PLIGHT OF DOMESTIC WORKERS

Sir,

Thank you for allowing me space in your widely read newspapers to raise a concern that has bothered me for quite some time. I believe that most adults cannot survive without the service of domestic workers. Sadly, the service rendered by most domestic workers is not appreciated as they are ill-treated and paid meagre salaries.

Many domestic workers do not even know the rights that they have because no one explains it clearly to them.

Comply

As a result, there are thousands of domestic workers who are not registered and this makes their employers not comply with the basic employment laws.
Employers should move with the times and start recognising that domestic workers have rights too.

Most domestic workers do not earn meaningful wages yet they work long hours and are in most cases deprived of a social life. Their low status, lack of job satisfaction and service dependence on their employers are a huge problem. My analysis is that domestic workers are a vulnerable and exploited group and this is something that needs to change.

Rights

We are living in an era where it is important to ensure that the rights of all citizens are respected and recognised.
Remember, these domestic workers also have families to feed and are breadwinners. They also deserve reasonable salaries in order to cope with the expensive life out there. Thousands of employers do not issue payslips or prepare proper contracts for domestic workers.

Others have never even considered contributing to their domestic workers’ unemployment insurance funds. Domestic workers need to be appreciated because they hard day and night for their employers.

Insulted

As an employer, there is no need to scold your domestic workers especially in front children. When a domestic worker is insulted or shouted at, she will start feeling useless and not appreciated. But a domestic worker who is treated with respect will feel incredible and the work she does will talk for itself.

Some employers return home angry and start shouting at their domestic workers. Why scream at an innocent person? What have domestic workers to deserve such treatment? I do hope that proper laws that will look into the lives of domestic workers will be enacted.

Umlangeni,
Manzini

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