Comments on: Of Need and Exploitation: Domestic Workers in Karnataka

By: Shrinidhi Hande

Shrinidhi Hande — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:31:55 +0000

I think it is all about demand and supply.

In places where domestic workers are not available in enough numbers, I’ve seen them holding households for ransom- Demanding Rs 200- 400 per month, per task (Washing cloths, cleaving vessels, cleaning house etc) for working every alternate day…

probably in smaller town where more people are available for household work the pay might be lesser.

Here in Chennai we pay Rs 700 per month to our maid, for washing cloths and cleaning the house. She comes 2-3 times a week (supposed to be every alternate day).

It is perfectly fine to demand a decent pay. but that has to be complemented by certain professionalism in their work (like informing in advance if they plan to be absent, coming on time, quality of work, maintaining hygiene, unions doing proper background checks etc)

Just my opinion.

By: Siddhi Sheth

Siddhi Sheth — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:41:37 +0000

Suchi I agree with what you are saying. I was perplexed with this issue as well. During my visit to Mumbai, I observed my own relatives as well as family friends complain about workers leaving without notice as well as difficulty finding workers.

By: Siddhi Sheth

Siddhi Sheth — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:38:24 +0000

This is in reference to an article ” Domestic Workers and Demand for Living Wages” posted in The South Asian on Feb 11, 2006.
In this article you mentioned “This paper draws its data from extensive surveys of Domestic Workers and their Employers, carried out in May-June 2005.”
Could I have access to any of this data or would you know of a source where I could get such data, I am working on a theses in Grad school and my topic
is on Domestic Workers.
Thanks!!

By: Suchi

Suchi — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:47:53 +0000

This is a good move.

However, I wonder why there is a perception that domestic workers hold all the power. Middle-class households complain about lack of availability of workers since there is a high demand for them. There are also many anecdotes about people leaving without notice (sometimes after salary has been paid), about irregularity and about demands for loans.

It looks like there’s a need for reform on both sides. Fair wages, leave, etc. are good measures but the industry also needs to become more professional.

By: geeta menon

geeta menon — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:23:02 +0000

Dear friends,Its heartening to hear so many voices.We do need all the support in the union,and some brainstorming.The minimum wage fixed by the government is today for 8 hrs work Rs 2080!!Includes baby care.This is something the union is objecting to .We dont accept this minimum wage concept,as when it comes to wages only there is a minimum,but there has been no minimum put on profits!!!Our argument is for aliving wage,our slogan–decent wages for decent work.When we calculate the std of living costs for the dom.worker,we realise and are fighting for Rs 500-600 an hrs work ,only basic cleaning work.We are fixing different rates for skilled jobs as cooking and child care.While we are int the struggle,with govt being indifferent,we have to go beyond this min wage notification and seriously talk of law and policy.We need mechanisms to enforce registration of all workers,their protection.Can keep discussing for hrs.,but thks Usha and lets keep the channels of talk going.

By: Usha B N

Usha B N — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:38:21 +0000

Thanks for the comments! I agree law in itslef can not ensure that domestic workers are treated and paid well. There has to be changes in the way they and thier work is valued and treated. But law does give them a foothold to assert thier right.
Becky, the study is not available on related resources. You will have conact them directly to get a copy of the study. U can write to mahila_21@yahoo.co.in for further details.

By: Amodini

Amodini — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:06:03 +0000

It is a good idea to stipulate that workers recieve Rs. 1699 for an 8 hour work-day, but how will that ever get enforced ? In the desperate poverty that most domestic workers live in, there are multiple people who will work for less, so why exactly will someone pay more ? I don’t see domestic workers ever getting any help from the law (practically speaking) in getting just pay.

By: Becky

Becky — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 10:33:23 +0000

Thanks Usha for writing this!

‘In other words, they are a crucial cog in the economic wheel, allowing many homes to earn an additional income. Yet, they remain poorly paid and face multiple discriminations. Most domestic workers are women from marginalised classes and castes and even here, in their workplace, they receive neither fair wages nor recognition as employees.’

Are the studies you mentioned in the ‘related resources’?

By: NP

NP — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:33:27 +0000

Usha, do you work at Infosys. I think I’ve seen you(or someone who looks similar)

By: apu

apu — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:19:38 +0000

I dont believe legislation can solve the issue of wages, whether hre or in other such spheres. But organisation in every locality will surely mke their power felt. Its always a miracle to me how people crib to pay their maids less than what they may spend at a single meal at a fancy restaurent.

On the other side, I believe some of the larger apartmnt complexes hv already begun setting norms on payment.