations in support of their efforts.

Reaching out to domestic workers

A guidebook to promote the rights and responsibilities of domestic workers is being published in a variety of languages. Aimed primarily at the domestic worker, the book explains the benefits and risks associated with domestic work and offers the worker advice on how to interact with her/his employer to achieve a mutually satisfactory working environment and system of remuneration and benefits for the worker.

The guidebook, “Domestic Work – Decent Work” is published in Burmese, Laotian, Khmer, Shan and Thai.

It will be disseminated via trade unions, government offices and civil society partners.

For further information, please contact:

Mr Allan Dow
Communications and Advocacy Officer
Tel: +662 288 2057
Fax: +662 288 3063
Email

Ms Silvia Cormaci
Associate Expert in Gender and Child Labour
Tel: +662 288 1784
Fax: +662 288 3043
Email

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