This document discusses the abuse and lack of rights faced by domestic workers worldwide. It notes that there are over 53 million domestic workers globally, most of whom are women and girls. Domestic workers have historically been excluded from basic labor rights and protections. However, in 2011 the International Labour Organization adopted Convention 189, which guarantees domestic workers rights such as weekly days off, limits on work hours, and protection from violence. The convention aims to provide domestic workers with the same rights and protections as other workers. Several countries have since strengthened their laws for domestic workers. Organizing workers and advocating for their rights continues to be important to fully achieve dignity and respect for domestic workers.

1. Justice
for
Domestic Workers

2. The Problem
• Domestic workers face physical, financial, and emotional
abuse on the job due to lack of rights and protection
• There are early 53 million domestic workers around the
world, most of them women. This figure does not include
7 million children under 16 who labor as domestic
workers*
• They are historically excluded from rights afforded to all
workers
• They are an isolated workforce, making them vulnerable
to abuse and exploitation
* According to research by International Labour Organization

3. A 2009 survey of 70 countries found that
40% did not guarantee domestic workers
a weekly day of rest, and half did not
impose a limit on normal hours of work
for domestic workers
International Labour Organization

4. Hope for The Future
On June 16, 2011, members of the
International Labour Organization (ILO)
adopted the Convention Concerning
Decent Work for Domestic Workers (ILO’s
Convention189). It was ratified and
became effective on September 5, 2012.
The convention is equal to an international treaty, and
compels signatory nations to take necessary steps to
guarantee fair labor standards for domestic workers and
protect them from abuse. Countries that violate the terms of
the treaty would face international sanctions.

5. The Domestic Workers Convention
(C 189)
• Provide same basic labor rights as those available to other
workers
– Weekly days off
– Limit to hours of work
– Minimum wage coverage
– Overtime compensation
– Social security and clear information on terms and conditions
of employment
• Protect from abuse and violence
• Regulate private employment agencies
• Prevent child labor

7. Action = Progress
Countries around the globe have taken
action to strengthen laws and regulations to
provide fundamental labor rights that were
not guaranteed to domestic workers due to
the nature of their informal work

8. Source: Human Rights Watch

9. Source: Human Rights Watch

10. In the United States
• 2.5 million domestic
workers*
• Currently, 4 states have
passed the Domestic
Workers’ Bill of Rights
– New York (2010)
– Hawaii (July 2013)
– California (September 2013)
– Massachusetts (2014)
*Domestic Workers United

11. The fight for dignity and
respect for all domestic
workers is not yet over…

12. Organize, Educate,
Advocate…WIN!
• Organize domestic workers and inform
them of their rights
• Educate employers and recruitment
agencies on laws and regulations
• Advocate on federal and international
level
• Build coalitions within organizations to
increase resources and be more inclusive

14. “Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot
uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot
humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the
people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future,
and the future is ours.”
-Cesar Chavez

15. Sources
"Domestic Workers United." Domestic Workers United. Web. 05 July 2014.
<http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/>.
"The ILO Domestic Workers Convention: New Standards to Fight Discrimination,
Exploitation, and Abuse." Human Rights Watch, 2013. Web. 03 July 2014.
<http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/related_material/2013ilo_dw_convention_b
rochure.pdf>.
"New ILO Convention Gives Domestic Workers Historic Labor Rights." National
Domestic Workers Alliance. Web. 05 July 2014.
"New International Convention on Domestic Workers Rights Must Be Respected
by Governments." - International Trade Union Confederation. ITUC, 16 June
2011. Web. 04 July 2014. <http://www.ituc-csi.org/new-international-convention-
on>.
Reichel, Justin. "Domestic Workers Worldwide Abused, Need Protection: Report."
Epoch Times. Epoch Times, 22 Jan. 2013. Web. 05 July 2014.
<http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/canada/domestic-workers-worldwide-abused-
need-protection-report-338797.html>.
Yoshikane, Akito. "International Treaty Will Help End Forced Labor." National
Domestic Workers Alliance. NDWA, 22 June 2011. Web. 03 July 2014.