Domestic Work is Work: Statement of the United Domestic Workers of the Philippines for the 10th National Domestic Workers Day

Domestic and care work are essential parts of our daily lives. Without the people (mostly women) that cook, clean, prepare, as well as care for children and the elderly even before the start of the workday, it would simply be impossible for modern society to function. Yet, despite the vital role of domestic work and other forms of reproductive labor, they are widely underappreciated and undervalued. In fact, domestic workers are among the most exploited and vulnerable in most societies.

Today, as we celebrate the 10th national domestic worker’s day, the United Domestic Workers of the Philippines (UNITED) asserts the dignity and importance of domestic work and workers. To this end, we call for the full recognition of the vital role that we play in the Philippines and in the many destination countries where we work through the establishment as well as effective implementation of mechanisms to protect our rights as working people.

UNITED calls for a full review of the batas kasambahay. More than a decade since its passage, the effectiveness of the law in protecting domestic workers must be scrutinized. Specifically, we must know to what extent domestic workers have been able to access its full protection – ranging from the payment of social security benefits to just compensation and dignified working and living conditions.

Second, we call on the Philippine government to ratify the International Labor Organization’s Convention 190 (ILO 190) regarding violence and harassment in the world of work. Given the vulnerability faced by many domestic workers to various forms of sexual violence, the implementation of the convention and its accompanying recommendation will provide domestic workers with various instruments, resources, and spaces to address cases of abuse, as well as proactively prevent such incidents in the future.

UNITED continues to tirelessly organize all domestic workers. We believe that there can be no true progress if we do not include the millions of mostly women who are responsible for providing the reproductive labor necessary to make economic and social activity possible. Long live our care workers! Recognize and protect domestic work!