On 16 June 2019, EFFAT joined the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) calling for a strong ILO Convention on ending violence and harassment in the world of work.
Over 100 million women work as domestic workers in the world, most without rights or basic protection. Due to a very unbalanced employer-employee relation, domestic workers experience poor recognition and a high degree of exposure to isolation and violence.
On their day, domestic workers from all over the globe reached to the ILO in Geneva. They gave a voice to their stories of struggle and gave reasons why a recommendation to put an end to violence and harassment is needed within an ILO Convention.
Considering the recent murders in Cyprus of 5 migrant domestic workers and 2 girls, this call has never been more appropriate. EFFAT fully endorses the IDWF letter which has been sent to the President of Cyprus, calling upon Cyprus to recognize and protect domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers, and to ratify the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
The organisation of domestic workers in Europe and the fight against violence and harassment at the workplace continues to be of highest priority for EFFAT.
