How do we define a landmark event?  It has taken some 60 years, but in June 2011 the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted a global convention setting forth the fundamental rights of domestic workers, and the obligation of governments worldwide to protect them.

So begins a report by NGOs and Catholic-inspired organizations on the process of winning the "Decent Work for Domestic Workers" Convention.  Years ago, these groups came together to keep the issue in the public eye and push for ratification.  Read the report here.

In August, the South African Domestic Services and Allied  Workers Union (SADSAWU), COSATU, NACTU, FEDUSA, International Labour Organization (ILO), Social Law Project, Labour Research Service, ANCWL, Progressive Women Movement of South Africa  came together to celebrate Women's Month and to  highlight the call to the South African Government to start the processes of ratifying the  Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

Uruguay, August 19 -- In November 2006, the Uruguayan legislature passed Law 18.065, which regulated domestic work, thus constituting a breakthrough for more than 100,000 domestic workers in the country.

However, they were unable to achieve collective bargaining until they were summoned by the wage councils on 19 August 2008.  Ever since, the Day of the Domestic Workers is celebrated in Uruguay on that date. The celebration is accompanied by a paid holiday for the sector.

Trinidad and Tobago -- The Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (Trinidad and Tobago) congatulated the National Union of Domestic Workers on the historic achievement of a Domestic Worker Convention at the ILO Conference.  CAFRA praised the late Clotil Walcott of NUDE, as well as James Lynch, Salisha Ali and Ida Le Blanc, NUDE General Secretary. Read the congratulatory letter here.

Pennsylvania -- Domestic workers from the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) met with student guestworkers who led a factory sit-in because of broken promises and unfair conditions.  Read more about how workers from different sectors and unions are supporting each other.

Berlin - Diplomatic immunity was originally meant to protect embassy personnel from arbitrary harrassment. But a new case in Berlin, involving the alleged abuse of a Indonesian servant, makes it clear that human rights sometimes get lost in the shuffle. The case could go to Germany's highest court.  Read more in Der Spiegel here.