Labour experts seek to rescue domestic workers from verbal contracts

MOROGORO: WRITTEN employment contracts for domestic workers have been described as a painful and hopeless issue for many, as most employers avoid entering into formal agreements despite the Employment and Labour Relations Act of 2004 stating that any worker who works more than 45 hours per week must have a written employment contract and must be paid overtime allowances.

The concern was raised following complaints from 25 peer educators of domestic workers from six regions during a training workshop organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in collaboration with the government and  Conservation, Hotel and Domestic Workers Union (CHODAWU).

Speaking at the workshop, the Chairperson of Domestic Workers in Morogoro Region, Desdelia Simon, said that lack of written contracts is one of the major challenges they face, even though such contracts uphold their rights.

Elaborating, the chairperson noted that when employers refuse to enter contracts, domestic workers face several challenges, including delayed or unpaid salaries, sexual harassment as well as not being able to go on leave.

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According to Ms Simona, doing work based on verbal agreements only, which have no legal validity, leads to the denial of their basic rights.

Jenifer Mtanga, a domestic worker from Dodoma, said that in the past year she found an employer who signed a written contract with her noting that the contract has been of great help to her as she can go on leave, her salary is paid on time, and she is given rest periods just like workers in other sectors.

“Previously, I worked for different employers. My last employer was a woman who suddenly fired me without giving any reason and told me my salary would be sent later, and I was dismissed from work,” she said.

The Head of the Legal Department at CHODAWU national, Asteria Gerald, said that a contract is a major pillar of negotiation between an employer and a domestic worker as it protects the rights of both sides.