Making a complaint

Domestic Workers · Know your rights

Domestic workers have the same right to justice as other workers.

What you should get

• Access to courts, tribunals or other dispute services on terms no less favourable than other workers — by yourself or through a representative (C189, Art. 16).
• Effective and accessible complaint mechanisms, and labour inspection suited to domestic work (C189, Art. 17).
• Freedom to join a union or workers' organisation of your choice (C189, Art. 3).

Check for

• You know the name of your country's labour ministry or department

What you can do

• Keep your evidence: messages, payment notes, your hours diary.
• Read the lesson 'Raising a complaint safely'.

Sources: ILO C189, Art. 3, 16 and 17 (NORMLEX)

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/domestic-workers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org