IYCW demands justice for young domestic workers at ILC

The International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) will once again bring the demands of young domestic workers from around the world to the International Labour Council in Geneva from the 1–17June.  

‘This issue continues to be of critical importance for justice and the dignity of young workers,’ said Geethani Peries, International president.  ‘As we prepare with our delegates to present our demands on behalf of domestic workers, we have gathered numerous stories to support our case.  It is our hope that the facts we have gathered will convince the representatives from the tripartite groups of employers, governments and trade unions that more action is imperative if real justice is to be achieved.

‘Our members in Paraguay, Pakistan, Gabon, and Peru have been actively involved in campaigns for many years.  We know from the experiences of our members that many young domestic workers simply do not enjoy just working conditions, wages or working hours.  And they often don’t have the opportunity to join associations or unions.  Engaging in discussions at the ILC provides us with the opportunity to share the stories of young domestic workers and lobby on their behalf. 

Noelia Samudio, a 28 year-old domestic worker from Paraguay, represented the IYCW at the 99th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva in 2010. Her intervention in the Domestic Workers Committee focussed the attention of governments, trade unions and employers on the YCW demands for improved conditions for young domestic workers. Her 12 years’ experience as a domestic worker gave credibility to her intervention.

 ‘I was really nervous when I presented the intervention, but now I feel confident and motivated to speak up for our rights’, said Noelia.  ‘I spoke on behalf of my colleagues and all domestic workers in this world.  I am now determined to continue this struggle with the YCW, so that we can change our reality.’

IYCW preparing for the 100^th session of International Labour conference with the participation from young militant leaders from the grassroots of IYCW (Geethani Peries – International President, Arlindo de Oliveira – International Tresure, Folly Doris – Militant leader from YCW Ghana, Maria Liz Almada, militant domestic worker from JOC Paraguay, Robert Vins – International Team member from Asia Pacific, Martin Lafontaine- YCW Walloon ).

Ms Peries, emphasises that this is a very important time for both for discussion and decision making. ‘Unless specific steps are taken to safeguard the rights of domestic workers and other young workers, conditions will continue to deteriorate around the world,’ she said.

‘But we continue to have great hope, as we bring to this gathering the reality of young workers who do not enjoy social protection or any social security in their life. It's very important for us to speak out on behalf of young workers who are in Interim agencies: pedicab drivers, daily workers, informal workers, and that we demand decent living and working conditions for them.

We are convinced that our IYCW delegation will make a significant impact on this conference on our fight for the Social Protection of all.  Change is possible with the spirit, passion and commitment of young workers.

For further information, contact

Geethani Peries

President IYCW-JOCI

Avenue Georges Rodenbach, 4 - 1030 Bruxelles – Belgique

tél. +32/2/242.18.11 - fax +32/2/242.48.00 - email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – web: http://www.jociycw.net

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