Ignored, undervalued, and indeed often exploited or abused, over the centuries, domestic workers across the world are now organising themselves and winning huge support, especially from the trade union movement. They have finally gained recognition as workers, with the fundamental rights of other workers, and now they are demanding that these rights are respected.
We in the trade unions of Europe can do much more to help this process, and it is worth it because – as we have shown at the international level – we can win! However, if we are to gain real improvements in the living and working situations of those who do our domestic work, there is still much to learn and share, both within and across borders.
So this publication looks at:
*Who are the domestic workers of Europe?
l How are they organised as workers, and who is supporting them to gain collective strength? How are the trade unions across Europe responding to their needs and demands?
l What is the legal situation governing their employment in the different countries, such as their hours of work and rights to paid time off?
l Are they getting access that other workers have to social security, such as unemployment or sickness benefits, or maternity leave?
l How are their organisations negotiating with the employers of domestic workers?
l Above all, what can we in the trade unions do better to support them in their long fight for justice?
Direct Link to Full 40-Page 2015 Booklet:
http://www.effat.org/sites/default/files/news/13931/effat_booklet_domestic_workers_in_europe_en.pdf
Извор: WUNRN – 29.02.2016
