International Domestic Workers Day

A year after the adoption of International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 189, Decent Work for Domestic Workers, domestic workers declared June 16 International Domestic Workers Day. Domestic workers worldwide celebrated this historic victory. The Solidarity Center along with 50 other migrant worker advocacy groups signed a letter calling on countries to ratify C189.

The International Domestic Workers Network (IWDN) mobilized domestic worker organizations, unions, and other allies. In addition, IDWN organized an event at the ILO during the Annual International Labor Conference to honor governments that have ratified C189 and to remind the rest of their domestic duty to ratify it as soon as possible so that they can deliver real gains to domestic workers.

IDWN was founded by a group of domestic workers’ unions together with support organizations, including the Solidarity Center. The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) led the establishment of the network and has a representative on its steering committee. IDWN’s objectives are to help organize domestic workers, to serve as an information clearinghouse, to mobilize support for common political aims such as international standards and national legislation, and to secure the support of the international labor movement. The network counts more than 30 member groups in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The adoption of C189 was the culmination of years of grassroots organizing and campaigning.