The need to fix minimum wages for domestic workers was stressed at a meeting on their rights that was held here on Wednesday.
Though it has been over a decade since domestic workers started fighting for minimum wages, the State government is yet to implement it, said speakers at the convention organised by the Centre for Women’s Development and Research. K.R. Renuka, coordinator, Manushi Domestic Workers Trade Union, said there are over 20 lakh domestic workers across the State and of them, nearly three lakh workers are in and around Chennai.
A proper survey must be initiated on the number of domestic workers in the State.
“Such workers must be paid a minimum of ₹3,000 for part-time work and ₹9,000 for full-time work,” she said.
Besides weekly holidays, domestic workers must also be provided a minimum of ₹1,500 as old age pension.
Creches must be established to take care of the children of domestic workers through the Domestic Workers Welfare Board, she said.
Speakers also emphasised the need to allocate 1% of property tax towards the welfare of domestic workers.
The organisation plans to submit a list of demands to the government soon.