M.jovita 211017167

Domestic workers in Namibia

By domestic workers we refer to an employee whose job is wholly or mainly to do domestic work in a dwelling that a household uses mainly to live in[domestic worker]. A good example of domestic workers in our country is: Gardeners, Taxi/bus drivers, people who take care o the aged ones, baby sitters and many others. For many people, domestic workers are an integral part of our lives. They help us manage our households and raise our children.

THE DOWN -LOOK OF DOMESTIC WORKERS IN OUR SOCIETY

In most cases, employers don’t really treat their workers in a fairly manner. They do this simply because they think that many domestic workers don’t have qualifications and for that reason, their power to demand for anything (e.g., salary increase) is lowered. This was not supposed to be, it’s only fair that they are valued and treated with the respect and professionalism with which we treat other employees. Domestic workers are like any others employees and they have entitled to certain benefits in life irrespective of whether they are educated or not. In fact most of them are our mothers and fathers who are fighting for the best benefits of their children.

The fact that most domestic workers don’t have any qualifications; it makes it so easier for their employees to take advantages and to manipulate them. This because domestic workers don’t really know their rights. Employing someone to work for you as a domestic worker because of your high qualifications and your high ranked profession does not guarantee you any power to treat him in an immoral way, this is unethical and wrong!!

What problems do domestic workers face?

Domestic work is poorly regulated, undervalued, and many domestic workers are subject to serious abuses, including slavery. They often work excessively long hours, without breaks, days off or holidays. Those who live with their employers are often considered ‘on call’ to undertake work for their employer 24 hours per day. The pay is often very low, with wage payments frequently delayed. Some domestic workers may not be paid at all or only receive ‘payment in kind’ such as food or accommodation.

Many domestic workers face verbal abuse such as insults and threats, alongside physical and even sexual abuse. Some domestic workers experience a lack of food and poor living conditions such as having to sleep on the floor in a utility room. problems http://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=28&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=15494&no_cache=1

THEIR RIGHTS

Domestic workers are entitled to many rights although many of them are not aware that the law is strictly in their favour. Below are some of the rights which domestic workers posses just to mention a few:

• A domestic worker is entitled to join a Trade Union;
• A domestic worker is entitled to rest periods;
• A domestic worker is entitled to annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave and family responsibility leave.

rights

CONCLUSION

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