Should maids be given a day off every week?
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cher_06:
:goodpost: :goodpost: very good post, this is reality.After having 5 maid in a totality of 17 years, in which one of them worked for 10 years, honestly, for those who are here to work and earn money, they are not hard up for the off days. I believe most Singaporeans are not as ugly as what the media has potrayed. Most of us are mostly educated and are professionals looking for an extra help so that we can spend more time with our kids without having to worry about household chores, unlike in the early 90s or late 80s, where maids were first introduced and we hear of overworked maids because the demographics were different then.
My friend's maid has worked for 26 years in the family and she cant be bothered to go out even though her employer asked her to. The helper that stayed with me for 10 years, initially had off days every month, but after 2 months, she decided she wants the money. During her free time (which is probably once a month), she ask to go to the nearby mall for a few hours, and we are more than happy to oblige.
In my personal experience, I do not know if I can agree to a weekly off when my previous one has a monthly off and I find Gucci Bag, and Hotel 81 receipts in her. Before her off days, she is able to finish her contract and no big problems other than being nosey in the entire estate affairs.
Yes, I cannot interfere in her life, but if I feel threatened because of her lifestyle because I have kids at home, then I think I have every right to interfere. She is a DOMESTIC helper, she is not an employee like many of us here. She is part of my family - she lives and eat with me everyday and my children are with her, of course it matters who she is hanging out with and what she is doing. They have a choice if they want to work with off or no off days, which was specified in their contract.
Honestly, I do not think those who never had maids have a say whether off days should be legalized because they have not experience the full spectrum of the doings of the maids. Off days should be a mutual agreement between employer and their helpers, employers do not need the law. -
cher_06:
Totally agree!!! :goodpost:After having 5 maid in a totality of 17 years, in which one of them worked for 10 years, honestly, for those who are here to work and earn money, they are not hard up for the off days. I believe most Singaporeans are not as ugly as what the media has potrayed. Most of us are mostly educated and are professionals looking for an extra help so that we can spend more time with our kids without having to worry about household chores, unlike in the early 90s or late 80s, where maids were first introduced and we hear of overworked maids because the demographics were different then.
My friend's maid has worked for 26 years in the family and she cant be bothered to go out even though her employer asked her to. The helper that stayed with me for 10 years, initially had off days every month, but after 2 months, she decided she wants the money. During her free time (which is probably once a month), she ask to go to the nearby mall for a few hours, and we are more than happy to oblige.
In my personal experience, I do not know if I can agree to a weekly off when my previous one has a monthly off and I find Gucci Bag, and Hotel 81 receipts in her. Before her off days, she is able to finish her contract and no big problems other than being nosey in the entire estate affairs.
Yes, I cannot interfere in her life, but if I feel threatened because of her lifestyle because I have kids at home, then I think I have every right to interfere. She is a DOMESTIC helper, she is not an employee like many of us here. She is part of my family - she lives and eat with me everyday and my children are with her, of course it matters who she is hanging out with and what she is doing. They have a choice if they want to work with off or no off days, which was specified in their contract.
Honestly, I do not think those who never had maids have a say whether off days should be legalized because they have not experience the full spectrum of the doings of the maids. Off days should be a mutual agreement between employer and their helpers, employers do not need the law. -
cher_06:
:goodpost: :goodpost: Bravo!! Well said!After having 5 maid in a totality of 17 years, in which one of them worked for 10 years, honestly, for those who are here to work and earn money, they are not hard up for the off days. I believe most Singaporeans are not as ugly as what the media has potrayed. Most of us are mostly educated and are professionals looking for an extra help so that we can spend more time with our kids without having to worry about household chores, unlike in the early 90s or late 80s, where maids were first introduced and we hear of overworked maids because the demographics were different then.
My friend's maid has worked for 26 years in the family and she cant be bothered to go out even though her employer asked her to. The helper that stayed with me for 10 years, initially had off days every month, but after 2 months, she decided she wants the money. During her free time (which is probably once a month), she ask to go to the nearby mall for a few hours, and we are more than happy to oblige.
In my personal experience, I do not know if I can agree to a weekly off when my previous one has a monthly off and I find Gucci Bag, and Hotel 81 receipts in her. Before her off days, she is able to finish her contract and no big problems other than being nosey in the entire estate affairs.
Yes, I cannot interfere in her life, but if I feel threatened because of her lifestyle because I have kids at home, then I think I have every right to interfere. She is a DOMESTIC helper, she is not an employee like many of us here. She is part of my family - she lives and eat with me everyday and my children are with her, of course it matters who she is hanging out with and what she is doing. They have a choice if they want to work with off or no off days, which was specified in their contract.
Honestly, I do not think those who never had maids have a say whether off days should be legalized because they have not experience the full spectrum of the doings of the maids. Off days should be a mutual agreement between employer and their helpers, employers do not need the law. -
hey all,
Thanks for the support. The more I read about how maids off days should be legalised, the more incensed I am because my last 2 filippinos gave me nothing but bull shit day in and out. Finally employed a burmese maid and so far I am happy with her.
I think it is such a shame that we need laws to give our helper rest days. Why dont the government relook into how elderly parents look after their grandchildren, sometimes with no money and no off days for 365 days. Where are their so called rights?
We cannot compare Singaporean Salary with the domestic helpers’ salary. Then why not look into some of these cleaners who are paid a salary of $600 and they have to pay for meals and housing. Foreign domestic helpers are not here as a talent like the expatriates who are skilled. They are unskilled workers, and because their own country cannot afford to give them jobs, we are giving them a job, which is more than what they are earning back home. If they feel the salary is too low, then dont come. It is just like us when we apply for jobs. If our employers do not give us the remuneration that we want, or ask us to work on Saturdays, we have the right to walk away. We never force the domestic helpers to work for us. They are not slaves, as what some Singaporeans have coined them, again the employers are misunderstood. We cannot compare ourselves to places like HK and Taiwan because firstly they do not have (or very little) foreign workers from India etc. The standard of living in HK is higher and their levy is low. In addition, the maids who go there usually worked in Singapore or Dubai before heading there, in that aspect, they are already trained.
We have to revist why domestic workers were introduced in the first place. They were introduced so that women can go into the workforce. Non-profit organizations have many times said that we should not rely on domestic helpers, but look at how much childcare and infant care cost now. In addition, when my kids fall sick, they cant go to school, in turn, I have to take leave, mostly urgent ones. It is a logistical problem. Today, our education system is so competitive, we want the best for our kids, and hence, household chores as much as possible, we would like to give it to our helpers. Without a helper, I am not able to supervise my child in her school work or spend quality time to even just read a book. Without a helper, my mother was not able to coach me in my studies as I was a very slow learner in primary school nor would she been able to continue to work so that she can afford the best education she can give by sending me overseas, something which I am forever grateful. Without the overseas education, which I would say is a 2nd chance, I will not be what I am today.
By the way, my helper 23 years ago found my sister on facebook after losing touch for the last 15years as we moved. She is now in Canada as a physiotherapist with a beautiful daughter. She has written many letters in the first 3 years which we still keep on how grateful she is for my mother who helped her to move to Canada.
I am not writing here to say how good of an employer I am. I believe most of us are. I am writing to tell those who think that employers are over working our maids or mistreating them to look at another perspective - that is if the helper is here to work and be committed, usually employers are grateful in return. We help each other. There are reasons why employers are not in favour with off days.
Unless we can relook into the entire issue holistically, then we can revisit this issue on maids. -
cher_06:
another :goodpost: :goodpost:hey all,
Thanks for the support. The more I read about how maids off days should be legalised, the more incensed I am because my last 2 filippinos gave me nothing but bull shit day in and out. Finally employed a burmese maid and so far I am happy with her.
I think it is such a shame that we need laws to give our helper rest days. Why dont the government relook into how elderly parents look after their grandchildren, sometimes with no money and no off days for 365 days. Where are their so called rights?
We cannot compare Singaporean Salary with the domestic helpers' salary. Then why not look into some of these cleaners who are paid a salary of $600 and they have to pay for meals and housing. Foreign domestic helpers are not here as a talent like the expatriates who are skilled. They are unskilled workers, and because their own country cannot afford to give them jobs, we are giving them a job, which is more than what they are earning back home. If they feel the salary is too low, then dont come. It is just like us when we apply for jobs. If our employers do not give us the remuneration that we want, or ask us to work on Saturdays, we have the right to walk away. We never force the domestic helpers to work for us. They are not slaves, as what some Singaporeans have coined them, again the employers are misunderstood. We cannot compare ourselves to places like HK and Taiwan because firstly they do not have (or very little) foreign workers from India etc. The standard of living in HK is higher and their levy is low. In addition, the maids who go there usually worked in Singapore or Dubai before heading there, in that aspect, they are already trained.
We have to revist why domestic workers were introduced in the first place. They were introduced so that women can go into the workforce. Non-profit organizations have many times said that we should not rely on domestic helpers, but look at how much childcare and infant care cost now. In addition, when my kids fall sick, they cant go to school, in turn, I have to take leave, mostly urgent ones. It is a logistical problem. Today, our education system is so competitive, we want the best for our kids, and hence, household chores as much as possible, we would like to give it to our helpers. Without a helper, I am not able to supervise my child in her school work or spend quality time to even just read a book. Without a helper, my mother was not able to coach me in my studies as I was a very slow learner in primary school nor would she been able to continue to work so that she can afford the best education she can give by sending me overseas, something which I am forever grateful. Without the overseas education, which I would say is a 2nd chance, I will not be what I am today.
By the way, my helper 23 years ago found my sister on facebook after losing touch for the last 15years as we moved. She is now in Canada as a physiotherapist with a beautiful daughter. She has written many letters in the first 3 years which we still keep on how grateful she is for my mother who helped her to move to Canada.
I am not writing here to say how good of an employer I am. I believe most of us are. I am writing to tell those who think that employers are over working our maids or mistreating them to look at another perspective - that is if the helper is here to work and be committed, usually employers are grateful in return. We help each other. There are reasons why employers are not in favour with off days.
Unless we can relook into the entire issue holistically, then we can revisit this issue on maids. -
Cher, you really reflect the voice of many of us here. Maybe you shld send this post to MOM and let them know the sentiments on the grounds.
cher_06:
hey all,
Thanks for the support. The more I read about how maids off days should be legalised, the more incensed I am because my last 2 filippinos gave me nothing but bull shit day in and out. Finally employed a burmese maid and so far I am happy with her.
I think it is such a shame that we need laws to give our helper rest days. Why dont the government relook into how elderly parents look after their grandchildren, sometimes with no money and no off days for 365 days. Where are their so called rights?
We cannot compare Singaporean Salary with the domestic helpers' salary. Then why not look into some of these cleaners who are paid a salary of $600 and they have to pay for meals and housing. Foreign domestic helpers are not here as a talent like the expatriates who are skilled. They are unskilled workers, and because their own country cannot afford to give them jobs, we are giving them a job, which is more than what they are earning back home. If they feel the salary is too low, then dont come. It is just like us when we apply for jobs. If our employers do not give us the remuneration that we want, or ask us to work on Saturdays, we have the right to walk away. We never force the domestic helpers to work for us. They are not slaves, as what some Singaporeans have coined them, again the employers are misunderstood. We cannot compare ourselves to places like HK and Taiwan because firstly they do not have (or very little) foreign workers from India etc. The standard of living in HK is higher and their levy is low. In addition, the maids who go there usually worked in Singapore or Dubai before heading there, in that aspect, they are already trained.
We have to revist why domestic workers were introduced in the first place. They were introduced so that women can go into the workforce. Non-profit organizations have many times said that we should not rely on domestic helpers, but look at how much childcare and infant care cost now. In addition, when my kids fall sick, they cant go to school, in turn, I have to take leave, mostly urgent ones. It is a logistical problem. Today, our education system is so competitive, we want the best for our kids, and hence, household chores as much as possible, we would like to give it to our helpers. Without a helper, I am not able to supervise my child in her school work or spend quality time to even just read a book. Without a helper, my mother was not able to coach me in my studies as I was a very slow learner in primary school nor would she been able to continue to work so that she can afford the best education she can give by sending me overseas, something which I am forever grateful. Without the overseas education, which I would say is a 2nd chance, I will not be what I am today.
By the way, my helper 23 years ago found my sister on facebook after losing touch for the last 15years as we moved. She is now in Canada as a physiotherapist with a beautiful daughter. She has written many letters in the first 3 years which we still keep on how grateful she is for my mother who helped her to move to Canada.
I am not writing here to say how good of an employer I am. I believe most of us are. I am writing to tell those who think that employers are over working our maids or mistreating them to look at another perspective - that is if the helper is here to work and be committed, usually employers are grateful in return. We help each other. There are reasons why employers are not in favour with off days.
Unless we can relook into the entire issue holistically, then we can revisit this issue on maids. -
Hi Angelight,
Thanks. I will do that because I really think they are going to implement this weekly off thing. In fact, I had written to them before.
For employers who feel the same, do put a post in Facebook at MOM Link and voice your concerns as well. -
Btw, I tried posting an edited version on MOM facebook, somehow it does not allow me to post. haha… maybe the post was too long or got deleted. >_<
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I have 2 maids - 1 filipino and 1 indonesian. I give both sunday off every week. The indonesian got pregnant but I was not upset but sympathetic. To me, this is her personal issue - i told her you can go home n have the baby and if you want to come back, i will still employ you. She on her own accord decided on abortion cos’ her family cannot afford the loss of her income and cant raise the child. We paid her salary inI advance to use for her abortion. She is still working with me and I am v pleased with her. I trust that she has learned her lesson.
To me, the person who suffers when the maid misbehaves is themselves. They know the consequences and face a loss of job, repatriation etc. I can always hire another maid but this maid has to suffer the consequences of her actions.
Because I treat them with respect, they reciprocate. It does not mean they
dont make mistakes but like with a child/teenager, i believe we cannot 100% control them.
I am just offering my perspective on this and it has worked for me. While many hate to admit this, my mum in law who runs maid agency has first hand knowledge of abuse in varying degrees - verbal, throwing things at them (sometimes hit, sometimes miss) only eating instant noodles and nothing else. Laws need to be in place to protect them and a mandatory off day is just one of them. -
cher_06:
Bravo! Another good post :rahrah: :rahrah: :rahrah:hey all,
Thanks for the support. The more I read about how maids off days should be legalised, the more incensed I am because my last 2 filippinos gave me nothing but bull shit day in and out. Finally employed a burmese maid and so far I am happy with her.
I think it is such a shame that we need laws to give our helper rest days. Why dont the government relook into how elderly parents look after their grandchildren, sometimes with no money and no off days for 365 days. Where are their so called rights?
We cannot compare Singaporean Salary with the domestic helpers' salary. Then why not look into some of these cleaners who are paid a salary of $600 and they have to pay for meals and housing. Foreign domestic helpers are not here as a talent like the expatriates who are skilled. They are unskilled workers, and because their own country cannot afford to give them jobs, we are giving them a job, which is more than what they are earning back home. If they feel the salary is too low, then dont come. It is just like us when we apply for jobs. If our employers do not give us the remuneration that we want, or ask us to work on Saturdays, we have the right to walk away. We never force the domestic helpers to work for us. They are not slaves, as what some Singaporeans have coined them, again the employers are misunderstood. We cannot compare ourselves to places like HK and Taiwan because firstly they do not have (or very little) foreign workers from India etc. The standard of living in HK is higher and their levy is low. In addition, the maids who go there usually worked in Singapore or Dubai before heading there, in that aspect, they are already trained.
We have to revist why domestic workers were introduced in the first place. They were introduced so that women can go into the workforce. Non-profit organizations have many times said that we should not rely on domestic helpers, but look at how much childcare and infant care cost now. In addition, when my kids fall sick, they cant go to school, in turn, I have to take leave, mostly urgent ones. It is a logistical problem. Today, our education system is so competitive, we want the best for our kids, and hence, household chores as much as possible, we would like to give it to our helpers. Without a helper, I am not able to supervise my child in her school work or spend quality time to even just read a book. Without a helper, my mother was not able to coach me in my studies as I was a very slow learner in primary school nor would she been able to continue to work so that she can afford the best education she can give by sending me overseas, something which I am forever grateful. Without the overseas education, which I would say is a 2nd chance, I will not be what I am today.
By the way, my helper 23 years ago found my sister on facebook after losing touch for the last 15years as we moved. She is now in Canada as a physiotherapist with a beautiful daughter. She has written many letters in the first 3 years which we still keep on how grateful she is for my mother who helped her to move to Canada.
I am not writing here to say how good of an employer I am. I believe most of us are. I am writing to tell those who think that employers are over working our maids or mistreating them to look at another perspective - that is if the helper is here to work and be committed, usually employers are grateful in return. We help each other. There are reasons why employers are not in favour with off days.
Unless we can relook into the entire issue holistically, then we can revisit this issue on maids.
Maid abusers are IMO a minority. Making it mandatory to give maids weekly off will not turn maid abusing employers into saints.
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