Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA Sulsel) - The International Labor Organization (ILO) encourages the protection of domestic workers and the fulfillment of their rights, a program coordinator of the ILO said here on Friday.
"We want housemaids to be treated like other laborers who have working hours, holidays, and health insurance," the program coordinator for Decent Work for Domestic Workers to End Child Domestic Work (PROMOTE) of ILO`s South Sulawesi province, Muhammad Rasyidi Bakry, stated.
ILO, he added, advocates for domestic workers through two approaches---from the top through the government and from the bottom through the community.
"From the top, we urge the government to provide legal protection to domestic workers, such as the setting up of ministerial regulation number 2 of 2015 issued by the minister of labor," he pointed out.
Nevertheless, the protection of the helpers must also be supported by laws and local regulations of districts and cities, Bakry remarked.
In addition, to encourage people`s awareness of this issue, ILO is carrying out massive programs for the public, including inviting high school students to make a film about domestic workers.
"High school students were selected so they understand from an early age the important roles played by housemaids and that they should be treated well," Bakry emphasized.
He explained that the issue is affected by cultural complexities because people often see domestic workers as part of their family.
"When housemaids are considered part of the family, they should be treated well. But the reality is quite the opposite. Since they are considered family members, their rights are given no thoughts as they are not considered official employees," Bakry noted.
He also expressed hope that the government will play the role of a protector for domestic workers.
"Since domestic workers work for individuals in private places, there is no government interference. This model should be changed. The government must protect the domestic workers," Bakry stressed.
"We want housemaids to be treated like other laborers who have working hours, holidays, and health insurance," the program coordinator for Decent Work for Domestic Workers to End Child Domestic Work (PROMOTE) of ILO`s South Sulawesi province, Muhammad Rasyidi Bakry, stated.
ILO, he added, advocates for domestic workers through two approaches---from the top through the government and from the bottom through the community.
"From the top, we urge the government to provide legal protection to domestic workers, such as the setting up of ministerial regulation number 2 of 2015 issued by the minister of labor," he pointed out.
Nevertheless, the protection of the helpers must also be supported by laws and local regulations of districts and cities, Bakry remarked.
In addition, to encourage people`s awareness of this issue, ILO is carrying out massive programs for the public, including inviting high school students to make a film about domestic workers.
"High school students were selected so they understand from an early age the important roles played by housemaids and that they should be treated well," Bakry emphasized.
He explained that the issue is affected by cultural complexities because people often see domestic workers as part of their family.
"When housemaids are considered part of the family, they should be treated well. But the reality is quite the opposite. Since they are considered family members, their rights are given no thoughts as they are not considered official employees," Bakry noted.
He also expressed hope that the government will play the role of a protector for domestic workers.
"Since domestic workers work for individuals in private places, there is no government interference. This model should be changed. The government must protect the domestic workers," Bakry stressed.