ILO News (New Delhi): The Hind Mazdoor Sabha organized an interaction of domestic workers with Tomoko Nishimoto, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director Asia and Pacific ILO. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, General Secretary of Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), introduced Nishimoto to the women present. He spoke of ILO’s intervention -- through its programmes in India – that looks at ensuring rights and protection of domestic workers.

Singh said that unionizing has helped these women find a collective voice. Now most are aware of their basic rights regarding wages, leave entitlements, and working conditions. Women from the Rangpuri community told Nishimoto how they often work invisibly without any protection from abusive conditions. Most confided that their employers treat them poorly subjecting them to harsh working conditions such as very long hours and minimal pay.

Reena Roy, a domestic worker, said “I am expected to go beyond my call of duty and always be there for my employer. She expects me to clock long hours and would not let me go home to my children. My children feel neglected. They stay at home alone and hungry while I am at my employer’s working long shifts. There is no respect for our profession.” Others too had similar tales to recount. “When we talk of a respectable salary our employers turn away. Most try to settle for very poor pay. There is also no job-security. Often, our employers find the smallest of reason to terminate our employment. We are pushed to our limit and have to suffer inhumane working conditions. Some even levy fraud charges like theft or robbery if we try to raise our voice.”

Singh says this gloomy scenario is now changing through unionization. The domestic workers who are now members of the union – Hind Gharelu Kamgar Sabha (affiliated to HMS) at Rangpuri Pahari hold monthly meetings. They discuss their issues in a transparent manner in the union and come up with solutions. ILO too has played an active role in emboldening their voice.

Nishimoto assured the workers that their cause is not lost. “You are all deeply valuable members of this society and it is because of your contribution that many working men and women are able to manage their households stress-free. Your contribution to India’s care economy is critical. It is recognized by ILO and the highest officials of the state. Thank you for your fight towards achieving decent work and for raising your voice. We need to continue on this path till we see a real change.”