http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_683075.html
Jun 24, 2011
Say 'no' to modern-day slavery
HAVING closely followed the vigorous debate on the subject of granting a day off a week to domestic maids, I am unable to comprehend the hullabaloo over something that is so fundamental - that is, every worker needs a rest. Isn't this a given?
Most of us work either a five-day or five-and-a-half-day week, with up to 21 days of annual leave, and 11 public holidays. But when it comes to granting a day off a week to domestic maids, we feel that the sky is collapsing on us.
Maids generally work long hours, with most starting their household chores from as early as 5am and stopping at about 10pm. It can be longer for those who work in households with large families, especially when they have to wash four cars, do the laundry, clean the house, walk the dog and cook.
Many employers do not treat their maids well. Over time, I have made many observations, and the following is only a sample:
1. When employers go on vacation, they move the maid to their parents' or in-laws' homes, so that they continue with the daily household chores there. This smacks of the "making one's money's worth" mentality.
2. Maids are at the beck and call of the employers, even to the extent of fetching a glass of water.
3. When families dine out, the maids are taken along to look after the children. In some instances, the maids are not given food.
4. They are not allowed to talk on the phone. However, I must add that maids, when allowed to use the phone, need to exercise discipline.
5. Instances of maid abuse are sufficiently frequent.
So there is a lot of soul searching needed for employers of maids. Maids, like them, are human, and need to be treated like one. There should be no modern-day slavery.
Lawrence Loh
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