Domestic workers play a crucial role in countless households, yet they continue to face challenges as they operate outside the legal system, making them susceptible to exploitation. A recent review by the Labour Reform Commission revealed that 22 out of 47 sectors covered by the Bangladesh Minimum Wages Board pay workers below the poverty line. However, domestic workers are even more marginalized as they lack official recognition, leaving them among the most unprotected laborers. This issue was the focal point of a recent roundtable discussion where experts emphasized the urgency of addressing their situation.
Both the Labour Reform Commission and the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission have recommended incorporating domestic workers into labor laws. While the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2015 touches on this group, it lacks legal enforceability. To ensure the rights outlined in the policy are upheld, speakers at the roundtable reiterated the need for formal inclusion under labor laws with provisions for fair wages, benefits, and the establishment of written contracts detailing working conditions. They also advocated for a structured complaint resolution system, possibly managed by ward committees or apartment societies, to handle issues like abuse, non-payment, and excessive work demands.
Formalizing the domestic work sector could address many of the challenges faced by these workers, provided it happens promptly. Registration of domestic workers is essential to enforce any rights granted by law, formalizing the employer-worker relationship for transparency and accountability. An inclusive database could facilitate unionization efforts, crucial for addressing grievances. As approximately 80 percent of permanent domestic workers are reportedly underage girls, according to a March 2024 report by the Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association, it is imperative to comprehensively address this issue within the legal framework to eradicate child labor and ensure compliance with age regulations.
The recommendations put forth by the Labour Reform Commission, advocating for legal recognition, national minimum wage coverage, and other safeguards for all workers, are particularly pertinent considering the vulnerability of domestic workers. These proposals merit serious consideration to improve the conditions and rights of this essential workforce.