EFP introduces Code of Conduct for employers of domestic workers

LAHORE: The Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) launched the draft Code of Conduct for employers of domestic workers in Pakistan in a stakeholder’s consultation meeting in collaboration with ILO in Lahore.
The meeting was attended by more than 100 participants representing workers and employers including ILO mission, comprising of Senior Specialist Ravindra Peiris and Ms. Aya Matsuura, ILO Gender Specialist. The draft of the Code of Conduct was prepared on the basis of recommendations in a focused group discussion held earlier in Karachi.
Zaki Ahmed Khan, the Acting President of EFP termed the Code of Conduct as an important step to provide a minimum floor of protection to domestic workers who represent a significant portion of the informal economy.
Fasihul Karim Siddiqui, Senior Advisor EFP, presented the draft Code of Conduct and expressed the hope that it will bring a behavioral change and more clarity towards Domestic Workers as a sector. This will be an important step to formalize this sector and provide domestic workers their share in social protection and fair wages. As individuals, we have a responsibility to look after our domestic helpers and treat them with dignity and respect, Fasih added.
Ravindra Peiris, the Senior Specialist for ACT/EM ILO, appreciated EFP for taking this important step towards recognizing a sector which contributes a lot to the labor market and economy. It is the right time to address this issue and move forward together, Ravi concluded. -NNI