Housekeepers: “An important step for all of us forgotten”

with this measure 10,967 malaguenas to be protected. One of them Amal Benyussef. Marrakech native Benyoussef came to Malaga more than 30 years ago in search of a better life. She has worked as a domestic worker for the past 20 years and has seen how the industry is “finally accepted”. Although the beginnings are not easy. After months of searching, Amal found a job as a domestic worker: “Worked as a trainee and earned less than 600 eurosbut I accepted it so I could correct my paperwork,” he recalls.

under bad working conditionsAmal worked for two years without even being discharged: “I didn’t know how the system works, they said it took a long time, but don’t worry they solved it”. After the years, Benyoussef learned Spanish and began to ask and research what his working status was: “I asked a lot of questions, so they fired me.”

Without employment or documents or subsidies, Amal’s nightmare repeated itself. Odyssey ended when he found another job to fix his situation: “I had documents, but I had no rights.”he assures.

So, after 20 years as a domestic worker, now may have the same rights as an employee: “During this time I was unemployed several times, without financial assistance. This is an important step for all women like me who have been forgotten for years.”Says.

They find this new measure very positive from the CCOO, but they state that “there is still a lot to argue about”to approve gentle columnresponsible for union action. The new norm is to put an end to “absolutely unacceptable injustice” and “fulfill” its demand after the International Labor Organization (ILO) has unanimously approved it in its June 189 Convention, which must recognize I stop. this group:We must continue the fight because agreement 189 must be transposed into Spanish legislation.”Emphasizes the person responsible.

More protection

With its ratification, these workers will have a minimum wage for interprofessional salary (SMI), which limits payments in kind. On the other hand, domestic workers will have more protection against dismissal. Something Amal has a hard time believing: “I’ve been fired many times, I hope this time it’s regulated.” in Malaga, Laura Guillen succeeded in grouping and creating a platform. Home and Care WorkersHe says: “I have been involved in the domestic workers issue since 1989. Since many labor and human rights issues have been violated, I found it necessary to establish an association.”

From there, they created formations in different parts of Andalusia to fight for this sector: “We made this possible in Malaga thanks to Malaga Acoge”. The platform brings together 60 to 100 people who see how their rights are supported by this new rule:We’re so happy it’s realbut there are still many tassels that need to be tied”, he admits.

And Guillén remembers this”we miss many things. These include aspects related to workforce risks, inspections, and control of abusive working hours. “The legal evolution for this measure to be effective is not yet known.. What will happen and how will it be implemented,” he said.

Amal, on the other hand, celebrates this new phase with emotion and hope. domestic workersbut there is still a long way to go:It’s good but the interiors are missing. It’s a very forgotten industry that has days of abuse.”complaint.