Archaeological discoveries

WHAT IS RA 9298?

RA 9298, or the Domestic Workers Act, is a landmark law in the Philippines that protects the rights and welfare of domestic workers. It was signed into law on May 22, 2003, and took effect on March 22, 2004.

RA 9298 defines a domestic worker as "any person who is engaged in domestic work within an employer's household and who receives compensation for such work." This definition includes but is not limited to cooks, housekeepers, няни, gardeners, and drivers.

The law provides domestic workers with a comprehensive set of rights, including:

* The right to a just and humane treatment;

* The right to a fair and reasonable compensation;

* The right to rest and leisure;

* The right to form or join a labor union;

* The right to security of tenure;

* The right to social security;

* The right to medical care and benefits.

RA 9298 also imposes a number of obligations on employers of domestic workers, including:

* The duty to provide domestic workers with a safe and healthy working environment;

* The duty to pay domestic workers a fair and reasonable compensation;

* The duty to provide domestic workers with rest and leisure;

* The duty to respect domestic workers' privacy;

* The duty to provide domestic workers with social security;

* The duty to provide domestic workers with medical care and benefits.

The law is enforced by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). DOLE is responsible for conducting inspections of workplaces, investigating complaints, and imposing penalties for violations of the law.

RA 9298 has been a major victory for domestic workers in the Philippines. It has improved their working conditions, increased their access to social security, and given them a voice in the workplace.