GUWAHATI: Domestic workers in Guwahati continue to lose jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On International Domestic Workers' Day, demonstrations in this regard were held in various parts of Guwahati, including Basistha, Hatigaon, and Gauhati Club.
The domestic workers expressed that while they already suffer due to a lack of social security, the COVID-19 lockdown has further deepened the hole in their savings in the face of adversity.
"Our work has dried up due to the lockdown. Along with working in households, we used to indulge in alternative works such as selling fish. None of it is possible now," a domestic worker told G Plus.
Further, many domestic workers have lost their jobs as employers fear they could bring the COVID-19 infections into their homes. The workers claim that the lack of vaccines has affected their employment opportunities.
"The employers ask us to return to work only after taking both doses of the vaccine. But, we do not have access to the vaccines as there is a lack of availability. We have lost our jobs due to COVID-9 vaccine shortage," Sandhya Rai, a domestic worker from Hatigaon told G Plus.
The domestic workers are also faced with another hardship, that is, old age. As the workers cross 60 years of age, the chances of them getting hired start to reduce. "I was asked not to come to work one day as I was considered old. But, there is no pension for me or anything else through which, I can earn money," said Gulasha Khatun.
Members of the All Guwahati House-help Union (AGHU) claim to have received the government’s apathy upon raising the matter. The AGHU has demanded a pension of Rs 5000, enrollment in the Orunodoi scheme, and a fixed minimum wage for domestic workers.
"We have been raising the matter for a long time. The situation of COVID-19 has created larger problems for the domestic workers," said Biren Sharma, President of AGHU.
