Challenges Faced by Domestic Workers

• Substandard Working Conditions: Denial of minimum wages and social security coverage like pension and insurance. Vulnerability to exploitation, particularly for live-in workers.
• Legal Protection Gaps
  • Absence of specific Acts for legal protection
  • Proposed bills awaiting approval since 2010 and 2017
• Implementation Challenges
  • Inadequate enforcement of laws like the Minimum Wages Act
  • Lack of compliance with social security mandates
• Insufficient Data
  • Widely varying estimates from 4 million to 50 million domestic workers
  • Hampers planning and policymaking efforts
• Role of Informal Placement Agencies
  • Lack of scrutiny leading to exploitation by profit-focused agencies
  • Prioritisation of profits over worker rights
• Neglect of Domestic Labour Rights
  • Legislation fails to recognize domestic work as legitimate ‘work’
  • Impedes workers’ rights and protections
• Limited Unionisation
  • Low unionisation rates diminish bargaining power and support in cases of exploitation

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Impacts and Vulnerabilities of Informal Sector Workers

• Lack of Social Security: Informal sector workers lack benefits, leaving them vulnerable to economic and political shocks.
  • For instance, if you work for a private company you can give a 30 day notice period before resigning. You may also receive paid leaves.
• Economic Vulnerability: Casual workers, many migrants, are susceptible to economic shocks due to low-paid, unskilled jobs.
• Structural Disadvantages: Limited literacy and skills contribute to exploitation, worsened by discrimination in urban labour markets.
• Government Failure: Urban informal workers face wage inequality and lack of gainful employment opportunities, perpetuating precarious conditions.