Union Urges Apex Court for Fair Wages and Legal Protection of Women Workers
Union urges apex court to reopen a dismissed petition seeking minimum wages and legal recognition for domestic workers, as women labour organisations across the country continue their fight for basic employment rights. The appeal was reiterated by the Women Workers Union during a press conference held in Chennai, where union representatives stressed the urgency of the issue and the long-standing neglect faced by domestic workers, particularly women in the unorganised sector.
The union has been working for over two decades to advocate for the rights of women labourers. Along with nine other domestic workers’ unions from different states, it had earlier filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court demanding the implementation of minimum wages and statutory recognition for domestic work. However, the apex court dismissed the petition in January, directing the unions to approach respective state governments instead.
The dismissal has triggered renewed concern among labour groups, who argue that leaving the issue entirely to states has resulted in prolonged inaction and unequal treatment across regions.
Union Urges Apex Court After Petition Dismissal Raises Concerns
During the press meet, union leaders stated that they were disappointed with the reasoning given by the court while dismissing the petition. According to the unions, the court observed that fixing minimum wages for domestic workers falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and warned that judicial intervention could have unintended consequences such as job losses, increased litigation, and excessive unionisation.
Union representatives strongly disagreed with this view, stating that domestic workers are already among the most vulnerable sections of the workforce and remain unprotected precisely because of the absence of central legal backing. They argued that the lack of uniform policy has allowed exploitative practices to continue unchecked.
The Women Workers Union stressed that domestic work is real work and deserves the same legal safeguards as other forms of employment. Without statutory recognition, workers remain excluded from labour laws, social security benefits, and wage protection mechanisms.
Union Urges Apex Court as Workers Face Low Pay and No Security
Union leaders highlighted the harsh realities faced by domestic workers, especially women employed in private households. Many continue to earn extremely low wages, with some receiving as little as a few thousand rupees per month despite working long hours. There is no job security, no fixed working hours, and no guaranteed leave.
The union pointed out that domestic workers are often dismissed without notice, denied wages, or forced to work under unsafe conditions. Since the employment happens within private homes, violations often go unreported and unaddressed.
The union president urged the Tamil Nadu government to take proactive steps instead of waiting for judicial direction. She called on the state to include domestic workers under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and to fix a fair wage that reflects the cost of living. Additional demands included access to ESI benefits, increased financial assistance through welfare boards, and a guaranteed weekly paid holiday.
Union Urges Apex Court Amid Demand for State Accountability
The union also emphasised that relying solely on state governments has historically failed domestic workers. While some states have taken limited steps, many have not fixed wages or provided social security benefits. This uneven approach has resulted in wide disparities and continued exploitation.
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Union members stated that judicial intervention is necessary to set a national standard and push states toward compliance. They argued that concerns about job loss are unfounded, as fair wages and legal clarity would stabilise employment rather than disrupt it.
Speakers at the press conference urged policymakers to recognise that domestic workers play a crucial role in enabling urban economies by supporting households and working professionals. Despite this, their contribution remains undervalued and invisible. Also Read: New Moffusil Bus Stand Marks a Major Transport Shift in Dharmapuri in 2026
Union Urges Apex Court for Dignity and Recognition
The union reiterated that their appeal is not merely about wages but about dignity, recognition, and basic human rights. Domestic workers, they said, deserve to be seen as workers under the law, not informal helpers without protections.
They appealed to the apex court to provide a full hearing and reconsider its earlier decision, taking into account the lived realities of women workers across the country. The union expressed hope that sustained advocacy and public attention would push both the judiciary and governments to act.
Conclusion
As the union urges apex court to revisit the issue, the demand for minimum wages and legal recognition for domestic workers continues to gain urgency. Whether through judicial review or state action, labour groups insist that delaying reforms will only deepen inequality and prolong injustice for millions of women workers.
