ILO: 96% of domestic workers still don’t enjoy full social protection

DESPITE the enforcement of the international Domestic Workers Convention a decade ago, about 96 percent of such workers worldwide still do not enjoy a full range of social “protection,” according to a new study from the International Labor Organization (ILO).

In its "Making the right to social security a reality for domestic workers: A global review of policy trends, statistics and extension strategies" report, ILO said only 6 percent of the 75.6 million domestic workers worldwide are covered by medical care, sickness, unemployment, old age, employment injury, family, maternity, invalidity and survivors’ benefits.

"About half of all domestic workers have no coverage at all, with the remaining half legally covered by at least one benefit," ILO said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“Even where they are legally covered, only one-in-five domestic workers are actually covered in practice because the vast majority are employed informally,” it added.

Most of those who enjoy the comprehensive social welfare protection are from Europe and Central Asia, while almost all of those employed in Arab States, Asia and the Pacific and Africa do not have such benefits.

This, it noted, makes the majority of domestic workers worldwide vulnerable compared to those employed in other sectors.

This became more apparent with the onset of Covid-19 in 2020, which led to the displacement or infections of many domestic workers.

"They were among the worst-hit during the pandemic, with many losing their jobs and livelihoods. Many of those who kept their jobs were often exposed to the disease without sufficient protective equipment," ILO said.

To address the plight of these workers, ILO urged more countries to adopt the provisions of its convention No. 189 or the Domestic Workers Convention of 2011 or Recommendation 2011, which stipulate the basic standards for the protection for domestic workers.

The said convention and recommendation set the minimum labor standards for domestic workers, which should be on a par with those employed in other sectors.

Currently, only 35 of the 187 ILO member countries have ratified Convention 189. Among the countries which first enforced it is the Philippines.

ILO also recommended simplifying the registration and payment procedures for the enrollment of domestic workers in concerned government agencies, which provide them social protection.

It also proposed promoting inspection services, complaints and appeal mechanisms for domestic workers as well as information drive so both the affected workers and employers will be aware of the said measures.