It will soon be illegal to employ domestic workers without written contracts if the just adopted International Labour Organisation’s convention is ratified.
The government will have to ensure housemaids are informed of their terms and conditions of employment to ensure that their rights are not violated and that they are respected like any section of the working population.
The new convention will not only be a reprieve to local domestic workers but also for those working in other countries, especially in Middle East where there have been many cases of abuse. “This is a landmark treaty that we have been chasing for years. It is a great victory for our househelps, the shamba boys and the maids. This convention will force employers to respect and appreciate their immense contribution, never again will they be abused,” Cotu boss Francis Atwoli said yesterday on his arrival from the ILO session in Geneve that adopted the convention.
Atwoli said the convention will come to effect upon ratification. “Given that the governement representatives in the conference voted for it, I remain optimistic that before the current Parlaiment’s term come to an end, this convention will have been ratified,”Atwoli said.
If domesticated, Atwoli said Cotu in conjuction with the ministry of labour will be holding improptu visits to homes to take stock of its implementaion and make sure dometic workers’ rights are not abused.
According to the convetion, employers will be expected to share their name, contacts, their usual workplace with their workers, information which will be shared with the governemnt. The contracts should stipulate the starting date, time, duration of work and remuneration, method of calculation and periodicity of payments.
Source: Nairobi Star
