The Law of Ukraine «On Domestic Workers» has recently come into force, introducing a new concept of «domestic worker» in the country’s labor legislation. This law aims to regulate the employment relationship between households and domestic workers, ensuring their rights and protection from exploitation.
According to the law, a domestic worker is defined as a person who performs domestic tasks and household duties for a household on a regular basis. This includes cleaning, cooking, gardening, childcare, and other similar tasks. The law covers both live-in and live-out domestic workers, regardless of their citizenship or legal status.
One of the main goals of this law is to protect the rights of domestic workers and ensure fair working conditions. It sets out the minimum wage for domestic workers, which cannot be lower than the minimum wage set by the government for other types of work. It also provides for paid annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave for domestic workers. Employers are required to provide a written contract to their domestic workers, specifying the terms of their employment, including working hours, duties, and wages.
Another important aspect of the law is the protection of domestic workers from discrimination and harassment. It prohibits any form of discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, or disability. Employers are also prohibited from subjecting their domestic workers to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. Any violation of these provisions can result in legal consequences for the employer.
The law also addresses the issue of social security for domestic workers. It requires employers to register their domestic workers with the state social security system and pay contributions for their social insurance. This will ensure that domestic workers have access to healthcare, pensions, and other social benefits.
Furthermore, the law establishes the role of a domestic worker’s representative, who can provide legal assistance and support to domestic workers in case of any disputes with their employers. This representative can also assist in negotiating fair working conditions and wages for domestic workers.
The introduction of this law is a significant step towards protecting the rights of domestic workers in Ukraine. It brings the country’s legislation in line with international labor standards and promotes a fair and respectful working relationship between employers and domestic workers.
The implementation of this law is crucial, and it is the responsibility of both employers and domestic workers to comply with its provisions. Employers must ensure that their domestic workers are treated with respect and receive fair compensation for their work. Domestic workers, on the other hand, must fulfill their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the terms of their employment contracts.
In conclusion, the Law of Ukraine «On Domestic Workers» is a positive development in the country’s labor legislation. It recognizes the important role of domestic workers in households and provides them with the necessary rights and protection. This law will not only benefit domestic workers but also contribute to the overall improvement of the labor market in Ukraine.
