Striving to Protect the Rights of Home Workers

“I’ve been working since 2002 but never received holiday allowance.  When I was sick, I pay for treatment with my own money.  I also buy thread and needle with my own money,” said Siti Nuriyah, a home worker from Wonolelo Village, Yogyakarta, who attended a public dialogue to discuss protection of the rights of home workers, in Yogyakarta, on Jan 7, 2016. The dialogue was organized by MAMPU partner, Yasanti.

In the dialogue, the Deputy of Parliament of DI Yogyakarta Province, Arif Nur Hartanto, asked the home workers and Yasanti to provide input and bring up the concept of the protection program. Meanwhile, staff of Bappeda, Tri Agus said, Bappeda requires comprehensive data of the home workers.

This dialogue has several conclusions:

1. Data collection of the home workers is very important. Bappeda will work with the provincial Office of Manpower and Transmigration to discuss this matter.

2. A further study is needed to draft an academic paper for producing governor regulations related to the protection of home workers. In this regard, Bappeda will work with the provincial Bureau of Public Welfare.

3. Health insurance can be provided through the Jamkesda and jamkesos Program in 2016. Bappeda will check the availability of the budget.

4. Better organizing of the home workers is important so they can access government programs.

5. DPRD and Bappeda asked Yasanti and the home workers to bring up a clear and applicable concept of protection programs, no later than the end of February 2016, to be discussed in development planning meeting.