On International Domestic Workers’ Day, June 16, the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the Philippines reaffirmed the vital contributions of domestic workers and underscored the urgent need for fair wages, comprehensive protections, and dignified working conditions globally. Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO in the Philippines, emphasized the enduring relevance of these principles 14 years after the adoption of the landmark ILO Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
June 16 marks the 14th anniversary of Convention No. 189, a pivotal instrument that enshrined the long-overdue truth: domestic workers possess the same fundamental rights as all other workers and deserve identical protections, fair wages, and dignity as any other profession.
The Philippines has played a historic and commendable role in advancing these rights, being the only country in Asia to have ratified Convention No. 189, thereby triggering its entry into force. This commitment was further solidified through the passage of the Batas Kasambahay in 2013 and the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers in 2021, actions that demonstrate significant leadership in the region.
“Domestic workers are the backbone of countless households, enabling millions of Filipino families to function and thrive,” stated Khalid Hassan. “Their tireless dedication, often unseen, underpins our societies and economies. Yet, for far too many, the promises of rights and protections articulated in Convention No. 189 remain tragically distant.”
Despite legislative progress, a substantial number of domestic workers still endure long hours, low pay, limited social protection, and often work without formal contracts or effective grievance mechanisms. Their ongoing struggle for visibility, recognition, and respect is a stark reminder of the work that remains.
Overwhelmingly women, domestic workers provide essential care for children, maintain homes, assist the elderly, and contribute invaluable emotional and physical labour. Whether working locally or overseas, often making profound personal sacrifices by missing crucial family milestones, their economic contribution is undeniable. Their earnings support families, stimulate local consumption, sustain rural economies, and crucially, enable other family members—especially working mothers—to participate in the formal labour force. They contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, investments in education, and the building of stronger, more resilient communities.
Their critical role is magnified during times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic workers served as unsung frontliners, caring for the sick and elderly at great personal risk. Following natural disasters, many have been instrumental in evacuation, clean-up, and recovery efforts. However, they are rarely included in official disaster preparedness plans or emergency assistance programmes, a reflection of a deeper societal flaw that undervalues care and domestic work.
In the Philippines, while progressive laws are in place, significant implementation gaps persist. Minimum wages for domestic workers in many regions remain below a living wage, labour inspections in private households are limited, access to social protection is uneven, and grievance mechanisms are often weak or unknown to those who need them most.
To bridge these gaps and ensure genuine decent work for all domestic workers, the ILO recommends the following measures:
- Revise Minimum Wages and Fully Implement Batas Kasambahay: Ensure domestic workers receive a living wage, alongside full implementation of entitlements such as paid rest days, accessible complaint mechanisms, protection from abuse, and comprehensive social protection.
- Strengthen Philippines’ Negotiating Position Through Domestic Regulation: Fair treatment for overseas Filipino domestic workers begins with fairness at home. Robust domestic protection and ethical recruitment practices bolster the country’s position in negotiating effective bilateral labour agreements.
- Invest in Better Data: Domestic work must be accurately counted, tracked, and understood. Reliable data is crucial for developing and implementing effective, targeted policies.
- Promote a Cultural Shift: Recognize domestic workers not merely as “helpers” but as skilled professionals whose labour deserves the same respect and value as any other form of work. Trade unions, employers, women’s organizations, and civil society must collectively champion this narrative shift.
The ILO reiterates its call for a collective effort from governments, employers, workers’ organizations, and civil society to uphold the rights and dignity of domestic workers, ensuring they receive the fair treatment and recognition they so rightfully deserve.
