Karnataka Domestic Workers’ Union Demands Welfare Board and Labor Rights

The Karnataka State Domestic Workers’ Union (KSDWU) has formally appealed to the State Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, for the immediate establishment of a social security welfare board dedicated to domestic workers. During a recent meeting in Bengaluru, union convenors from the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), including Divya Biradar, Rajalakshmi R., Girija Y.D., and M. Jayamma, submitted a comprehensive petition outlining critical labor demands. The petition seeks legal recognition and protection for domestic workers in Karnataka, specifically calling for the specification of minimum wages, enhanced social security measures, and guaranteed job security. Furthermore, the union is advocating for statutory benefits such as paid leave and specialized menstrual leave, aiming to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in this sector. This action highlights the ongoing struggle for formalizing labor rights for domestic employees in the region, pushing for legislative frameworks that ensure dignity, financial stability, and health protections. The submission marks a significant step in the organized labor movement within Karnataka, seeking government intervention to regulate working conditions and provide a safety net for a largely informal workforce.