Crisis behind closed doors domestic workers' struggles during the pandemic and beyond

ABSTRACT

The impact of the national lockdown due to COVID-19 on domestic workers in New Delhi and Gurugram is examined. Through extensive surveys with members of three labour unions, it was found that not only were domestic workers able to fi nd less work, but were also paid lower wages, while unable to access government schemes or fi nancial or in-kind support from their employers. This points to a dire need for policies that protect domestic workers' interests. © 2021 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.