Panaji: The Goa Domestic Workers Union on Monday called on the state government to formally recognize domestic work as a form of employment and fix minimum wages. The workers presented a five-point charter of demands to mark International Domestic Workers’ Day.
Key Demands
The demands include establishing a state domestic workers’ welfare board, revising minimum wages with legal protection, providing free bus passes for workers traveling from labor-surplus to labor-deficient areas, recognizing domestic work under new labor laws to prevent exploitation, and extending social security benefits to registered workers.
Union Leaders Speak
Trade union leader Christopher Fonseca stated that domestic workers deserved dignity and a national platform, noting that the Supreme Court had recognized them as homemakers and nation builders. He urged that they be brought under schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.
Union leaders said the demands would be submitted to the government.
Gathering and Advocacy
Nearly 220 domestic workers from across Goa attended the gathering, organized by the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Goa. Union leader Sarita Tirkey said domestic workers continue to be denied basic rights despite four decades of advocacy by NDWM.
The union leaders noted that several public interest litigations (PILs) are pending before the Supreme Court seeking minimum wage legislation for domestic workers, and state governments are obligated to constitute welfare boards and expert committees. Union leader Graciyan urged workers to organize rallies to strengthen the movement.
