the goan I network
PORVORIM
Goa Union of Domestic Workers had organized a rally to mark the occasion of the Labour Day. The rally started from Family Church, proceeded towards Chogam Road and then returned to Holy Family church Via Galaxy apartment. Around 400 domestic workers from Goa participated in
this rally .
While speaking to The Goa, coordinator of Goa Domestic and Migrant Worker’s Forum Marie Lou Barboza stated this rally has been organized to create awareness on recognition of domestic workers as workers. 12 States in India have brought domestic workers under the Minimum Wages Act 1948 and have also constituted the State Social Security Boards under the Unorganized Workers Social Security Act 2008.
Since most often the domestic workers are illiterate, they are often exploited and their work is undervalued, underpaid and poorly regulated. This attitude towards the domestic workers often results in lack of decent wages, poor work conditions, abuse, and sexual harassment at workplace and lack of welfare measures.
Barboza further mentioned that the Government of Goa has not yet fixed minimum wage for domestic workers under Minimum Wage Act-1948 nor has set up the Welfare Board under SS ACT-2008 as is done in other states.
She also requested the state government to protect the rights of the domestic workers by fulfilling the following demands namely that domestic work should be brought under the Minimum Wages Act and minimum wages should be fixed, speed up the process of setting up the Welfare Board, initiate registration of domestic workers in the Board, allocate special budget for the social security of domestic workers and give Assurance of bonus, pension and future security schemes to the domestic workers.
