3071-The political economy of new slavery
3071-The political economy of new slavery
3071-The political economy of new slavery
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116 Migrant Domestic Workers and Slavery<br />
CCOO. In Italy the FILCAMS-CGIL has always respected MDW rights<br />
(RESPECT Network, April 2001).<br />
Kalayaan’s experience <strong>of</strong> working with the Transport and General<br />
Workers Union (TGWU) in the UK has been very positive. <strong>The</strong> TGWU<br />
accepted undocumented migrant domestic workers as members, gave<br />
them a reduced rate <strong>of</strong> membership, provided them with membership<br />
ID cards (a crucial ID when many migrant domestic workers leave their<br />
employers without their passports) and campaigned for a change in<br />
the law for migrant domestic workers to be given the right to change<br />
employers. Moreover, the right to belong to a trade union gives domestic<br />
workers a natural forum for organizing to protect themselves.<br />
6. Employment rights<br />
It is, in fact, employment rights that can potentially protect migrant<br />
domestic workers from many abuses. Domestic workers should have<br />
access to full and non-discriminatory employment rights and social<br />
protection, including the minimum wage, sickness and maternity pay<br />
and pension rights. In the UK, employees in the private household are<br />
explicitly exempted from coverage by the race and sex discrimination<br />
acts. This shocking fact means that employers could advertise for a<br />
worker with the proviso that ‘no blacks need apply’ and this would be<br />
legal. <strong>The</strong> ILO (2001) recognize that these employment and social rights<br />
need to be given to workers in the informal sector, and the trade unions<br />
could provide support in the necessary campaign and support work<br />
needed in these areas.<br />
7. Examine our attitudes<br />
We need to recognize the effect using the term <strong>slavery</strong> has on those who<br />
use it and those it seeks to represent as slaves. We need to examine our<br />
own attitude towards slaves and victims. We need to treat MDWs as<br />
individuals, as workers and as people who are entitled to immigration<br />
and employment rights across Europe. And employers <strong>of</strong> MDWs need to<br />
consider the relationship they have with their worker, the expectations<br />
they have <strong>of</strong> her and the respect they treat her with.<br />
8. <strong>The</strong> Charter <strong>of</strong> Rights<br />
Finally, RESPECT has drawn up with MDWs across Europe a Charter <strong>of</strong><br />
Rights for MDWs. This charter can be endorsed by individuals and by<br />
organizations. <strong>The</strong> least we can all do is seriously consider our response<br />
to this charter and sign up to its principles. 12