A GROUP representing domestic workers says it is “encouraged” by the development of a new code of practice for their protection.
The Domestic Workers Support Group (DWSG) of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) says the code, signed last week by Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen, is “the first step” towards tackling the “ongoing exploitation” of domestic workers and recognising the need to protect women employed in private homes.
According to Edel Mc-Ginley, co-ordinator of the DWSG: “We continually see women employed in the private home being coerced and mistreated, with large numbers of women reporting exploitation and seeking our assistance. This is an issue that will not be solved overnight.”
The code points to various unacceptable infringements on a domestic worker’s rights, such as confiscating their passport, and sets out what information must be shown on the employee’s pay slip.
However, Lot Gernan, a member of the DWSG has said: “While this code addresses some of the most shocking violations in this sector, it is only aspirational. An employer’s behaviour will only change when there are enforcement mechanisms in place.”
The DWSG is calling on the new government to set up a Joint Labour Committee and establish new laws to protect women in this sector.
The code of practice is a result of the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, which cited the need to support the employment rights of people employed in private homes.
Minister Killeen said: “I am asking the National Employ-ment Rights Authority (Nera) to include the code in the arrangements it is making to give greater visibility to the employment rights of workers. I will also ensure that the code is made available to workers employed in other people’s homes where such workers may have contact with the Employment Permits Section of the Department.”
He continued: “I intend to include in the Employment Rights Compliance Bill, currently in preparation, a provision enabling the Nera to apply to the District Court for a warrant to enter a private dwelling to carry out an inspection where the owner refuses permission.”
He concluded: “I urge, in particular, all of those people who employ someone in their home to carefully read this Code of Practice which will prove to be an invaluable resource to good employers.”
According to Edel Mc-Ginley, co-ordinator of the DWSG: “We continually see women employed in the private home being coerced and mistreated, with large numbers of women reporting exploitation and seeking our assistance. This is an issue that will not be solved overnight.”
The code points to various unacceptable infringements on a domestic worker’s rights, such as confiscating their passport, and sets out what information must be shown on the employee’s pay slip.
However, Lot Gernan, a member of the DWSG has said: “While this code addresses some of the most shocking violations in this sector, it is only aspirational. An employer’s behaviour will only change when there are enforcement mechanisms in place.”
The DWSG is calling on the new government to set up a Joint Labour Committee and establish new laws to protect women in this sector.
The code of practice is a result of the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, which cited the need to support the employment rights of people employed in private homes.
Minister Killeen said: “I am asking the National Employ-ment Rights Authority (Nera) to include the code in the arrangements it is making to give greater visibility to the employment rights of workers. I will also ensure that the code is made available to workers employed in other people’s homes where such workers may have contact with the Employment Permits Section of the Department.”
He continued: “I intend to include in the Employment Rights Compliance Bill, currently in preparation, a provision enabling the Nera to apply to the District Court for a warrant to enter a private dwelling to carry out an inspection where the owner refuses permission.”
He concluded: “I urge, in particular, all of those people who employ someone in their home to carefully read this Code of Practice which will prove to be an invaluable resource to good employers.”
