Panaji: Goa Domestic Workers Union on Monday called on state govt to formally recognise domestic work as a form of employment and fix minimum wages. The workers have arrived at a five-point charter of demands to mark International Domestic Workers’ Day.The demands include establishing a state domestic workers’ welfare board, revising minimum wages with legal protection, providing free bus passes for workers travelling from labour-surplus to labour-deficient areas, recognising domestic work under new labour laws to prevent exploitation, and extending social security benefits to registered workers.Trade union leader Christopher Fonseca said that domestic workers deserved dignity and a national platform, noting the Supreme Court had recognised them as homemakers and nation builders. Fonseca urged that they be brought under schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.Union leaders said the demands would be submitted to govt.Nearly 220 domestic workers from across Goa attended the gathering, organised by the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Goa.Union leader Sarita Tirkey said domestic workers continued to be denied basic rights despite four decades of advocacy by NDWM.The union leaders said several PILs were pending before the SC seeking minimum wage legislation for domestic workers, and state govts were obligated to constitute welfare boards and expert committees. Union leader Graciyan urged workers to organise rallies to strengthen the movement.
