Revista de la Mañana. Trabajo dómnestico en Colombia: entre la informalidad y los derechos laborales

Abstract

Paola Moreno, project coordinator at the NGO PASO International, explains the precarious situation of domestic work in Colombia, highlighting that only 1.7% of workers have a written contract. Although a verbal contract is legally valid, the lack of a formal document leaves employees in a highly vulnerable position, as employers can deny the employment relationship. The interview addresses the "naturalization" of domestic work as an informal task assigned to women, which leads to the denial of their labor rights, such as bonus payments, severance pay, vacation time, and social security. The difficulties are discussed both for employers, who are often unaware of their obligations, and for employees, who sometimes prefer a higher daily wage to social security affiliation. Moreno also points to the impact of Venezuelan migration, which has further made the sector precarious, with wages far below normal. Finally, the process for employers to pay social benefits proportionally to daily workers is explained, and the importance of formalizing and dignifying this work, which is fundamental to the well-being of households and the economy, is emphasized. PASO International and the Ministry of Labor offer free consulting services to facilitate this process.