EFFAT sets three demands for EU action to improve domestic workers’ conditions in Europe
Domestic workers are often behind our cleaned houses, cooked meals, and the care of our beloved ones. They play a key role in ensuring that we can enjoy an improved work-life balance. Yet, while our houses are well taken care of, their working conditions are often dire. While they represent almost 5% of EU-27 total employment, they often lack recognition, value, and protection.
On occasion of today’s meeting with Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit, EFFAT delivered the House of Dignity for all domestic workers in Europe which includes EFFAT three priorities for a concrete and prompt EU action, namely:
- Including domestic workers in the scope of the Framework Directive on Health and Safety and its individual directives. The Commission should also clarify with an official Communication that the Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) applies to Domestic workers and to start infringement procedures against non-compliant Member States.
- Pushing member States to ratify and implement ILO C189 on domestic workers through a specific Council Recommendation.
- Promoting Social dialogue in the Personal household services (PHS) Sector
At the meeting, EFFAT also addressed the issues of increased cost-of-living stemming from the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine. We expressed strong support for the adoption of urgent measures that tackle energy market and food speculation and shield consumers from raising energy and food prices.
We have also reiterated the urgent need to refinancing SURE, or similar mechanisms, to address the consequence of the crisis on jobs. Finally, we warned against any attempt to use the crisis and the demand to increase food production as an excuse to lower labour standards in the agro-food sector, and we have insisted on the need for an EU initiative aimed at strengthening labour inspections.
What can the EU do to improve domestic workers’ conditions – EFFAT demands.docx pdf
