Sat Dec 07 21:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Domestic Workers Union Demands Legislation During Winter Session
**Belagavi, December 8, 2024** – The Domestic Workers’ Rights Union (DWRU) in Karnataka is urging state legislators to address the plight of domestic workers during the upcoming winter session. Members met in Belagavi on Saturday and resolved to send letters to all MLAs and MLCs demanding the passage of laws to protect their rights and improve their working conditions. They also plan to stage protests during the session.
Geeta Menon, joint secretary of DWRU, highlighted the lack of recognition and social security benefits for domestic workers, a workforce numbering over 10 million in India. She called for the issuance of identity cards, equal pay for equal work, weekly leave, ESI and PF facilities, and assured workplace safety. Menon criticized the failure of previous bills and policies to provide adequate protection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legislation.
Activist Dileep Kamat added that their demands include the formation of a steering committee to address domestic worker issues and a separate welfare board for the state, mirroring models in other states. He stressed the need for legislation aligned with constitutional provisions and International Labour Organisation conventions.
Vaishali Kammar, convenor, expressed hope that legislators will finally address these long-standing concerns. The union members are confident that their elected representatives will act in accordance with the principles of the Constitution. The event was attended by several union leaders, including Renuka Ashtekar.
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