Vigil Today to Protest Mistreatment of Indian Domestic Workers

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The National Domestic Workers Alliance, the AFL-CIO and others will hold a peaceful vigil this afternoon to protest the Indian government’s mistreatment of domestic workers and call for stronger labor laws that protect domestic workers who frequently face workplace exploitation. The protest will take place during the new Indian Ambassador’s first public address, on the heels of a high-profile case of alleged criminal abuse. An Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, allegedly harshly mistreated Sangeeta Richard, an Indian domestic worker who recently fled abject working conditions in an Indian consulate. The protestors will share stories and shed light on the poor working conditions of workers like Sangeeta everywhere—the 2.5 million domestic workers in the U.S.—many of whom work long hours for diplomatic officers for little or no pay. “Although Sangeeta’s abuser was able to avoid prosecution by receiving diplomatic immunity, this vigil is the continuation of the fight for justice and fair treatment for domestic workers everywhere,” says the National Domestic Workers Alliance. photo: domestic workers' rights supporters demonstrate across the street from the Indian Consulate General in New York City. (AFP)