Background note

Trade unions in India have been actively involved in the campaign for “Decent Work for Domestic Workers” and have been carrying-out initiatives in support of the campaign it was launched in March 2009. So far, these efforts have produced very encouraging outcomes and can be considered as positive steps towards improving the working and living conditions of domestic workers in India.

For instance, in Tamil Nadu State, the AITUC has embarked on activities creating awareness amongst the domestic workers, discussing the rights of domestic workers and the need for protecting them, the tools available for protection and the lacunae, the need for a separate national and international legislative instrument and the strength achieved by unionizing and collective bargaining process.

In Karnataka, a separate union was registered in the name of "Karnataka Domestic Workers Union” affiliated to the INTUC and more than 1,200 members have been enrolled. The membership drive is going on with full swing. "Domestic Workers Advocates" (Trainers) have also undergone training and will be responsible for educating and organizing domestic workers in selected areas.

These experiences can offer useful insights that other unions can learn from. Lessons regarding strategies and activities implemented can also assist in determining future trade actions in this area. In this regard, an activity that will draw upon and share the learning and experiences of the unions in organizing domestic workers can prove useful. It can also provide necessary inputs for the planned standard setting discussions on decent work for domestic workers which will take place at the 2010 International Labour Conference in Geneva.

Objectives, participants and resource persons

The proposed two-day activity will gather trade union officers from AITUC and INTUC responsible for the above mentioned projects. Representatives from the major national centers will also be invited and participate in the two-day workshop. It is expected that around 20-25 participants will attend the activity.

Specifically, the two-day workshop will:

• Discuss experiences gained from the efforts of the AITUC and INTUC;
• Generate lessons and insights from the two (2) projects which can inform future trade union actions; and
• Come up with plans for moving forward.

Responsible ILO Specialists will be invited as resource persons on specific topics. The Sr. Specialist on Workers Activities will act as main facilitator. A documenter will be engaged to record proceedings of the activity.