For the reform of our Labor Code, President Luis Abinader announced in his last inaugural speech that the recognition of the rights of domestic workers will be included, in compliance with his commitment to the hundreds of thousands of people who do this work. We must also comply with ILO Convention 189 in this regard. The proposal of the Head of State is fair, sensible, responsible and timely.
Not all of us have the privilege of having “domestic workers.” Most of them are women, as they adapt more easily to our home than men, especially if there are children. Many inspire confidence in us and after just a few days they are already sharing with our family. They know our daily problems sometimes better than our friends. They are called “ladies of service” with good reason: they are servants.
Without them we would not be able to produce enough to live, we would be slaves in our homes that require daily attention and care. And we would spend our money in restaurants, and otherwise we would prepare the same food in our kitchens, gulping down every bite, because our commitments on the street cannot wait.
Without them, our residences would not be as clean and organized, there would be clothes lying around, dirty dishes, etc. We would not be able to attend adult activities either, because we would not have anyone to leave the children with. Without their support, it would be difficult for us to be punctual when taking our children to school. They are always there, without a set schedule, ready to take care of a thousand tasks for our comfort.
Domestic workers are vital to society. They allow us the space to develop as people, to be useful beings, to generate resources. In essence, they sacrifice themselves for us; the sad thing is that many of us don’t realize this and we care better for strangers than for those who are assisting us at every moment, caring for our offspring like a mother, attentive to make sure we are well fed and our shirts ironed.
There are citizens who pride themselves on being altruistic, promoters of the Common Good, but are incapable of worrying about their “lady of service” who has unresolved legal issues and basic human needs, which can be achieved with a little willpower.
Now, in the necessary amendment to our Labor Code, domestic workers must be granted the following rights: minimum wage, registration with the Social Security Treasury, delimitation of working hours, improved family health insurance coverage, coverage for occupational risks, survivors’ and disability pensions, as well as a plan for inclusion in the solidarity pension program. When this becomes a reality, domestic workers will not be the Cinderella in our labor legislation. And you will do justice.
