Dear (NAME) MP
I am writing to ask for you to support Anti-Slavery International's HOME ALONE: End Domestic Slavery campaign by calling upon the Government to support the adoption of a new International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on domestic work.
I am deeply concerned about the situation of domestic workers in the UK and around the world, many of whom suffer from abuse, exploitation and slavery.
Working behind closed doors in private households, domestic work is all too often undervalued and unregulated. In many countries domestic workers are excluded from national labour legislation. Existing international conventions have failed to address the unique circumstances of domestic work nor have they provided adequate protection against exploitation and slavery.
I appreciate that the UK is currently ahead of other countries in providing protections to domestic workers including the National Minimum Wage, proper rest periods, holiday pay, and prohibiting employers from confiscating the passports of domestic workers. However, despite these provisions, the abuse and enslavement of domestic workers continues in this country and around the world.
It is therefore extremely disappointing that the Government is not, at current, supporting the creation of a new ILO Convention on domestic work. This position was further highlighted at the recent International Labour Conference in June 2010 when the Government remained hesitant in its support. The Convention would not only strengthen protections for domestic workers in the UK but ensure that domestic workers everywhere are protected.
I would be very grateful if you could write to the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, urging him to reconsider the Government’s current position and ensure that:
-The Government supports a new robust ILO Convention on domestic work, supplemented by a Recommendation, at the 2011 International Labour Conference.
-The Convention recognises the special conditions in which domestic workis carried out, sets out clear rules to prevent abuse, and promotes equality for domestic workers under labour laws.
-The Convention contains specific provisions to protect child and migrant domestic workers.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.