Convention on domestic workers
Encyclopedia
The Convention on Domestic Workers, formally the Convention concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers is a convention setting labour standards for domestic worker
s. It is the 189th ILO convention and was adopted during the 100th session of the International Labour Organization
.
are daily and weekly (at least 24 h) rest hours, entitlement to minimum wage
and to choose the place where they live and spend their leave. Ratifying states parties should also take protective measures against violence and should enforce a minimum age which is consistent with the minimum age at other types of employment. Workers furthermore have a right to a clear (preferably written) communication of employment conditions which should in case of international recruitment be be communicated prior to immigration
. They are furthermore not required to reside at the house where they work, or to stay at the house during their leave.
. As ILO is a tripartite
organization, for every country the government, employers and workers' representatives are entitled to vote. The convention was adopted with 396 votes in favour and 16 against (and 63 abstentions). All Gulf states voted in support, while abstentions were cast by (amongst others) the United Kingdom.
The convention will enter into force 1 year after ratification by two countries, which is a standard entry into force condition for ILO conventions. Ratifications are to be communicated to the Secretary-general of ILO.
Domestic worker
A domestic worker is a man, woman or child who works within the employer's household. Domestic workers perform a variety of household services for an individual or a family, from providing care for children and elderly dependents to cleaning and household maintenance, known as housekeeping...
s. It is the 189th ILO convention and was adopted during the 100th session of the International Labour Organization
International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that deals with labour issues pertaining to international labour standards. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. Its secretariat — the people who are employed by it throughout the world — is known as the...
.
Rights
The main rights given to domestic workers as decent workDecent work
Decent work is the availability of employment in conditions of freedom, equity, human security and dignity.According to the International Labour Organization ILO, Decent Work involves opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social...
are daily and weekly (at least 24 h) rest hours, entitlement to minimum wage
Minimum wage
A minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Equivalently, it is the lowest wage at which workers may sell their labour. Although minimum wage laws are in effect in a great many jurisdictions, there are differences of opinion about...
and to choose the place where they live and spend their leave. Ratifying states parties should also take protective measures against violence and should enforce a minimum age which is consistent with the minimum age at other types of employment. Workers furthermore have a right to a clear (preferably written) communication of employment conditions which should in case of international recruitment be be communicated prior to immigration
Immigration
Immigration is the act of foreigners passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence...
. They are furthermore not required to reside at the house where they work, or to stay at the house during their leave.
Adoption and Entry into force
The convention was put to vote on 16 June 2011 by a vote at the ILO conference in GenevaGeneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
. As ILO is a tripartite
Tripartism
Tripartism refers to economic corporatism based on tripartite contracts of business, labour, and state affiliations within the economy. Each is to act as a social partner to create economic policy through cooperation, consultation, negotiation, and compromise...
organization, for every country the government, employers and workers' representatives are entitled to vote. The convention was adopted with 396 votes in favour and 16 against (and 63 abstentions). All Gulf states voted in support, while abstentions were cast by (amongst others) the United Kingdom.
The convention will enter into force 1 year after ratification by two countries, which is a standard entry into force condition for ILO conventions. Ratifications are to be communicated to the Secretary-general of ILO.