Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam (PTS) is organising a one day strike on Friday morning (2nd October 2009) in Chennai, India, calling for fair wages, weekly paid day off and annual bonus.

Announcement

One Day Strike by Domestic Workers

Friday, October 2, 2009 (10am-12noon)

Human Chain Protest

Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, Chennai

OUR DEMANDS

• Fair wages in view of the high cost of living, Hourly Wages of Rs. 25
• Weekly Day Off with pay
• Annual bonus equivalent to one months salary

Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam, an independent non-party trade union of working women, in Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram has decided to call for a one-day strike of domestic workers on Friday, October 2, 2009. Domestic Workers are paid low wages and work long hours without statutory weekly off; and are deprived of basic human dignity and concern for their health. Domestic workers need to be economically independent and hold themselves with self-respect. “Domestic Work is work”: let us accept this today and recognise its importance. Let us also recognise the contribution of domestic workers to each family and the society in general.

PTS has a membership of about 5000 domestic workers in 3 districts including Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur. We estimate that there are approximately 2.5 lakh domestic workers in Chennai alone. No worker will report to work on Oct 2, 2009. We request support of all employers and the public, recognising the rights of this neglected and most deprived section of working class.

PENN THOZHILALARGAL SANGAM
TAMIL NADU WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE
TAMIL NADU WOMEN’S FORUM

——-
Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam
8/2 Dharmaraja Koil Street
Kilpauk, Chennai 600 010
Tel: 91-44-26478386
Mobile: 9962500169