Domestic Workers in the GMS
Overview:
Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), like the MDWs in the other regions, are highly vulnerable to exploitation. The rights of MDWs in the GMS are not protected under the national labour laws, the majority do not have a written contract, the majority do not have regular paid days off, they receive extremely low pay, and many of them are under the legal age of employment, making them further vulnerable. MDWs who have been physically and/or sexually abused for years often appear in the local news.
Believing that the domestic work is work and all the domestic workers, including MDWs, should be afforded to labour rights and protection equal to other workers, the MMN continues to monitor the issues facing the migrant domestic workers in the GMS. The MMN will also continue to work in hands with others to promote recognition of domestic work as work and a paid weekly day off for all domestic workers, as an immediate need faced by MDWs in order for themselves to get together and take collective action to further promote their rights and empowerment.