Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government for information on the registration of foreign women employed in domestic households, in light of the Federal Chamber of Labour's comments that these women often were not registered for sickness insurance because they tend to work on an hourly basis and employers are reluctant to register them. In its reply, the Government states that there is entitlement to benefit irrespective of whether the employment is registered or contributions are paid; thus non-registration has no negative effects, particularly concerning maternity benefits. The Committee notes this information. It requests the Government to supply information on whether, during the period for which the report is concerned, unregistered household workers, in particular foreign workers without a formal employment contract, have applied for sickness benefit under the sickness insurance fund and, if so, whether benefit has in fact been paid.

The Government also states that it has contacted the Federal Chamber of Labour concerning non-registration of household employees with the sickness insurance fund and that further developments in this area will continue to be examined. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of any such developments.