Employers requested to take back domestic workers

“Whether work is small or big, work is work, workers are workers”

Dimapur, June 16 (EMN): The National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) Nagaland region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for integrated development commemorated International Domestic Workers Day on Tuesday, June 16 on the theme “Making Decent Work  a Reality Beyond Covid-19”.

This was informed by Sr. Pramila Lobo (UFS), Co-ordinator of NDWM- Nagaland Region, through an update on Tuesday.

Sr. Lobo said that “the pandemic Covid-19 did not allow us to come together to mark this great day like before. We could not show to the world our strength, our unity, our togetherness but we are united. We stand united and fight for the rights, dignity, respect and recognition of the domestic workers. We won’t give up, let’s stand together”.

While stating that their hearts ‘go out to our domestic workers who have lost their jobs, salary withheld and salary delayed’, she feared how they would sustain the crisis. She requested the employers to take back their employees and direct them properly so that they may be able to sustain their life.

“Just imagine our homes without their presence? They too have their family to feed and take care. Let us care for those (who) care for us,” she said.

Meanwhile, Aobendang enlightened the members on safety measures to avoid Covid-19 contraction like use of face mask, social distancing, cleanliness, hygiene, cleaning vegetables, wash of things and reduction of social gathering as much as possible, informed the update. The members were also told not to panic but to follow safety measures and directives provided by the government.

Fr. Paul Inashe Sumi said that dignity of labour should be first recognised by each individuals, adding that whether work is small or big, “work is work, workers are workers".

‘Be happy that you belong to a larger family of both National and International Domestic Workers Movement who will stand by you, fight for your rights, empower you and help you to bargain for your rights. Never think that your work is small. Your contribution adds to the economy of the nation,’ he said, while thanking National Domestic Workers Movement for walking and accompanying with the domestic workers in the state.

The International Domestic Workers Day programme ended with distribution of dry ration, which was supported by NDWM. The movement has said to have supported 700 families till date and Assisi centre, almost 750 families.