ILO unveils strategy on domestic workers’ welfare

The International Labour Organisation is taking action to guarantee that domestic workers have access to good quality jobs, as global demand for these workers is expected to rise.

In light of this, it has introduced a comprehensive strategy consisting of five steps to improve the working conditions and rights of domestic workers globally.

Domestic workers, who often face some of the worst working conditions, play a vital role in society by providing essential care services to private households.

However, the ILO stressed that their contributions have often been undervalued.

An ILO report, published in 2021, found that 81 per cent of domestic workers were informally employed, due to either gaps in legal coverage or gaps in implementation.

Meanwhile, it noted that this can be attributed to gaps in legal coverage and implementation. “However, due to the increasing demand for care services worldwide, the need for domestic workers is expected to rise,” it mentioned.

The Director of the Conditions of Work and Equality Department, Sukti Dasgupta, said, “We strongly believe that by following these steps, inspired by the good practices presented in the report, we can make significant progress so that decent work becomes a reality for domestic workers. Domestic workers have ensured our daily care needs. Now it is time for us to ensure they enjoy decent work.”

According to her, the strategy aims to provide practical solutions to empower and improve the lives of domestic workers worldwide.

ILO said the strategies were based on governments, employers and workers working together through phases, which include the process of involving estimating domestic worker numbers and informal employment share, analysing gaps in labour laws, and identifying drivers of informality.

It, however, stated that it would be developing targeted strategies, implementing an action plan through social dialogue, and monitoring progress towards the objectives of formalising domestic work.