All About Full-Time Maids

[peapot]

Since you are relocating you need to re contract her for 2 years and transfer her out so that her work permit will show new employer name and address. You also need your in laws to buy insurance.


When it comes to salary and off days, you can ask your inlaws to negotiate with her until both parties are agreeable to the terms. You do not need to give her 4 offdays. It is only for maids who renew next year. Of course there will be maids who will want to take advantage of this opportunity to demand for 4 off days now. So it’s really up to how you negotiate with her. For salary the experienced maid are paid $500 but is she capable to earn it? My current ex Singapore maid ask for $500. I said let me see how good you are first. Now I pay her $450. To my surprise, she doesn’t even know how to make the bed. She puts red and white clothes in the washing machine and the white came out looking red! So how to pay $500 for her so call experience??!!!So you need to think about what salary you are comfortable to increase to.

[peapot]

Oops just saw that your renewal is for next year then you have no choice but to follow the 4 days ruling.

[Coolkidsrock2]

Try OCBC. No need for standing instructions. I quick cheque into her account every month and update upon clearance. Open on Sunday so it is more convenient for me too.

[Power Puff]

Thanks peapot.


As helper is currently earning $450 a month, do we simply take $450 divided by 30 days = $15 to reimburse her for each off day not taken? Also, how do we go about coming up with a new contract stating that in laws are her new employers? I suppose to be fair to her we will let her go for paid leave after Sept (when her contract with me is supposed to have ended) and maybe give her an increment. Do we have to go through the maid agent - at the rate things are going, won’t they charge crazy fees? Does MOM have a standardised work contract format which we can use? Helper’s passport expires in April 2014. Does that mean MOM will only issue her new permit up to April 2014? Should we get maid to renew her passport just before her 2 weeks leave in Sept 2013? So many questions…thanks in advance for any kind info!

[POA Teacher]

Power Puff:

Thanks peapot.


As helper is currently earning $450 a month, do we simply take $450 divided by 30 days = $15 to reimburse her for each off day not taken? Also, how do we go about coming up with a new contract stating that in laws are her new employers? I suppose to be fair to her we will let her go for paid leave after Sept (when her contract with me is supposed to have ended) and maybe give her an increment. Do we have to go through the maid agent - at the rate things are going, won't they charge crazy fees? Does MOM have a standardised work contract format which we can use? Helper's passport expires in April 2014. Does that mean MOM will only issue her new permit up to April 2014? Should we get maid to renew her passport just before her 2 weeks leave in Sept 2013? So many questions...thanks in advance for any kind info!

Is your maid Indon? If so, does she already have the KTKLN card? If not, she must have a valid employment contract ( I think you need to go to the embassy to get that done) and work permit before she leaves for her home leave to enable her to get the card done so that she can return here.
You don't have to go through an agent.

[Hanuta]

Hi all,


Appreciate your advise.

I am facing this problem with My new indo maid of four months. She doesn’t change her undergarment daily. I have questioned her more than twice over the four months and she even can reply me that she has six bras and she changes daily. However I did a check and found her lying, she only has four bras and didn’t change daily. I have observed she change every two to three days. I have talked to her nicely and yet she refuse to admit and refuse to change! I am thinking of buying more undergarment for her but the problem is she refuse to change and think is ok! Other than this, I found her to be a good helper. Can anyone advise what should I do? Thanks!

[nms1]

Hanuta:

Hi all,


Appreciate your advise.

I am facing this problem with My new indo maid of four months. She doesn't change her undergarment daily. I have questioned her more than twice over the four months and she even can reply me that she has six bras and she changes daily. However I did a check and found her lying, she only has four bras and didn't change daily. I have observed she change every two to three days. I have talked to her nicely and yet she refuse to admit and refuse to change! I am thinking of buying more undergarment for her but the problem is she refuse to change and think is ok! Other than this, I found her to be a good helper. Can anyone advise what should I do? Thanks!

Can I ask why this is a problem? Do you think that she is unhygienic? Does she have body odour? If so, then bring it up with her gently but if not it is really up to her how often she changes her underwear. If she is not causing a problem to anyone else or a health danger to your family (which I don't think wearing a bra for a few days would) then I would just leave her be and focus on how she is doing her job. Would you like your boss to check how often you change your underwear?!

[Hanuta]

She is taking care of the baby and housework, after a day work of sweat, it is very logically her clothes including undergarment will be dirty and personal hygiene is important especially taking care of baby! I don’t think you do housework and wear e same bra for few days right?

[jacsplace]

Hi Hanuta, sounds like you and your maid have strongly opposing views. Have you thought about changing maids?

[straffan23]

Just to share… a long time ago in a foreign land, I was renting a room. My landlady - an attractive, married lady in her mid 30s would handwash her bras once a week - but there’s only 3 pieces of bra. So, I asked her once - to which she told me that her bras are very expensive and delicate. Hence wear it for 2 - 3 days and not everyday. I suppose in a way, it makes sense. Just like how some would wear their dresses twice before washing, pants a few more times, etc.


And really, the bra contacts with her skin. Not her chores. At the end of the day, this is her bra. She is entitled to privicy, just like us.