Labor harassment prevails in domestic workers

Ecuadornews:

In the country there are 300,000 women dedicated to this task and only 12.5% of them are affiliated to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS).

Respect and equality were the two biggest demands of paid domestic workers during the forum ‘Violence and harassment in the workplace’, which took place yesterday at the Ciespal facilities.

“Our work deserves the same consideration as the rest because we also care for the most precious thing of a person who is their family and their home,” said Ana Lara, a member of the National Union of Domestic Workers and related (Untha).

According to Lenny Quiroz, president of the Untha, in the country there are around 300,000 paid workers from home, but only 12.5% are affiliated with the IESS and very few make complaints about it.

“Even if the Ministry of Labor says that they are open to receiving complaints, it is necessary that they look for mechanisms to help us because not always abuses can be demonstrated.”

According to studies developed by Care Ecuador, 80% of these workers suffer harassment and violence in their jobs. “My previous employer, when his wife was not there, harassed me and that has been lived by several women. It is time to say enough to these abuses, “said Raquel Reyes.

In this regard, Natalia Escobar, director of policies and regulations of the Ministry of Labor, indicated that at the moment the new Labor Code is being prepared, which will have a gender focus.

He stressed that anyone can establish the harassment lawsuit and the inspector will notify the parties of the start of the process. “There are sanctions of up to 20 unified basic salaries (SBU) and if there is not enough evidence the case is filed. In addition the affected can resort to legal instances, “he said.

For Bibiana Aído, representative of UN Women in Ecuador, 50% of the female workforce is in charge of reconciliation, that is, bringing the family into harmony with work; while 68% maintain an inadequate occupation.

“There is discrimination against women because of the possibility of motherhood, questioning that should also be made to man because he will be a father and must share that responsibility”. He recognized advances in political, economic and educational issues, although only 25% hold management positions.

“Institutional violence affects women mainly and forces them – often – to leave their workplaces”. (I)

Fuente: https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/sociedad/6/acoso-laboral-prima-en-trabajadoras-del-hogar