Workers’ groups laud passage of law setting minimum wage for domestic helpers

MANILA, Philippines — Labor groups, domestic workers and civil society groups hailed the decision of the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives to approve a consolidated version of the Domestic Workers Act of 2012, or the Kasambahay Bill.

“Trade unionists welcome with elation this historic legislation,” said Sonny Matula, president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).  “This is a milestone for the workers’ movement. After 15 years of lobbying, our domestic workers could fully enjoy their rights as that with other workers.”

Matula added that the approval of a minimum wage of P2,500 for NCR would be an improvement from P800, the rate still prescribed under the Labor Code.

“In our own homes, whether we are trade unionists or not, we must treat our domestic workers the way we want to be treated in our workplaces. There is no better way to show our concrete support for fellow workers than by doing unto our domestic workers what the rest of us expect from our employers,” said Matula.

The bicameral committee earlier agreed on provisions mandating contracts, social protection and benefits coverage, and mechanisms for rescue of abused domestic workers, among others.

According to Lilibeth Masamloc, President of Sumapi, national association of domestic workers, they find the provisions of the bill fair to both domestic workers and employers.

“We merely wanted to have a fair share from the fruits of our labor,” Masamloc said.

“The Bicameral approval of the Batas Kasambahay brings us closer to a new era for more than 2 million domestic workers who will now have the opportunity for decent work and a chance to escape poverty through their own hard work,” added Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of Visayan Forum Foundation Inc.

The Senate and the House panel agreed on provisions on minimum wage and on protection of children engaged in domestic work – breaking a two-month deadlock that delayed the passage of the much-awaited Bill.

The Committee agreed to peg the minimum wage of domestic workers at P2,500 per month for the National Capital Region, P2,000 for chartered cities and first class municipalities, and P1,500 for other municipalities.