‘Domestic workers are workers’

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, May 1, 2023

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) presents a plaque to president of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union and the Caribbean Domestic Workers Network Shirley Pryce at the GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award luncheon at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel. Sharing the moment is GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby.

he Caribbean Domestic Workers Network (CDWN) chaired by Shirley Pryce reminded us today, International Workers’ Day, that “domestic workers are workers” in its media release.

Somehow, it notes, domestic workers do not enjoy the same rights as other workers, although it points out, “It is because of domestic workers that our societies can function, businesses can run, schools can be open, and doctors at hospitals can take care of the sick. Domestic workers are a critical part of the fabric of our countries!”

Seated beside Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the GraceKennedy (GK) Household Workers Awards event six years ago, Pryce, then president of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU), briefed him on the International Labour Organization’s Convention 189, which calls for the recognition and protection of the rights and decent work conditions for domestic workers. The PM committed to look into the matter, and soon afterwards Jamaica became one of the four Caribbean countries which has ratified the convention, the other three being Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Guyana.

The CDWN urges governments to have laws ensuring that domestic workers receive “pensions, sick leave benefits, injury benefits, overtime benefits, severance pay, and other social security benefits”. In Jamaica, domestic workers have a right to the benefits of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and conscientious employers can assist them in signing up for this and the National Health Fund.

The famous author Malcolm Gladwell wrote about brilliant folks who did not pursue higher education simply because their parents were uneducated and had difficulty navigating scholarship and college opportunities. We should keep check on the opportunities that are available to the children of the household workers in our employment.

I never tire of telling the story of Debbie Williams at the Delves Digicel Headquarters in downtown Kingston. Williams started out as an office attendant and as they noted her efficiency and engaging personality, they decided that she deserved the necessary training to be a receptionist. She aced the job so well that she was asked to be the emcee at one of the company’s anniversary celebrations. This begs the question: Are we encouraging the household workers who serve us to fulfil their potential?

I recall the cheering and dancing of Elaine Duncan’s employer when she was declared a GK Household Worker of the Year in 2015. It was clear that Professor Verene Shepherd was a mentor for Duncan, who last year succeeded Shirley Pryce as president of the JHWU. Among our household workers are some of our noblest Jamaicans, raising their families while supporting ours. Let us show our gratitude by upholding their rights and supporting the advancement of their families.