Bangladesh is among only three countries in the world that deny domestic workers the right to form labour unions, a global report has revealed.
The report, “Claiming Rights: Domestic Workers’ Movements and Global Advances for Labour Reform”, was compiled by the International Domestic Workers Network (IDWN), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and Human Rights Watch (HRW).
It cites Thailand and the United States as the other two countries that do not allow domestic workers to form unions to fight for their rights.
The report also says that although around 40% of domestic workers globally are in Asia, the region has done little to enact reforms to ensure their rights.
“More than 25 countries have improved legal protections for domestic workers. In Asia, the Philippines adopted comprehensive legislation protecting domestic workers in January 2013 and this is the only Asian country to have ratified the Domestic Workers Convention,” it says.
However, other Asian countries are making progress.
Thailand recently entitled its workers to enjoy a weekly rest day, public holidays and paid sick leave. India started a health insurance scheme for domestic workers in May 2012 and included them in a 2013 law prohibiting workplace sexual harassment.
