Maids seek hike in wage, holidays

Janet Meenakshi, a domestic worker from Kanyakumari, said she was promised a wage of Rs 8,000 but paid only Rs 3,000. “In addition to the low wages, I was expected to work round the clock and wasn’t provided food or tea. I also found out later on that the family had been taking my videos on the mobile to see if I was working properly. I felt really ashamed and quit the job,” she tearfully explained to the jury members Dr Justice AK Rajan, former High Court Judge, U Vasuki, All India Democratic Women’s Federation Chennai, R Geetha, National Campaign Committee for Unorganised Workers, and others. 

Countless domestic workers have been working for a pittance for years. 

Rani, a domestic worker and CITU member, said, “If we ask for Rs 100 extra, they make us to do extra work. The employers don’t record the overtime work we are made to do, but if we take an extra day’s leave, our salaries are cut. Minimum wages will really help.” Kokila, who works in Ambattur, added, “Even after we work in four or five houses, the earnings are not enough to run the house or pay the school fees for our children.”

Of the 200 domestic workers gathered, many said they had no weekly holidays. Janaki, a domestic worker from Mogappair, said, “We need at least one-day holiday in a week so as to spend time with our children. In addition, we also need bonus every year to help our families.” Kanagamani from Thoothukudi complained, “We are made to clean bathrooms without gloves and work in unsanitary conditions. This is surely affecting our health.” 

According to Sister Josephine Valarmathi from National Domestic Workers Movement, which organised this hearing, Tamil Nadu has more than 18 lakh persons engaged as domestic workers. “After the hearing, we will be sending the recommendations to the government. Currently, there is a reformulation of the committee to set the minimum wage for domestic workers. Once the draft National Policy for Domestic Workers is passed, the state too should adapt it and ensure a dignified life to domestic workers,” she concluded.