How NLC, TUC can protect domestic workers’ rights – Don
A professor of sociology at the University of Abuja, Prof. Magdalene Igbolo, has said that only consistent efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and other Civil Society Organisations can solve challenges facing domestic workers in the country.
Igbolo made this known in a copy of her review of the research made on the working conditions and rights of domestic workers in the country, which was obtained by our correspondent on Saturday.
The research was heralded by the Rosa Luxembourg Foundation for West Africa.
Igbolo, in her review, noted that domestic work is inadequately covered by Nigeria’s legislative framework, including the Nigerian Labour law.
“As a result, domestic workers experience deprivation, abuse and poor working conditions. A large proportion of domestic workers are young, and they lack access to opportunities that are vital to their empowerment and future development,” she said.
Speaking further, the sociology professor stressed the need for proper operationalisation of the concept of domestic work.
“This is because the bulk of those whom we refer to as domestic workers are actually those who are brought by their wealthier relatives for training and education in exchange for their service.”
On the role to be played by labour unions and CSOs, she noted that previous efforts have been taken, but only consistent efforts will breed success.
“These attempts have brought to the fore the issues of Domestic Workers before the National Assembly, which is expected to be enacted into law so as to establish and protect their rights. A significant result is the acknowledgement of this vacuum by the law-making body in Nigeria and the creation of a new system that would document the work and workers adequately.
“Essentially, there are challenges confronting the protection of the rights of domestic workers in Nigeria, however, the situation is not hopeless. As the consistent efforts of CEE-HOPE, FIWON, NLC, TUC and other CSOs that put workers’ rights, human rights and women’s rights as the focus of their action will create a critical momentum that can sustain the establishment and successful integration of domestic workers into the world of decent work”, she added.
