21-06-2025
Welfare trust demands fair wages, social security for domestic workers
Regulating the domestic work sector and promoting the dignity of labour was in focus at a meeting organised by the state chapter of the National Domestic Workers' Welfare Trust (NDWWT) in Tiruchi on Saturday.
The programme was part of a series of meetings held to observe the 15th International Domestic Workers' Day in the State and was attended by over 50 women in Tiruchi.
In his address, A. Divianathan, Additional Commissioner of Labour, Tiruchi zone, who holds charge as Secretary, Tamil Nadu Manual Workers Welfare Board, Chennai, encouraged the workers to approach the authorities for redress of issues they faced professionally.
'The world is waking up to the condition of domestic workers and this is being reflected in our country's policies too. Use the favourable atmosphere to promote your personal and professional well-being,' said Mr. Divyanathan.
P. Clarammal, state coordinator, NDWWT, presented a list of demands on behalf of the workers. These included the enactment of a comprehensive central legislation for domestic workers, fair wages, social security, and legal rights.
'We urge the implementation of the Supreme Court's judgemnt of January 29 that directed the Centre to consider enacting a law to protect the rights of domestic workers. We want legal protection against sexual harassment,' she said.
The enabling of Employee State Insurance, Provident Fund, and social security benefits were among the other demands.
