DIMAPUR, APRIL 3 (MExN): The National Committee of Domestic Workers and the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) today stated that the 21-day lockdown and these uncertain times has come as a big blow to all informal workers who otherwise live a hand to mouth existence on daily wages.
“The migrant workers feel the most trapped- unable to go home and unable to send money home to their families. The social ostracism is also a factor of concern even for the workers who work in the essential services - who are treated with suspicion and even aggression for fear of spreading infection,” a press release from the association stated.
It added that unlike other informal workers, the domestic workers have long work relationships with their employers. But being covered by no regulatory norms, they can be easily dismissed according to the whims of the employers. They also have no other social security or rights. Most of these workers are women who in many cases are the sole bread winners of the family.
Many states have announced welfare packages for the workers but things will take time to roll out. Nevertheless, without cash for other needs, the distress signals will also become a social threat, it pointed out.
It informed that according to conservative figures, there are over 40 lakh domestic workers in the country all of whom have employers and have provided service to keep the social fabric functioning all these years.
“It is only normal that the employers rise up to the occasion and agree to pay the workers their wages for these days when they are obliged to remain at home,” it appealed.
“As days go by, insecurity will convert into aggression which is the responsibility of all to manage and control. Hence extending this small gesture will be a way to cooperate with this global crisis by at least mitigating the woes of a small section of informal workers,” it added.
