The Place of Domestic Work in Europe: An Analysis of Current Policy in the Light of the Council Decision Authorising Member States to Ratify ILO Convention No. 189. Issue 2 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Novitz, Tonia; Syrpis, Phil
• Is Part Of: European labour law journal. Volume 6:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: domestic work -- employment status -- flexicurity -- health and safety -- women -- working time; Labor laws and legislation -- Europe -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 344.40105
• DOI: 10.1177/201395251500600202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2031-9525

Abstract

The recent Decision of the Council recommending ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 fails to recognise the ways in which European Union (EU) law has facilitated cheap informal labour in the domestic sphere so as to enable participation in the formal labour market. This article examines the approach taken by EU Member States to the drafting of Convention No. 189 and argues that, despite its resultant diluted content, this instrument requires certain fundamental changes to the current treatment of domestic workers in the EU. We further propose a reorientation of the 'flexicurity' principle to enable reform, such that contemporary modes of work can be reconsidered and transformed.