ILO C189 explained
PIoWR Learning Hub · about 5 minutes, including the quiz · For: Domestic Workers
In this lesson you will learn:
- What the Domestic Workers Convention is
- The main protections
- Its status in the Pacific
What is C189?
The Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) is the ILO's standard for people who do domestic work — work performed in or for a household, for example cleaning, cooking, caring for children, older people or people with disabilities, gardening, driving and more. Its starting point is simple: domestic workers are workers, with the same basic rights as other workers.
Main protections
- Fundamental rights: freedom of association and collective bargaining; no forced labour; no child labour; no discrimination (Art. 3).
- Minimum age in line with ILO standards; young workers must not miss compulsory schooling (Art. 4).
- Protection from abuse, harassment and violence (Art. 5).
- Decent living conditions that respect privacy if you live in (Art. 6).
- Clear terms of employment, preferably a written contract (Art. 7).
- Migrant domestic workers: a written job offer or contract before crossing the border (Art. 8).
- Freedom to agree whether to live in, to leave the house on rest days, and to keep your own documents (Art. 9).
- Hours and rest equal to other workers, with at least 24 hours in a row of weekly rest; on-call time counts as working time to the extent national law sets (Art. 10).
- Minimum wage coverage where it exists, and pay at least monthly (Art. 11–12).
- Safe and healthy workplace and social security, including maternity (Art. 13–14).
- Agencies regulated, and their fees not deducted from your pay (Art. 15).
- Access to justice, complaints and labour inspection (Art. 16–17).
C189 in the Pacific
According to ILO NORMLEX (checked 2 October 2026), no Pacific Island country has ratified C189. That means it is not binding law in the Pacific. But it is a clear guide to fair treatment, and unions and governments can use it when they improve national law. Your country's employment law may already cover domestic workers — ask your labour ministry or a union.
Key points
- C189 says domestic workers are workers, with the same basic rights.
- Key protections: clear terms, monthly pay, 24 hours' weekly rest, privacy, keeping your documents, protection from abuse.
- No Pacific Island country has ratified C189 yet.
Self-check quiz. Choose your answers, then check them. The correct answers are shown after you check. Nothing is recorded.
Sources
This lesson is general information, not legal advice. Checked 2 October 2026.
Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations — Fair Conditions At Work