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ILO estimates there are more than 50 lakh domestic workers in India. It is a gendered occupation that is seen as an extension of women's daily chores. The impact of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown on domestic workers was studied by SEWA.
The findings are as follows :
The findings are as follows :
This group is exceedingly vulnerable because
Domestic work is not recognised as labour, since it is sought to make the employer productive.
There are no laws in place for their protection and welfare.
Poor working conditions, sexual assault, accidents due to unorganised workplace
Domestic work is not recognised as labour, since it is sought to make the employer productive.
There are no laws in place for their protection and welfare.
Poor working conditions, sexual assault, accidents due to unorganised workplace
Current Employment Status
A staggering 45% of domestic workers either lost work or aren't sure if they still have their old jobs. Those who did not lose work, were willing to go back to work to these houses, even if they weren’t paid during the lockdown.
A staggering 45% of domestic workers either lost work or aren't sure if they still have their old jobs. Those who did not lose work, were willing to go back to work to these houses, even if they weren’t paid during the lockdown.
Leaves
We found that 46% of domestic workers got leaves either with difficulty or none at all. In case of sick leaves, they were either given with deduction in salary(60%) or none at all(40%).
We found that 46% of domestic workers got leaves either with difficulty or none at all. In case of sick leaves, they were either given with deduction in salary(60%) or none at all(40%).
Occupational Safety
The nature of work is such that practicing social distancing is not possible at workplace. Workers have access to soap and water for basic hand hygiene.
The nature of work is such that practicing social distancing is not possible at workplace. Workers have access to soap and water for basic hand hygiene.
Food as a Measure of Security
A staggering 75% domestic workers had to face a change in diet because of reduced incomes. The effects of this compromised diet is visible in their family's overall health.
A staggering 75% domestic workers had to face a change in diet because of reduced incomes. The effects of this compromised diet is visible in their family's overall health.
Financial Security & Loans
50% of the domestic workers had monetary help from employers out of which only a 15% of them received this monetary support as aid, while the other 45% received it as as loans. Not all Jan Dhan account holders received the 500 rupees promised to them.
50% of the domestic workers had monetary help from employers out of which only a 15% of them received this monetary support as aid, while the other 45% received it as as loans. Not all Jan Dhan account holders received the 500 rupees promised to them.
Conclusion
Recognition of domestic workers as workers should be the first and foremost step in ensuring better treatment and quality of life for domestic workers.
Redressal mechanisms to address the violations and atrocities caused to domestic workers.
Recognition of domestic workers as workers should be the first and foremost step in ensuring better treatment and quality of life for domestic workers.
Redressal mechanisms to address the violations and atrocities caused to domestic workers.
