6. <June 16, 2014> ‘WE are domestic workers’ Press conference for 2nd anniversary of International Domestic Workers Day

 National Assembly and Government must ratify ILO convention to protect domestic workers as soon as possible!

- A member state of OECD, Korea, a state of 15th to ratify the ILO convention!

 International domestic workers day is established at June 16, 2011, celebrating adoption of ‘Convention on the protection of domestic workers’ which was adopted at 100th ILO general assembly to ensure labor right and social right to one hundred million domestic workers all over the world. 

 All over the nation, around 300 thousands domestic workers, called house manager, postnatal care manager, home day care worker, and etc., work professionally. Due to change of social environment and family structure, contribution of domestic workers into society has increased. Nevertheless social environment where they work, having worth and being healthy, is not prepared. Domestic workers have not been protected by legal frame such as minimum wage and 4 major social securities since 1953 when Labor Standard Act was enacted. 

 As such problems are concerned internationally, in 2011 ILO ratified ‘domestic workers protection convention’ after several year discussion. And 14 states such as Philippines, Uruguay as well as Germany and Italy have ratified the convention. Also at 4 states including Chile, international campaign is being carried out, aimed to ratify in this year.  

 However, Korean government has not been working on to take active action or have communication with domestic workers’ organization with earnest attention but conducted a couple of research work. Last 2012, a bill was proposed to National Assembly, afterward no single follow-up steps was taken. It represents attitude to neglect domestic workers who are in number, at minimum, 300 thousands and abandons government responsibility to ensure labor right and social right which is basic right of nation.   

 Therefore, commemorating 2nd International Domestic Workers Day, we, domestic workers, demand for the followings in order to increase decent care jobs and to secure labor rights. 

 First, Korean government that represented a stand for adoption of ILO domestic workers protection convention should concretely prepare to ratify the convention with responsibility. Government must start discussion on administrative procedure and amendment of relevant laws like the Labor Standard Act by establishing ‘social dialogue’ organization together with domestic workers, customers (employers), civic labor organization. 

 Second, cover immediately unemployment insurance and occupational health and safety insurance to domestic workers by priority! Ensure basic medical cost and living cost for domestic workers that are in difficulty in taking appropriate treatment even though they are easily exposed to various kind of danger at working place!

 Third, build a public employment-supporting mechanism for domestic work to manage the quality of employment as well as service! Increase support for public Non-profit job-supporting organization such as cooperative, social enterprise, free employment agency! 

 June 16, 2014 National House Manager Cooperative, Korean Domestic Workers’ Association, Young Women's Christian Association of Korea