Group raises need to protect domestic workers

When Sam — not her real name — was only 14-years-old, she left for Kuwait in hopes of finding stable employment as a domestic helper. Upon arriving there, however, she found herself without an employer and soon, started working for free for her recruiter where the living conditions were barely human — 20 or so other people had to sleep together in a tiny room. Sam’s story is no different from that of many other Filipinos who leave the country to work as domestic helpers abroad. During the 100th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland early this year, world leaders had already stressed the need to protect domestic workers—most of whom are female and come from developing countries. [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222405/pinoy-abroad/ilos-100th-conference-to-tackle-rights-of-domestic-workers] The International Labour Organization (ILO) has also been pushing for the proper treatment of domestic helpers all over the world.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Last week, the ILO came out with its Text of the Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers signed by over 400 countries. It provides the guidelines on the minimum hours of rest, maximum hours of work, benefits and overtime pay that domestic workers must receive and mandates the creation of contracts between helpers and their employers. In a report, GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation" said the advocacy group Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Manggagawang Pantahanan sa Pilipinas (SUMAPI) urged lawmakers to pass the Kasambahay Bill, which is already on its third reading. The bill would set minimum standards for salaries, require enrollment in social security and set fines on abusive owners. While the bill awaits passage, helpers who are being subjected to abuse may call the Visayan Forum Foundation Hotlines at 709-0594 or 0920-9239150. — BC/VS, GMA News