Labour policy: Back to the future for domestic helps

Business Standard looks at what the proposed labour policy might hold in store for domestic helps

The government is set to introduce a new national policy for domestic workers. Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya is reported to have submitted a draft note in this regard.

Here are some of the important things likely to be a part of the proposed policy.

Minimum salary

A full-time or ‘highly skilled’ domestic worker will have to be paid a minimum monthly salary of Rs 9,000.

The draft policy recommends a minimum monthly wage for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled categories of domestic workers. How the policy defines each of these categories will be keenly watched.

Paid leaves

Domestic workers will have to be provided with 15 compulsory paid leaves every year, as well as maternity leave for female workers. 

Social security scheme

Compulsory social security schemes meant for the future of domestic workers will also have a mandatory contribution from the employer.

Legal bindings

All provisions, ‘Dos and Dont’s’, will be enforced through a legal contract among the employer, the employee and a third-party intermediary organistion connecting the two.

Other likely provisions

A contract like this will include provisions against sexual harassment and bonded labour. It is also likely to safeguard domestic helps’ right to pursue education, a safe work environment and a mechanism for redress of their grievances. Workers and employers will also have the right to form groups and engage with each other for ‘collective bargaining.’

Experts opinion

According to a report in The Indian Express, experts think considerations for wages should not only be made on the basis of hours of work — as they could be asked to complete more intensive work in short spans — but also the size and locality of the house that employs them, the number of members of the family, etc.

The report also quotes Valarmathi, head of Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers Union, as saying: “Instituting employment cards, enabling the state welfare board to broaden the reach, or setting aside even one per cent of housing tax could contribute to their funding.”