Domestic Workers from Burma
Individual Documents
Description:
"Domestic work and other occupations in the non-formal sector such as agriculture and fishing which are largely comprised of migrant workers. Domestic work fails to be recognized under the legal definition of work, and the majority of domestic workers do not even receive one day of holiday per week. Thai legal provisions for social security and labour relations fail to protect migrants altogether...this book provided information about domestic worker also need to recognize as a formal worker and cover under the migrant law...."
Source/publisher:
MAP Foundation
Date of publication:
2010-01-00
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
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4 MB
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"...over the past 10 years there has been an increasing number of migrant
workers who have been recruited to do domestic work in the Thai households.
Despite the demand for and contribution of domestic workers in the larger economy and general
social good, domestic work is neither well recognized in the Thai society nor well protected by the
Thai labour law. Domestic work is regarded as a form of informal sector work which has limited
labour protection and social security coverage. The majority of migrant domestic workers are not
only more vulnerable to labour and other form of exploitation than Thai domestic workers, but they
also have little access to most of the labour protection under the Thai labour law.
This report reviews and analyzes the situation of both Thai and non-Thai domestic workers in
Thailand, in particular those working in private households, by drawing on existing reliable
information. It hopes to bring out key issues and recommendations which can contribute to the
advocacy efforts of ILO and its partners in Thailand in their campaign on decent work for domestic
workers..."
Vachararutai (Jan) Boontinand
Source/publisher:
International Labour Organisation
Date of publication:
2010-01-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-01-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Domestic Workers from Burma
Language:
English
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pdf
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374.19 KB
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Conclusions:
4.1 Indications of labour exploitation
The findings illustrate a clear pattern of severe
labour exploitation of migrant domestic workers,
and in various cases evidence of forced labour.
Domestic workers surveyed in Chiang Mai and Mae
Sot reported being locked in the house unable to
readily communicate or contact the outside world.
This combined with widespread verbal and physical
abuse, extremely long working hours, a lack of
adequate rest days and non-payment, under-payment
or delayed payment of wages shows how easily substandard
working conditions can turn into working
situations tantamount to forced labour.
Some domestic workers were forced to work with
other workers in other businesses, and some didn?t
have any choice in the type of jobs they performed.
Some domestic workers worked for free for extended
periods of time as a result of their debt bondage
to employers or recruiters. As "live-in" workers,
employers often expected domestic workers to be
available to work at all times.
Migrant workers can?t freely change employers
since they lack control over their documentation
as examined previously in greater depth. Domestic
workers, like other workers, have the right to hold
onto their original ID card. However, only half of
the registered domestic workers manage to keep hold
of their original card.
Socio-cultural values and attitudes of employers often
play a role in justifying control over domestic workers?
freedom of movement. Employers don?t recognise
that they have no right to keep hold of their workers?
documents. Employers may be well-meaning and do
this in the name of "protecting" domestic workers
from dangers outside the household, but such
"protection" violates the workers? basic rights to
freedom of movement...
4.2 Legal status and registration
Possession of legal working documents can partly
protect domestic workers from harassment and
reduce the risk of arrest or detention while they are
in Thailand. However, it has been found that even
registered migrant workers continue to live in fear
of deportation.
The majority of both employers and domestic
workers have positive attitudes toward Thai policy
on registration. Despite this fact, it was pointed out
that the registration process is too complicated, is not
clearly explained to those who need to understand it
and that the timeframe for registration is too short.
The registration policy, in turn, encourages employers
to take more control over, and diminish the rights
of their workers. Not only do many employers keep
their worker?s original ID card, but some also refuse
to allow their domestic workers to register. Many
domestic workers can?t afford the registration costs,
which can be equal to several months of their salary,
or end up being in debt to their employers who
pay for them. This becomes a reason for employers
holding their worker?s original work permit. There
is no mention of whether or not the workers receive
their original ID back once the debt to an employer
is repaid in full.
Non-registered domestic workers are more likely
to face a greater degree of oppression in terms of
constraints on leaving their employment, and with
regard to payment and days off permitted than
registered migrant workers...
4.3 Working conditions
The risk of labour exploitation is high in light of the
fact that the majority of domestic workers don?t know
about their working conditions until they arrive at
the home of their employer. Employers determine
working and payment conditions. A third of domestic
workers have to do both household chores and work
relating to the employer?s business. According to the
Thai LPA (1998), this means they should no longer
be referred to as "domestic workers", and they should
be protected under Thai labour law.
Almost all (98%) the domestic workers surveyed
worked more than a standard eight-hour day. About
two thirds work more than 14 hours a day. It is worth
noting that they have to be available for work at any
time, whether it is inconvenient or not, based on the
needs of the employer.
In general, the amount earned by a manual worker
varies depending on the number of hours worked, but
this is not the case among migrant domestic workers.
Migrant domestic workers earn less than workers in
other sectors. About 40% receive a monthly salary of
less than 1,000 baht, while only 11% receive more
than 3,000 baht per month. This is well below the
Thai national standard minimum wage, with most
Thais earning at least 4,500 baht a month depending
on their workplace. Nobody involved refers to
overtime payments.
The situation is even worse when considering that
only a small proportion (7-17%) of domestic workers
receive regular weekly, monthly or annual leave.
Younger and unregistered domestic workers, on
average, work longer hours, receive lower pay and
receive less or no regular day off.
Employers perpetuate a number of myths to justify
the long working hours, lack of regular days off
and low wages of domestic workers. Firstly, it is
widely thought that domestic workers are able to
relax while employers are not at home. The current
study debunks this myth since many domestic
workers were overworked, working in more than one
workplace, with many different tasks to do and rarely
any time alone in the house. The second myth is that
domestic workers are able to take rest days whenever
they want. Most domestic workers were unable to
take leave and didn?t receive the minimum number
of annual days off, to do so would risk them losing
their job or having their pay reduced...
4.4 Child domestic labour
In-depth interviews were held with two extremely
young domestic workers, aged 9 and 10. In the
survey of domestic workers, 20% were aged under
18. Employers suggested they like to hire children
as domestic workers because they are easy to control,
more obedient and diligent. Recruiters cited similar
reasons for recruiting children. Domestic work is
sometimes seen as work that is considered more
"appropriate" for children, however, child domestic
workers worked longer hours under worse conditions
for lower wages, in a "worst form" of child labour under
ILO Convention 182.
Employers indicated in the in-depth interviews that
they treat migrant domestic workers, particularly
child domestic workers, as family members. Child
domestic workers also pointed out that they are often
seen as part of the family. While this may sound warm
and friendly, in fact it can increase the children?s
vulnerability to abuse. Child domestic workers
may be treated worse since they can?t complain or
resist because they feel they are facing a "family"
obligation. Moreover, it becomes more difficult for
outsiders to intervene in "family" matters...
4.5 Support mechanisms
Since domestic workers are isolated in their employers?
residences they lack the usual mechanisms of family
and friends as support mechanisms for work-related
problems. Recruiters, who are sometimes relatives or
friends of the migrant, offer a key support structure
for domestic workers as they live in Thailand, have
the ability to visit the domestic workers regularly
and speak the same languages. Recruiters at least
offer domestic workers some contact with the outside
world and may be a starting point for possible future
interventions.
As live-in migrant domestic workers, contact with
the outside world is limited. However, mobile phones
now help many workers feel less isolated so they can
talk to other people, even if they can?t meet with
them. The migrant domestic workers express their
willingness to meet and share their experiences with
others. And some of them are interested in studying
or continuing their studies in or
Source/publisher:
International Labour Organisation
Date of publication:
2006-12-13
Date of entry/update:
2008-05-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Child workers, Domestic Workers from Burma
Language:
English, Thai
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Description:
"...Thailand has emerged as the number one destination in cross-border trafficking of children and women. Many children and young women from Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR migrate to Thailand in search of better life. Often their journey leads them to a life of exploitation. A significant percent of these young migrants work in four employment sectors; agriculture, fishing boats and fish processing, manufacturing and domestic work. While they become an integral part of the economy, they remain invisible and face exploitation. Exploitation is widespread and ranges from non-payment or underpayment of wages, a requirement to work excessive hours sometimes involving the use of hazardous equipment - to even more serious violations of forced labour and trafficking..."
Elaine Pearson, Sureeporn Punpuing, Aree Jampaklay, Sirinan Kittisuksathit, Aree Prohmmo
Source/publisher:
Mekong Sub-regional Project to Combat Trafficking in Women and Children, ILO
Date of publication:
2006-12-13
Date of entry/update:
2008-04-12
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Trafficking: global, regional and national reports, Trafficking of migrants, Child workers, Domestic Workers from Burma
Language:
English
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pdf
Size:
2.46 MB
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Description:
"Migrant children in Mae Sot are faced with excessive
working hours, lack of time off, and unhealthy
proximity to dangerous machines and chemicals.
They also endure the practice of debt bondage and the
systematic seizure of their identification documents.
Indeed many of these children in Mae Sot can most
accurately be described as enduring the "worst forms
of child labour, prohibited by the International Labour Organization's Convention No. 182 - a Convention that the Royal Thai Government ratified in
February, 2001.
These child workers reported that they were virtually forced to remain at the factory due to restrictions placed
on their movements by factory owners, and by threats of arrest and harassment by police and other officials
if they were stopped outside the factory gates. Put succinctly, Mae Sot has perfected a system where children
are literally working day and night, week after week, for wages that are far below the legal minimum wage,
to the point of absolute exhaustion..."
Philip S. Robertson Jr., Editor
Source/publisher:
International Labour Organisation
Date of publication:
2006-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2007-04-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Child workers, Children, Burma-related legislation and human rights issues in Thailand, Domestic Workers from Burma
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
4.46 MB
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Description:
An important and well-researched report. ?Millions of people from Burma1 have migrated into neighboring countries over the past
decade. Most have left their country in search of security and safety as a direct result of
internal conflict and militarization, severe economic hardship and minority persecution. This
exodus represents one of the largest migration flows in Southeast Asia. The minority people
of Burma make up the majority of those dislocated as a result of Burma?s State Peace and
Development Council?s (SPDC?s) renewed commitment to eliminate ethnic militias and any
support for them in minority areas through forced labor and portering, as well as forced
relocation and arbitrary taxation, all of which leave the country?s population, particularly the
minorities, extremely vulnerable.
Fearing persecution, the vast majority of those migrating from Burma find themselves
desperate to survive, obtaining work in underground and, often, illegal labor markets. The
majority of those fleeing Burma migrate to neighboring Thailand, where an estimated two
million people from Burma work in "3-D jobs" (dangerous, dirty and difficult), for pay well below
minimum wage. While clearly in need of assistance and protection, migrants from Burma have
a particularly difficult time exercising their rights in Thailand due to the Thai government?s
policy of denying the majority of them refugee status. Living in perpetual fear of deportation,
migrants from Burma face abhorrent labor practices as a result of their illegal status, as well as
the lack of standardized working conditions and protection mechanisms.
It is estimated that well over one hundred thousand females from Burma are employed
as domestic workers in Thailand, though little information is available on the realities faced by
these women and girls. Although there is a growing awareness of their isolation and
vulnerability to labor exploitation and violence, there is little data available documenting their
realities. This results in the alienation of domestic workers and perpetuates the disregard for
their labor and basic rights. Consequently, neither migrants nor domestic workers (including
Thai citizens) have any official means of reporting or seeking redress to the grievances or
abuses they encounter in their jobs....?
Awatsaya Panam, Khaing Mar Kyaw Zaw, Therese Caouette, Sureeporn Punpuing
Source/publisher:
Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand
Date of publication:
2004-07-00
Date of entry/update:
2005-11-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Domestic Workers from Burma
Language:
English
Format :
html pdf pdf
Size:
11.25 KB 3.22 MB 1.2 MB
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Description:
Abstract:
Millions of people from Burma have migrated into neighboring countries over the past decade.
Most have left their country in search of security and safety as a direct result of internal conflict
and militarization, severe economic hardship and minority persecution. This exodus represents
one of the largest migration flows in Southeast Asia.
Fearing persecution, the vast majority of those migrating from Burma find themselves desperate
to survive, obtaining work in underground and, often, illegal labor markets. The majority of those
fleeing Burma migrate to neighboring Thailand, where an estimated two million people from
Burma work in ?3-D jobs? (dangerous, dirty and difficult). Although there is a growing
awareness of their isolation and vulnerability to labor exploitation and violence, there is little
data available documenting their realities. This results in the alienation of domestic workers and
perpetuates the disregard for their labor and basic rights.
This paper presents the findings of research proposed and implemented by members of the Shan
Women?s Action Network and the Karen Women?s Organization regarding girls and women who
have migrated from Burma into domestic work in Thailand. This paper focuses on the roots
causes of migration from Burma to Thailand, the harsh conditions in which foreign domestic
workers are employed and their inability to defend their most basic rights while they are in
Thailand, and lastly on their future aspirations.
Foreign domestic workers interviewed in this study described that the major cause of migration
were related to political and economic situations in Burma. The push-pull theory explains this
migration stream. In Thailand, the migrant domestic workers being expected to work on
demand, without agreed upon responsibilities or a written contract delineating working hours,
days off, accommodations, salaries, sick leave, care or pay. However, they had their dreams and
hopes of securing a better future for their families and themselves. In the recommendations,
roles of both Burma and Thai governments, NGOs and CBOs in helping establish appropriate
interventions to reduce the abuse, exploitation and trafficking of migrant domestic workers are
stated. The importance of recognizing domestic work as labor as well as the need to provide
protection for the domestic workers under national labor laws is emphasised in this study..."
Sureeporn Punpuing, Therese Caouette, Awatsaya Panam, Khaing Mar Kyaw Zaw
Source/publisher:
Office of Population Research at Princeton University
Date of publication:
2005-07-23
Date of entry/update:
2005-05-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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