Pune: The Pune Shahar Molkarin Sanghatana, an association of domestic help workers in the city, has appealed Resident Welfare Associations to allow maids entry to their societies, housing complexes and not to obstruct and affect their livelihoods. However, if RWA's remain adamant on banning entry of maids, the association has now decided to file official complaints against RWA members to the Labour Commissioner Office.
Central and State government, as well as Municipal Corporations, have permitted domestic help workers to resume their services, however, RWA members in many townships, housing complexes have arbitrarily issued orders to 'stop' them from society premises. Many societies in the suburbs have made their own rules for allowing entry to maids. Pune city and adjoining areas have more than two lakh domestic help workers, and they are facing hardships since the RWA's ban on them.
Medha Thatte, the General Secretary of the Association, said, "Society members are sensitive and cautious about their health, so are domestic help workers about their own hygiene and health. If homeowners are providing hand sanitisers to maids and thermal screening can be arranged at the society entry point, then why is RWA's not allowing maids to work? Also, employers should consider paying the full amount for April and May to their maids."
"Just like maids need jobs, several working women and senior citizens also need their service. Society members should realise that both parties need each other. Maids are ready to follow and already practising all norms laid down by the government and municipal corporations," she added.
BEING HUMAN
Maharashtra State's former Chief Secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad has paid the full amount of two months salary to their domestic help workers. Many citizens in the city have also paid their maids in the last two months. However, now RWA's are interfering in the livelihoods of domestic help workers.
