Domestic workers entitled to protection under the law

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Presentation at GraceKennedy-Heather Little-White 2017 Household Workers  Awards presented by Hon Shahine Robinson(2nd left), Minister of Labour & Social Security
and GK CEO Don Wehby (3rd left). Cherrilene Williams-Case emerged as the
2017 Female Household Worker of the Year
while Anthony Houston was awarded Male Household Worker of the Year.

Jamaica Observer column published Mon 15 July 2019

International Domestic Workers Day will be celebrated tomorrow, July 16.  Avrie Allen-March, sociologist with the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), noted that “On this day in 2011, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted the Domestic Workers Convention (C189). The Convention lays down basic rights and principles to make decent work a reality for domestic workers.”

Well do I remember that day in 2016 at the GraceKennedy Household Workers Awards ceremony (for which I am happy to be ideator) when president of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU), Shirley Pryce briefed Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the Convention. When he ascended the stage for his keynote address he declared that Jamaica would adopt this Convention. True to his word, he announced its ratification in September 2016.

Mrs Allen-March explains: “This means that a domestic worker in Jamaica is entitled to the same protections under the law as any other worker. This includes the following: a contract, sufficient daily and/or weekly rest, a salary no lower than the minimum wage, paid annual leave, compensation for overtime work as well as social security contributions.”

I am appealing to media colleagues to mention these rights on the air and to encourage household workers to join the (JHWU) to have strength in numbers. Having served on the panel of judges for the GK-Heather Little-White Household Workers of the Year Awards, I can attest to the dedication of our household workers, women and men. Indeed, they are nominated by their employers who clearly appreciate the years of service they have given to sometimes more than one generation.

From these interviews we learn that household workers are entrusted with keys and funds when their employers travel. We learn that they hone their skills and practice time management. We learn of their compassion in assisting with the care of special needs children and elderly family members. They have noted the kindnesses of their employers, sometimes allowing them to include their children in live-in arrangements.

The ILO Convention requires that a contract be created for the employee and the Ministry of Labour & Social Security has made it clear that once a household worker gives three days or more of service, the employer must ensure that vacation and sick leave are given. With increased NIS benefits we must assist in registration and payment of the modest contributions to the scheme which will provide well needed funds in their twilight years.

To mark International Domestic Workers’ Day, the BGA and JHWU are collaborating to host an Awards ceremony with the theme “Uniting and Celebrating Domestic Workers!” this Saturday, July 20 at the Altamont Court Hotel, where they will be recognizing 27 domestic workers with over 20 years of service with Invisible Giant Awards.

Why am I so passionate about household workers? My Mother would repeatedly sing the praises of Fanny Ricketts, both of them of blessed memory, who stayed by her side during hard times when she had a terminally ill husband and was caring for four small children. When my mother told Fanny that she would have to terminate her employment for lack of funds, Fanny organized with her partner to reap produce from our small farm in Hartford, Westmoreland, and sell them in the market to pay herself. Later we ensured that Fanny would spend her years as an elder in the comfort of her own home.