Chennai domestic workers protest exploitative instant maid app

Domestic workers in Chennai are against a new app that offers maids in just 15 minutes. The service, which started in Mumbai, charges as low as ₹49 per hour. Activists say this app could make life harder for domestic workers, who already face problems like low pay and mistreatment. D. Sumathi, a leader of a workers' group, expresses concern for the rights and dignity of domestic workers. She warns that if they request a day off, they might be easily replaced. Sumathi believes the app will only make their working conditions worse. Many affected workers are migrants with few job options. They may accept lower pay through the app because they lack bargaining power. Sumathi mentions that this situation could create tension between migrant and local workers, but stresses that they should all stand together for fair treatment. J.A. Valarmathi from the Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers’ Welfare Trust is also worried. She says the app might not protect workers adequately. The group is currently pushing the government to raise the minimum wage to ₹100 per hour, but they feel the app is dragging wages down. There are also safety concerns for both workers and employers. Short-term jobs via apps might not build the same level of trust as traditional domestic work. Valarmathi questions if the company will take responsibility for any issues that might arise.