A minimum wage of Rs. 50 per hour and weekly-offs were some of the demands made by domestic workers, who protested in the city on Wednesday.
Notice before termination of service, paid holidays and medical benefits were some of the other requirements demanded as part of a national policy for domestic workers. Domestic workers from Ashok Nagar, Ambatur, Saidapet, Anna Nagar, T. Nagar, Adyar, Kodambakkam, Korukkupet, Aminjikarai and other neighbourhoods gathered near the State guest house.
“Domestic workers across the country are not entitled to weekly offs, medical benefits, notice period or paid leave. Instead, they are exploited and overworked. This has to end,” said Clara, state co-ordinator, Tamil Nadu Domestic workers Federation.
The number of domestic workers has been on the rise mainly due to mechanisation in the construction sector. However, members of the federation said, working conditions and pay remain poor.
A memorandum with several demands was given to the State labour minister, secretary to the labour department and to the commissioner of labour by the federation. “Similar protests will be held in the coming weeks in each district across the State to highlight our plight and demands,” said Clara.
