Convention on domestic workers

Convention on Domestic Workers

Convention concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers
Signed	16 June 2011
Location	Geneva
Effective	not in force
Condition	2 ratifications
Ratifiers	none
Depositary	Director-General of the International Labour Office
Languages	French and English

The Convention on Domestic Workers, formally the Convention concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers is a convention setting labour standards for domestic workers. It is the 189th ILO convention and was adopted during the 100th session of the International Labour Organization.^[1]

Rights

The main rights given to domestic workers as decent work are daily and weekly (at least 24 h) rest hours, entitlement to minimum wage and to choose the place where they live and spend their leave. Ratifying states parties should also take protective measures against violence and should enforce a minimum age which is consistent with the minimum age at other types of employment. Workers furthermore have a right to a clear (preferably written) communication of employment conditions which should in case of international recruitment be be communicated prior to immigration. They are furthermore not required to reside at the house where they work, or to stay at the house during their leave.^[1]

Adoption and Entry into force

The convention was put to vote on 16 June 2011 by a vote at the ILO conference in Geneva. As ILO is a tripartite organization, for every country the government, employers and workers' representatives are entitled to vote. The convention was adopted with 396 votes in favour and 16 against (and 63 abstentions).^[1] All Gulf states voted in support, while abstentions were cast by (amongst others) the United Kingdom.^[2]

The convention will enter into force 1 year after ratification by two countries, which is a standard entry into force condition for ILO conventions. Ratifications are to be communicated to the Secretary-general of ILO.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "100th ILO annual Conference decides to bring an estimated 53 to 100 million domestic workers worldwide under the realm of labour standards". International Labour Organization. 16 June 2011. http://www.ilo.org/ilc/ILCSessions/100thSession/media-centre/press-releases/WCMS_157891/lang--en/index.htm. Retrieved 16 June 2011. 
2. ^ Hui Min Neo (16 June 2011). "ILO passes landmark treaty to protect domestic workers". Global Nation Inquirer. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/4318/ilo-passes-landmark-treaty-to-protect-domestic-workers. Retrieved 16 June 2011. 

External Links

text of the convention