KASAMBAHAY BILL - MANILA DOMESTIC WORKERS BILL

http://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/tclarke/WAGE%20The%20Risk.html

Domestic workers are called a friendly term in Manila "Kasambahay": to emphasize they are part of the household. Below is the bill  that is yet to be signed in Congress to provide legal recognition for the domestic workers and recognize the important role that Kasambahay plays in the building of the family and of society.

The kasambahay has the right to decent work wh


ich includes decent employment and income, humane conditions of work, access to and coverage in social protection schemes, and the opportunity for social dialogue and representation.

Right to Just and Humane Conditions of Work. The kasambahay has the right to a safe and healthy work environment, continuous (sufficient) rest periods, time for recreation and leisure.

Right to Just and Humane Treatment. The Kasambahay is entitled to be treated free from any physical or psychological violence, or any other act which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the kasambahay as a human being be used upon the latter.

Right against Involuntary Servitude, Debt Bondage and Trafficking. The kasambahay shall have the right to refuse or deny his or her services to work or tasks not stipulated in the employment contract.  In case the kasambahay agrees to work in industrial undertakings and perform  work or task for the service or benefit of another household, he or she shall be entitled to  applicable minimum wage or just compensation respectively.

Right to Social Protection. The kasambahay shall be covered by the Social Security System (SSS) and be entitled to all the benefits provided under Republic Act No. 8282, as amended. The employers of said kasambahay shall pay for the employer's share of the SSS contributions without deducting the same from the monthly compensation of the kasambahay. The kasambahay shall also pay for the employee’s share of the SSS contributions.

All house helpers shall be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) in accordance with its guidelines and be entitled to all the benefits provided

by law.

Right to Privacy. The kasambahay shall have the right to privacy during his/her rest periods. The kasambahay's right to privacy shall extend to any and all forms of personal communications.

Right to Minimum Wage. The kasambahay shall be entitled to the following minimum wage rates:

(a) TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php2,500.00) a month for KASAMBAHAY WORKING in the National Capital Region (NCR);

(b) ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED PESOS (Php1,700.00) a month for those WORKING in other chartered cities and first class municipalities; and,

(c) ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php 1,500.00) a month for those WORKING in other municipalities."

Within one (1) year after the passage of this law, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) shall determine and adjust, from time to time, the appropriate minimum wage rates of kasambahays in accordance with the special wage fixing mechanism.

Right to free board, lodging and medical attendance. The kasambahay has the right to suitable and sanitary living quarters as well as adequate food and medical attendance free of charge.

Right to access educational opportunities. The kasambahay has the right to access opportunities for education and training to upgrade their skills and improve the services they provide to their employers.

Right to self-organization. The kasambahay shall have the right to form or join association or societies for purposes not contrary to law.

Right to redress grievance. The kasambahay shall have the right to redress grievance and to the expeditious settlement of disputes.

All other rights not specified herein but guaranteed by the Constitution are affirmed and shall be equally afforded to the kasambahay.