The following article was posted by the Huffington Post on 06/29/11 12:03 PM ET.
By Nisha Varia
Senior women's rights researcher, Human Rights Watch
Being forced into domestic servitude is one of the most common forms of human trafficking. Yet it remains one of the most invisible, including meager media coverage and law enforcement efforts. On June 27, the US State Department released its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, an annual ranking of how well -- or how badly -- countries around the world are doing to fight modern forms of slavery. The report is a sobering litany of horrific abuses, including against domestic workers, and the faltering efforts of many governments to stop these crimes.
I have spent several years trying to raise the profile of domestic workers' rights in Asia and the Middle East. While migrant domestic workers can have kind employers and good work experiences, I have interviewed hundreds of women who have endured hellishly long working hours without rest, been forced to work months or years without pay, were starved, beaten, or burned with hot irons, or suffered routine humiliation and were locked up in the homes where they worked.
A landmark treaty adopted less than two weeks ago may help to change that, however. On June 16, members of the International Labor Organization (ILO), including governments, trade unions, and employers' groups from around the world, created the first legally binding global labor standards for domestic work, requiring the same types of labor protections for domestic workers that other workers get. This treaty makes huge strides in recognizing the valuable services provided by nannies and housecleaners, and establishing the legal measures required to prevent labor exploitation and trafficking into domestic servitude.
Many of the worst offenders in this year's TIP report are not a big surprise. They include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon where it's common for households to employ immigrant women as live-in nannies and housekeepers but where these workers are left out of coverage by labor laws and basic protections such as freedom to leave the workplace on days off. Should they even get a day off. The countries that send these workers are not far behind in the rankings, including Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. They have yet to effectively rein in the middlemen who recruit women from villages, deceive them about the conditions of work abroad, and extract huge recruitment fees that leave them indebted.
All of these countries, despite early opposition from some of them, voted in favor of the new ILO convention on domestic work. The treaty tackles areas where weak government action has often opened up the door to abuse, such as exempting domestic workers from child labor laws, a hands-off approach to responding to workplace violence in private homes, inadequate regulation of live-in domestic work, and poor monitoring of recruitment agencies.
There is a long road from adopting such standards to integrating them into national laws and enforcing them on the ground. But the very recognition of domestic workers as "workers" protected by labor laws -- rather than helpers, servants, or second-class "members of the family" -- narrows the space for abuse by heightening visibility, access to legal remedies, and shifts in attitudes.
Countries looking for concrete ways to tackle the scourge of human trafficking should quickly sign on to the ILO convention on domestic work and make the necessary reforms to be in compliance. Those that do might avoid the embarrassment of being highlighted again in next year's TIP report as a country that has allowed modern-day slavery to flourish in its backyard.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Make English skills a work-permit criterion
Straits Times, Forum, Jun 29, 2011
MANY employers in the service industry are hesitant about enrolling their work permit holders for English courses and the Service Literacy Test (SLT) ('Bosses baulk at sending staff for English test'; Monday).
Each worker who passes the SLT costs his employer $100 less in monthly foreign worker levy. Yet, many employers are willing to forgo the significant savings, citing expensive training costs, uncertainty over whether workers can pass the test, and it being 'unnecessary'. This marks an incipient failure of the testing initiative to raise English standards in the service industry.
Considering that English is the lingua franca in Singapore, that many tourists visit our country, and that our populace is made up of different races, there is a dire need for front-line staff to be able to listen, understand and respond aptly in English while on the job.
Just as an employer would offer employment only to the most suitable candidates who meet the job specifications, why do we allow less-than-qualified foreign workers to take on front-line jobs in the first place? Why don't we ensure that they have the necessary skills first before they obtain their work permits?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a commonly used tool to gauge a person's command of the English language for purposes such as employment, immigration and education in many countries. It is a well-regarded international test of English proficiency.
In most cases, the candidate applies and pays for the IELTS course in his home country. Only when he has attained at least the minimum score needed for the relevant purpose can he then apply for the visa to immigrate, work or study in the host country.
The Ministry of Manpower should implement this criterion in the issuance of work permits to foreign workers, especially in the service industry.
There are benefits to this: Potential employers do not have to worry about incurring training costs - whether it is in training expenses or staff overtime; staff do not have to fret over passing literacy tests while working; and customers are assured that even newcomers to the service sector can communicate with them.
Essentially, it obviates the need for the SLT and raises the standard of English proficiency in the industry. It is time we raise the quality of foreign workers entering our workforce.
Rick Lim
Jun 29, 2011
English literacy tests
'Isn't this a double standard?'
MR SHAH PAKRI: 'Why is it that a foreign worker in a front-line service job, who has to handle many customers, is not required to take the Service Literacy Test ('Bosses baulk at sending staff for English test'; Monday), but a maid working for a single family has to sit an English literacy test? Isn't this a double standard?'
MANY employers in the service industry are hesitant about enrolling their work permit holders for English courses and the Service Literacy Test (SLT) ('Bosses baulk at sending staff for English test'; Monday).
Each worker who passes the SLT costs his employer $100 less in monthly foreign worker levy. Yet, many employers are willing to forgo the significant savings, citing expensive training costs, uncertainty over whether workers can pass the test, and it being 'unnecessary'. This marks an incipient failure of the testing initiative to raise English standards in the service industry.
Considering that English is the lingua franca in Singapore, that many tourists visit our country, and that our populace is made up of different races, there is a dire need for front-line staff to be able to listen, understand and respond aptly in English while on the job.
Just as an employer would offer employment only to the most suitable candidates who meet the job specifications, why do we allow less-than-qualified foreign workers to take on front-line jobs in the first place? Why don't we ensure that they have the necessary skills first before they obtain their work permits?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a commonly used tool to gauge a person's command of the English language for purposes such as employment, immigration and education in many countries. It is a well-regarded international test of English proficiency.
In most cases, the candidate applies and pays for the IELTS course in his home country. Only when he has attained at least the minimum score needed for the relevant purpose can he then apply for the visa to immigrate, work or study in the host country.
The Ministry of Manpower should implement this criterion in the issuance of work permits to foreign workers, especially in the service industry.
There are benefits to this: Potential employers do not have to worry about incurring training costs - whether it is in training expenses or staff overtime; staff do not have to fret over passing literacy tests while working; and customers are assured that even newcomers to the service sector can communicate with them.
Essentially, it obviates the need for the SLT and raises the standard of English proficiency in the industry. It is time we raise the quality of foreign workers entering our workforce.
Rick Lim
Jun 29, 2011
English literacy tests
'Isn't this a double standard?'
MR SHAH PAKRI: 'Why is it that a foreign worker in a front-line service job, who has to handle many customers, is not required to take the Service Literacy Test ('Bosses baulk at sending staff for English test'; Monday), but a maid working for a single family has to sit an English literacy test? Isn't this a double standard?'
American award for Home founder
Straits Times, Jun 29, 2011
By CHUA CHIN HON
Photo caption: Mrs Clinton presenting a 2011 Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award to Ms Tan at the US State Department in Washington on Monday. In her speech, Mrs Clinton likened Ms Tan and nine other activists from around the world to modern-day 'heros'. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON: When she first set up her own non-governmental organisation to help migrant workers and trafficking victims in 2004, Ms Bridget Tan had to use $60,000 from her own retirement funds to get started.
Seven years on, her hard work and sacrifice were recognised personally by top United States diplomat Hillary Clinton, who cited the Singaporean's work as an example of how 'individual action can lead to some astounding results'.
In a speech at the US State Department to release an annual anti-human trafficking report, Mrs Clinton likened Ms Tan and nine other activists around the world to modern-day 'heroes', adding: 'They inspire us, but also tell us very practically what we can do to make a difference.'
Mrs Clinton presented Ms Tan and other activists from the Philippines, Finland and Guatemala, among other countries, with certificates recognising their work.
For the 63-year-old Ms Tan, one of the most prominent advocates for the rights of migrant workers in Singapore, the award is more than just validation for her efforts. Since its inception, the NGO she set up - the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) - has helped provide over 50,000 migrants with food, shelter and legal advice.
She said she hoped the award would help her forge new partnerships.
'That is very important as migration is a global phenomenon,' she told The Straits Times in an interview here.
'If you want to really deal with this issue, you've got to work with other governments, other NGOs, other partners. This is not the work for just one organisation isolated in Singapore.'
Aside from linking up with potential partners and donors from around the world, she is also hoping that the publicity will help raise awareness of Home in Singapore.
'It is hard to get people to join you if you are not a known entity,' said Ms Tan.
When she first began working on migrant worker issues in 1998 under the auspices of a church, volunteers were scarce. When she left to set up Home in 2004, she poured $60,000 of her own CPF money into shelters and other efforts. She managed to obtain more funding in subsequent years, thanks in part to media attention on Home's efforts and the plight of the migrant workers.
The Singapore NGO now has a full-time staff of six, two part-timers, and about 100 volunteers.
But while awareness has grown compared to the past, human trafficking remains an issue that is all but 'invisible' to most Singaporeans, she added.
'They don't see what's happening to women and girls in Geylang, especially those who have been trafficked,' said Ms Tan. 'Hopefully with this award, there would be more visibility and awareness on this issue. This is really about the social conscience of our society. How can we, in this century, allow such slave-like conditions?'
For one thing, she said, the Government should adopt an anti-human trafficking law, and cooperate more with the NGOs instead of going it alone.
A MATTER OF SOCIAL CONSCIENCE
'They don't see what's happening to women and girls in Geylang, especially those who have been trafficked. Hopefully with this award, there would be more visibility and awareness on this issue. This is really about the social conscience of our society. How can we, in this century, allow such slave- like conditions?'
Ms Tan, noting that, to most Singaporeans, human trafficking remains an 'invisible' issue
By CHUA CHIN HON
Photo caption: Mrs Clinton presenting a 2011 Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award to Ms Tan at the US State Department in Washington on Monday. In her speech, Mrs Clinton likened Ms Tan and nine other activists from around the world to modern-day 'heros'. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON: When she first set up her own non-governmental organisation to help migrant workers and trafficking victims in 2004, Ms Bridget Tan had to use $60,000 from her own retirement funds to get started.
Seven years on, her hard work and sacrifice were recognised personally by top United States diplomat Hillary Clinton, who cited the Singaporean's work as an example of how 'individual action can lead to some astounding results'.
In a speech at the US State Department to release an annual anti-human trafficking report, Mrs Clinton likened Ms Tan and nine other activists around the world to modern-day 'heroes', adding: 'They inspire us, but also tell us very practically what we can do to make a difference.'
Mrs Clinton presented Ms Tan and other activists from the Philippines, Finland and Guatemala, among other countries, with certificates recognising their work.
For the 63-year-old Ms Tan, one of the most prominent advocates for the rights of migrant workers in Singapore, the award is more than just validation for her efforts. Since its inception, the NGO she set up - the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) - has helped provide over 50,000 migrants with food, shelter and legal advice.
She said she hoped the award would help her forge new partnerships.
'That is very important as migration is a global phenomenon,' she told The Straits Times in an interview here.
'If you want to really deal with this issue, you've got to work with other governments, other NGOs, other partners. This is not the work for just one organisation isolated in Singapore.'
Aside from linking up with potential partners and donors from around the world, she is also hoping that the publicity will help raise awareness of Home in Singapore.
'It is hard to get people to join you if you are not a known entity,' said Ms Tan.
When she first began working on migrant worker issues in 1998 under the auspices of a church, volunteers were scarce. When she left to set up Home in 2004, she poured $60,000 of her own CPF money into shelters and other efforts. She managed to obtain more funding in subsequent years, thanks in part to media attention on Home's efforts and the plight of the migrant workers.
The Singapore NGO now has a full-time staff of six, two part-timers, and about 100 volunteers.
But while awareness has grown compared to the past, human trafficking remains an issue that is all but 'invisible' to most Singaporeans, she added.
'They don't see what's happening to women and girls in Geylang, especially those who have been trafficked,' said Ms Tan. 'Hopefully with this award, there would be more visibility and awareness on this issue. This is really about the social conscience of our society. How can we, in this century, allow such slave-like conditions?'
For one thing, she said, the Government should adopt an anti-human trafficking law, and cooperate more with the NGOs instead of going it alone.
A MATTER OF SOCIAL CONSCIENCE
'They don't see what's happening to women and girls in Geylang, especially those who have been trafficked. Hopefully with this award, there would be more visibility and awareness on this issue. This is really about the social conscience of our society. How can we, in this century, allow such slave- like conditions?'
Ms Tan, noting that, to most Singaporeans, human trafficking remains an 'invisible' issue
US report 'riddled with inaccuracies'
Straits Times, Jun 29, 2011
MFA takes Washington to task over report on human trafficking here
By Cassandra Chew
SINGAPORE acknowledged its upgraded ranking in an annual US State Department report on human trafficking but took Washington to task yesterday for inaccurate details that the report gave of the situation here.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was dismayed that the section on Singapore in the 11th Trafficking in Persons report was 'riddled with inaccuracies'.
'Such a casual approach to the facts is troubling,' it said, citing two specific inaccuracies to illustrate its case. It added that there were numerous others.
The new ranking moved Singapore out of the Tier 2 Watch List and up to Tier 2.
A ministry spokesman cited as untrue and unverified the report's claim of forced labour on fishing vessels that 'originated in Singapore'.
Reiterating that Singapore does not tolerate forced labour on Singapore-flagged ships, he said: 'The US should thoroughly investigate the 'reports' before faulting us for not pursuing our 'phantom' ships.'
Also puzzling was the 'astonishing observation' that no known trafficking victims were offered medical and other services at shelters in the past year.
The spokesman said that last month, the Government gave the US detailed information on services that such victims have used. These include medical, counselling and translation services.
'While we can acknowledge that much remains to be done in our fight against trafficking, we are disappointed that the US chose to blatantly dismiss the facts and suggest that we are not doing our share,' he said.
The spokesman said that based on any objective criteria, the US has a more serious problem than Singapore.
A New York Times report in April said teenage girls coerced into prostitution there did not receive protection for victims but were treated as 'miscreants who were arrested and prosecuted'.
The spokesman said this is 'directly opposite' to Singapore's approach, in which commercial sex workers are all considered victims of trafficking until it is proven otherwise.
It is also known the US suffers from serious problems with illegal immigrants. Many are trafficked by organised criminal gangs which seem to operate in impunity.
The spokesman said despite such failings, the United States 'unabashedly awarded itself a Tier 1 Ranking'.
'Perhaps this incongruity could be explained by the fact that the Report does not apply a consistent, transparent and measurable standard for all countries.'
Even US Senator James Webb saw inconsistencies when he noted how Nigeria was in Tier 1, Japan in Tier 2 and Singapore in the Tier 2 Watch List last year.
'We need to fix the law so that we are measuring the right sorts of things... because it is causing a great deal of resentment among people who are otherwise our close friends,' he told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month.
Non-governmental groups yesterday cheered the upgrade. But migrant worker rights group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2); human rights group Maruah; and Ecpat International, which fights child trafficking, urged Singapore to ratify the United Nations treaty against human trafficking.
The Home Affairs Ministry said this will be done when it is satisfied that domestic laws adhere to the treaty.
Said TWC2 immediate past president John Gee: 'Without this legislative step forward, it is hard to see how a more victim-centred approach can be developed in dealing with migrants working in a variety of illegal and exploitative conditions.'
MFA takes Washington to task over report on human trafficking here
By Cassandra Chew
SINGAPORE acknowledged its upgraded ranking in an annual US State Department report on human trafficking but took Washington to task yesterday for inaccurate details that the report gave of the situation here.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was dismayed that the section on Singapore in the 11th Trafficking in Persons report was 'riddled with inaccuracies'.
'Such a casual approach to the facts is troubling,' it said, citing two specific inaccuracies to illustrate its case. It added that there were numerous others.
The new ranking moved Singapore out of the Tier 2 Watch List and up to Tier 2.
A ministry spokesman cited as untrue and unverified the report's claim of forced labour on fishing vessels that 'originated in Singapore'.
Reiterating that Singapore does not tolerate forced labour on Singapore-flagged ships, he said: 'The US should thoroughly investigate the 'reports' before faulting us for not pursuing our 'phantom' ships.'
Also puzzling was the 'astonishing observation' that no known trafficking victims were offered medical and other services at shelters in the past year.
The spokesman said that last month, the Government gave the US detailed information on services that such victims have used. These include medical, counselling and translation services.
'While we can acknowledge that much remains to be done in our fight against trafficking, we are disappointed that the US chose to blatantly dismiss the facts and suggest that we are not doing our share,' he said.
The spokesman said that based on any objective criteria, the US has a more serious problem than Singapore.
A New York Times report in April said teenage girls coerced into prostitution there did not receive protection for victims but were treated as 'miscreants who were arrested and prosecuted'.
The spokesman said this is 'directly opposite' to Singapore's approach, in which commercial sex workers are all considered victims of trafficking until it is proven otherwise.
It is also known the US suffers from serious problems with illegal immigrants. Many are trafficked by organised criminal gangs which seem to operate in impunity.
The spokesman said despite such failings, the United States 'unabashedly awarded itself a Tier 1 Ranking'.
'Perhaps this incongruity could be explained by the fact that the Report does not apply a consistent, transparent and measurable standard for all countries.'
Even US Senator James Webb saw inconsistencies when he noted how Nigeria was in Tier 1, Japan in Tier 2 and Singapore in the Tier 2 Watch List last year.
'We need to fix the law so that we are measuring the right sorts of things... because it is causing a great deal of resentment among people who are otherwise our close friends,' he told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month.
Non-governmental groups yesterday cheered the upgrade. But migrant worker rights group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2); human rights group Maruah; and Ecpat International, which fights child trafficking, urged Singapore to ratify the United Nations treaty against human trafficking.
The Home Affairs Ministry said this will be done when it is satisfied that domestic laws adhere to the treaty.
Said TWC2 immediate past president John Gee: 'Without this legislative step forward, it is hard to see how a more victim-centred approach can be developed in dealing with migrants working in a variety of illegal and exploitative conditions.'
US takes S'pore off its human trafficking watch list
Straits Times, Jun 29, 2011
By Chua Chin Hon, US Bureau Chief
WASHINGTON: Singapore has been removed from a United States government watch list for human trafficking, according to a new report which acknowledges 'significant efforts' on the part of the city state to meet minimum standards for tackling the problem.
Ambassador Luis CdeBaca, who heads US efforts to combat human trafficking, also expressed optimism that some of the recent steps taken by Singapore, such as adopting the United Nations' definitions of trafficking and the setting up of an inter-agency task force, would produce results within the year.
One initiative by Singapore which caught his eye: issuing name-card-sized checklists to help police officers identify trafficking victims, rather than waiting for the victims to identify themselves.
Holding up one such checklist at a press conference yesterday, the US diplomat said: 'These types of things change the dynamic because it's not up to the individual cop in Singapore to know all these fancy definitions (of trafficking).
'It is that kind of innovation that was lacking over the last decade in Singapore. The fact that Singapore is exhibiting the political will to show this kind of innovation over the last six months is a very positive thing for the entire Asean region.'
The Philippines and Laos were also taken off the watch list this year.
In a response to its removal from the watch list, the Republic said it noted the change, and called trafficking in persons 'an abhorrent international crime which the Singapore Government responds to robustly'.
It added: 'But we are dismayed to find the US TIP Report riddled with inaccuracies in the section on Singapore.
'Such a casual approach to the facts is troubling.'
Singapore was placed on the so-called 'Tier 2 watch list' for the first time last year by the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.
Since the US State Department began publishing the report in 2001, the city state had mostly been placed on 'Tier 2', a classification for countries which do not fully meet international standards but are taking significant efforts to meet those requirements.
The 2010 report said Singapore was placed on the watch list because the Government did not show more effort in identifying and protecting the victims of forced labour and sex trafficking, or in prosecuting the perpetrators.
Singapore declared last year's report 'superficial and perfunctory at best'.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged some of the report's shortcomings yesterday. Speaking at a ceremony to launch the 2011 edition, she said: 'The number of prosecutions worldwide has remained relatively static.
'And so the measure of success can no longer be whether a country has passed laws, because so many have in the last decade. Now we have to make sure that laws are implemented and that countries are using the tools that have been created for that.'
Modern travel has worsened the problem of trafficking, with an estimated 27 million children, women and men across 184 countries affected.
Mrs Clinton called on governments to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developing 'new mechanisms' on protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators.
She pledged that US diplomats around the world would work closely with their host countries to implement the report's recommendations.
Ambassador CdeBaca said separately that he would be in Singapore and the region next week for talks with government agencies and NGOs.
This year's report urged Singapore to investigate and prosecute a greater number of labour and sex trafficking cases, and punish companies that forcefully repatriate migrant workers who complain of harsh working conditions.
It also recommended that Singapore devote more resources towards protecting and educating trafficking victims about the legal recourse available to them, as well as ratify the United Nations' Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
Singapore is one of the few countries yet to sign the treaty - the first legally binding document on human trafficking.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had said in the past that Singapore would sign the UN treaty when it was satisfied with 'domestic measures put in place to ensure adherence' to it.
By Chua Chin Hon, US Bureau Chief
WASHINGTON: Singapore has been removed from a United States government watch list for human trafficking, according to a new report which acknowledges 'significant efforts' on the part of the city state to meet minimum standards for tackling the problem.
Ambassador Luis CdeBaca, who heads US efforts to combat human trafficking, also expressed optimism that some of the recent steps taken by Singapore, such as adopting the United Nations' definitions of trafficking and the setting up of an inter-agency task force, would produce results within the year.
One initiative by Singapore which caught his eye: issuing name-card-sized checklists to help police officers identify trafficking victims, rather than waiting for the victims to identify themselves.
Holding up one such checklist at a press conference yesterday, the US diplomat said: 'These types of things change the dynamic because it's not up to the individual cop in Singapore to know all these fancy definitions (of trafficking).
'It is that kind of innovation that was lacking over the last decade in Singapore. The fact that Singapore is exhibiting the political will to show this kind of innovation over the last six months is a very positive thing for the entire Asean region.'
The Philippines and Laos were also taken off the watch list this year.
In a response to its removal from the watch list, the Republic said it noted the change, and called trafficking in persons 'an abhorrent international crime which the Singapore Government responds to robustly'.
It added: 'But we are dismayed to find the US TIP Report riddled with inaccuracies in the section on Singapore.
'Such a casual approach to the facts is troubling.'
Singapore was placed on the so-called 'Tier 2 watch list' for the first time last year by the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.
Since the US State Department began publishing the report in 2001, the city state had mostly been placed on 'Tier 2', a classification for countries which do not fully meet international standards but are taking significant efforts to meet those requirements.
The 2010 report said Singapore was placed on the watch list because the Government did not show more effort in identifying and protecting the victims of forced labour and sex trafficking, or in prosecuting the perpetrators.
Singapore declared last year's report 'superficial and perfunctory at best'.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged some of the report's shortcomings yesterday. Speaking at a ceremony to launch the 2011 edition, she said: 'The number of prosecutions worldwide has remained relatively static.
'And so the measure of success can no longer be whether a country has passed laws, because so many have in the last decade. Now we have to make sure that laws are implemented and that countries are using the tools that have been created for that.'
Modern travel has worsened the problem of trafficking, with an estimated 27 million children, women and men across 184 countries affected.
Mrs Clinton called on governments to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developing 'new mechanisms' on protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators.
She pledged that US diplomats around the world would work closely with their host countries to implement the report's recommendations.
Ambassador CdeBaca said separately that he would be in Singapore and the region next week for talks with government agencies and NGOs.
This year's report urged Singapore to investigate and prosecute a greater number of labour and sex trafficking cases, and punish companies that forcefully repatriate migrant workers who complain of harsh working conditions.
It also recommended that Singapore devote more resources towards protecting and educating trafficking victims about the legal recourse available to them, as well as ratify the United Nations' Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
Singapore is one of the few countries yet to sign the treaty - the first legally binding document on human trafficking.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had said in the past that Singapore would sign the UN treaty when it was satisfied with 'domestic measures put in place to ensure adherence' to it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Students of deregistered ALG apply to other schools
Straits Times, Jun 28, 2011
By Leow Si Wan
ABOUT 25 students left high and dry since the closure of their private school turned up at the Council for Private Education (CPE) yesterday to hand in applications to other schools.
Three private schools have stepped forward to offer them places after their school, ALG Education Centre, lost its permit two weeks ago and was forced by education watchdog CPE to shut. The three, all EduTrust-accredited schools, are AEC College, Informatics Academy and TMC Academy.
A fourth school, the ERC Institute, has withdrawn its offer of places because none of its programmes match those taken by ALG's students.
The 25 students have been told that it may take up to a month before they are informed which school will take them, and that they will not need to pay additional school fees to complete their chosen courses of study.
The CPE had indicated that ALG's registration permit was cancelled because it had withheld information about legal proceedings it was facing and the termination of its partnership with its external-degree programme partner, Daemen College in New York.
An ALG spokesman said the school will continue to work closely with the CPE to get its students, all foreigners, placed in one of the three schools.
He added that the school had appealed to the Education Ministry to be allowed to teach its existing students.
The school in North Bridge Road also hopes to seek clarification on the rules binding the registration permit.
The ALG management has posted a letter on the school's website to explain that the civil proceedings have not affected the running of ALG, and that the school had informed the CPE about the suit by June last year.
It added that its partnership with Daemen requires six months' notice to be given if either party wants out. ALG said it received notice of Daemen's pullout on April 14, so the actual termination date is Oct 14.
In an e-mail response yesterday, the CPE said the information on ALG's website is misleading and that it will be taking action. It said enough notice had been given to the school of the impending cancellation of its licence, and that it had yet to file a formal appeal with the Appeals Board.
Students, such as Mr Matthew Hui, 22, remain worried. The business management student, who has paid more than $30,000 for a diploma, advanced diploma and a degree from ALG, said: 'I've applied to Informatics Academy, but have been told I've a 50-50 chance of getting in. If I don't, the CPE will help me get into another school.'
By Leow Si Wan
ABOUT 25 students left high and dry since the closure of their private school turned up at the Council for Private Education (CPE) yesterday to hand in applications to other schools.
Three private schools have stepped forward to offer them places after their school, ALG Education Centre, lost its permit two weeks ago and was forced by education watchdog CPE to shut. The three, all EduTrust-accredited schools, are AEC College, Informatics Academy and TMC Academy.
A fourth school, the ERC Institute, has withdrawn its offer of places because none of its programmes match those taken by ALG's students.
The 25 students have been told that it may take up to a month before they are informed which school will take them, and that they will not need to pay additional school fees to complete their chosen courses of study.
The CPE had indicated that ALG's registration permit was cancelled because it had withheld information about legal proceedings it was facing and the termination of its partnership with its external-degree programme partner, Daemen College in New York.
An ALG spokesman said the school will continue to work closely with the CPE to get its students, all foreigners, placed in one of the three schools.
He added that the school had appealed to the Education Ministry to be allowed to teach its existing students.
The school in North Bridge Road also hopes to seek clarification on the rules binding the registration permit.
The ALG management has posted a letter on the school's website to explain that the civil proceedings have not affected the running of ALG, and that the school had informed the CPE about the suit by June last year.
It added that its partnership with Daemen requires six months' notice to be given if either party wants out. ALG said it received notice of Daemen's pullout on April 14, so the actual termination date is Oct 14.
In an e-mail response yesterday, the CPE said the information on ALG's website is misleading and that it will be taking action. It said enough notice had been given to the school of the impending cancellation of its licence, and that it had yet to file a formal appeal with the Appeals Board.
Students, such as Mr Matthew Hui, 22, remain worried. The business management student, who has paid more than $30,000 for a diploma, advanced diploma and a degree from ALG, said: 'I've applied to Informatics Academy, but have been told I've a 50-50 chance of getting in. If I don't, the CPE will help me get into another school.'
A duty to care - for maids
Straits Times, Editorial, Jun 28, 2011
THE unresolved issue of rest days for domestic maids is haunting Singaporean households anew. An old official guideline recommends a day off each month, but few are the cases of even such a modest voluntary concession being offered. But the difference now from inchoate attempts of the past is that a bid to codify a labour best practice in an informal economy, which household work is part of, could be accelerated by the adoption on June 16 of an International Labour Organisation (ILO) protocol on the rights of domestic workers. The convention will take effect after two countries have ratified it. A weekly day off is one of several standards agreed by a majority of the 183 member nations. This is reasonable and just in an occupation of indeterminate work duties, long hours and minimal pay.
Seen in this light, not granting maids the right to rest days and extra protections enjoyed by other categories of workers under international convention or domestic labour law would place Singapore in an awkward position. Singapore abstained in the Geneva vote on the reasonable ground that it had to be certain it could implement all of the provisions. One such, on collective bargaining, is plainly impractical where household help is concerned. The Manpower Ministry has since said it would study proposals - most recently floated by Madam Halimah Yaacob, a former labour-rights advocate and now a Minister of State - to mandate a weekly rest day.
The implication seems to be that the provision, if it eventuates, could come under domestic labour law independently of Singapore being a party to the ILO protocol. The grant of a rest day would be the right thing to do. That notwithstanding, the hope is that Singapore would eventually find it advantageous to sign up to the convention.
The significance of these developments is that it appears the unenlightened attitude of many employers - not so much government doubt - is the stumbling block to mandatory time off. Maids are still treated much like chattels. Whatever the needs of families, with aged parents and young children to care for besides the cooking and cleaning, it is cruel to have the maid confined to the home. Objections raised through the years to giving rest days have bordered on the farcical, such as the worry maids would fall into bad company. Attitudes must change first, as work demands made of maids will remain complex. If it should take the force of law to bring change, it would make for an easier decision.
THE unresolved issue of rest days for domestic maids is haunting Singaporean households anew. An old official guideline recommends a day off each month, but few are the cases of even such a modest voluntary concession being offered. But the difference now from inchoate attempts of the past is that a bid to codify a labour best practice in an informal economy, which household work is part of, could be accelerated by the adoption on June 16 of an International Labour Organisation (ILO) protocol on the rights of domestic workers. The convention will take effect after two countries have ratified it. A weekly day off is one of several standards agreed by a majority of the 183 member nations. This is reasonable and just in an occupation of indeterminate work duties, long hours and minimal pay.
Seen in this light, not granting maids the right to rest days and extra protections enjoyed by other categories of workers under international convention or domestic labour law would place Singapore in an awkward position. Singapore abstained in the Geneva vote on the reasonable ground that it had to be certain it could implement all of the provisions. One such, on collective bargaining, is plainly impractical where household help is concerned. The Manpower Ministry has since said it would study proposals - most recently floated by Madam Halimah Yaacob, a former labour-rights advocate and now a Minister of State - to mandate a weekly rest day.
The implication seems to be that the provision, if it eventuates, could come under domestic labour law independently of Singapore being a party to the ILO protocol. The grant of a rest day would be the right thing to do. That notwithstanding, the hope is that Singapore would eventually find it advantageous to sign up to the convention.
The significance of these developments is that it appears the unenlightened attitude of many employers - not so much government doubt - is the stumbling block to mandatory time off. Maids are still treated much like chattels. Whatever the needs of families, with aged parents and young children to care for besides the cooking and cleaning, it is cruel to have the maid confined to the home. Objections raised through the years to giving rest days have bordered on the farcical, such as the worry maids would fall into bad company. Attitudes must change first, as work demands made of maids will remain complex. If it should take the force of law to bring change, it would make for an easier decision.
Maid jumps one storey down 'to flee bosses'
Straits Times, Jun 28, 2011
By Danson Cheong
Photo caption: Ms Beltran (above) leapt from the air-con ledge and landed unhurt on the next floor. She claimed she had to wake up at 5am to do chores, and was given only a meal of leftover vegetables at 9pm. Her bosses denied the claims. -- ST PHOTOS: DESMOND FOO, MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
A FILIPINO maid ran away from her employers yesterday by jumping about 3m from the air-conditioning ledge of a 27th-storey condominium apartment onto the balcony of a unit a floor below.
Ms Jovelyn Beltran, 26, landed unhurt in the incident at The Madeira condominium at about 6.30am.
Ms Beltran - a first-time maid here - has been working for the family of four in Bukit Batok since she arrived here on June 19.
Speaking to The Straits Times, she claimed that she had to wake up at 5am every day to do chores and was given only a meal of leftover vegetables at 9pm every night.
She added that she ran away because she constantly felt faint and weak, and did so when her employers were asleep.
She decided to jump because she did not have the keys to the gates of the apartment.
Her employers - a couple who declined to be named - denied the allegations.
'She was smart and quite independent. I thought I was lucky to have her,' said the wife.
She added that the maid had not complained to her previously.
Neighbours whom The Straits Times spoke to said Ms Beltran's employers are a Singaporean man and his Taiwanese homemaker wife.
Ms Emelda Escorpizo, 44, who has been working as a maid in the apartment below for six years, said: 'I was washing clothes when I heard a loud crash. When I went out, I saw Jovelyn on the balcony.'
She let Ms Beltran out of the apartment, where the latter sought help from other residents of the condominium.
Ms Beltran, a single mother of a five-year-old daughter, later went to the Philippines Embassy and is now in its care.
An embassy spokesman said Ms Beltran wants to return home.
'We will counsel her and see what she decides to do,' the spokesman added, noting that the embassy will also refer the matter to the Ministry of Manpower in the next few days.
The Straits Times contacted Ms Beltran's agent, AG Employment Agency, but it declined to comment.
On Sunday, an Indonesian maid attempted to escape from her employer's fifth-floor Woodlands flat by climbing out of the window.
She was later rescued and arrested by the police for attempted suicide.
By Danson Cheong
Photo caption: Ms Beltran (above) leapt from the air-con ledge and landed unhurt on the next floor. She claimed she had to wake up at 5am to do chores, and was given only a meal of leftover vegetables at 9pm. Her bosses denied the claims. -- ST PHOTOS: DESMOND FOO, MUGILAN RAJASEGERANA FILIPINO maid ran away from her employers yesterday by jumping about 3m from the air-conditioning ledge of a 27th-storey condominium apartment onto the balcony of a unit a floor below.
Ms Jovelyn Beltran, 26, landed unhurt in the incident at The Madeira condominium at about 6.30am.
Ms Beltran - a first-time maid here - has been working for the family of four in Bukit Batok since she arrived here on June 19.
Speaking to The Straits Times, she claimed that she had to wake up at 5am every day to do chores and was given only a meal of leftover vegetables at 9pm every night.
She added that she ran away because she constantly felt faint and weak, and did so when her employers were asleep.
She decided to jump because she did not have the keys to the gates of the apartment.
Her employers - a couple who declined to be named - denied the allegations.
'She was smart and quite independent. I thought I was lucky to have her,' said the wife.
She added that the maid had not complained to her previously.
Neighbours whom The Straits Times spoke to said Ms Beltran's employers are a Singaporean man and his Taiwanese homemaker wife.
Ms Emelda Escorpizo, 44, who has been working as a maid in the apartment below for six years, said: 'I was washing clothes when I heard a loud crash. When I went out, I saw Jovelyn on the balcony.'
She let Ms Beltran out of the apartment, where the latter sought help from other residents of the condominium.
Ms Beltran, a single mother of a five-year-old daughter, later went to the Philippines Embassy and is now in its care.
An embassy spokesman said Ms Beltran wants to return home.
'We will counsel her and see what she decides to do,' the spokesman added, noting that the embassy will also refer the matter to the Ministry of Manpower in the next few days.
The Straits Times contacted Ms Beltran's agent, AG Employment Agency, but it declined to comment.
On Sunday, an Indonesian maid attempted to escape from her employer's fifth-floor Woodlands flat by climbing out of the window.
She was later rescued and arrested by the police for attempted suicide.
Give and take
The following article was first published in The New Paper on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 and republished by AsiaOne.
By Santokh Singh
DOMESTIC helpers, whom we shall call maids for space considerations, are almost as important an issue in Singapore as housing or education.
With more than 200,000 of them here, outnumbering the Civil Service, they are in our homes (some with more than one helper), at our playgrounds and at our leisure spots or shopping centres over the weekends.
ust like housing and education, we have brought them into the social, economic and political domains of our discussions - and, just like education or housing, with the aim of improving all our lives, including theirs.
But just like streaming in education and the income ceiling for HDB flat buyers, there is one issue that dominates most of these discussions - a legislated rest day or weekly day off for them.
I am all for it, but I must also admit that I do not practise it completely.
My wife and I started hiring maids when we had our second child in two years in 1994 and we are now with our ninth domestic helper. And with the exception of one, who requested to end her contract early because of a personal problem, they completed their two-year terms without any major issues.
We're either really lucky or our strategies work.
Help
For a start, our basic philosophy is to help our maids better their lives and those of their loved ones back home.
So we try not to extend a maid's contract beyond two years - besides believing that familiarity breeds problems, we also want them to go back to their families as soon as possible.
Next, we agree with them that they would not get a day off for the first six months of their contract, but we compensate them financially, quite handsomely too, because some of them need to pay off their debts back home, money they borrowed to come here in the first place.
But this is not to say that we make them slog 24/7 for six months. Sundays are usually spent with us on our outings or they can opt to rest at home.
Why six months? Because our experience has showed that we need that amount of time to understand each other, as well as to educate our helpers to be street smart here.
During these six months,we also gauge the academic abilities of our helpers and see how we can better prepare them for the world of work when they go home.
I am happy to say that some of our maids opted to spend their days off doing courses organised by a mosque in Bukit Batok, with one of them graduating with a Certificate in Basic Computing.
Eventually, it is a partnership, not different from the one I have with my company and boss.We are there for each other when needed, and we do not mind giving and taking sometime, to be as productive as we can be.
And eventually, there is nothing like a promotion or a really hefty bonus, to help us forget that at times we worked beyond the stipulated hours.
By Santokh Singh
DOMESTIC helpers, whom we shall call maids for space considerations, are almost as important an issue in Singapore as housing or education.
With more than 200,000 of them here, outnumbering the Civil Service, they are in our homes (some with more than one helper), at our playgrounds and at our leisure spots or shopping centres over the weekends.
ust like housing and education, we have brought them into the social, economic and political domains of our discussions - and, just like education or housing, with the aim of improving all our lives, including theirs.
But just like streaming in education and the income ceiling for HDB flat buyers, there is one issue that dominates most of these discussions - a legislated rest day or weekly day off for them.
I am all for it, but I must also admit that I do not practise it completely.
My wife and I started hiring maids when we had our second child in two years in 1994 and we are now with our ninth domestic helper. And with the exception of one, who requested to end her contract early because of a personal problem, they completed their two-year terms without any major issues.
We're either really lucky or our strategies work.
Help
For a start, our basic philosophy is to help our maids better their lives and those of their loved ones back home.
So we try not to extend a maid's contract beyond two years - besides believing that familiarity breeds problems, we also want them to go back to their families as soon as possible.
Next, we agree with them that they would not get a day off for the first six months of their contract, but we compensate them financially, quite handsomely too, because some of them need to pay off their debts back home, money they borrowed to come here in the first place.
But this is not to say that we make them slog 24/7 for six months. Sundays are usually spent with us on our outings or they can opt to rest at home.
Why six months? Because our experience has showed that we need that amount of time to understand each other, as well as to educate our helpers to be street smart here.
During these six months,we also gauge the academic abilities of our helpers and see how we can better prepare them for the world of work when they go home.
I am happy to say that some of our maids opted to spend their days off doing courses organised by a mosque in Bukit Batok, with one of them graduating with a Certificate in Basic Computing.
Eventually, it is a partnership, not different from the one I have with my company and boss.We are there for each other when needed, and we do not mind giving and taking sometime, to be as productive as we can be.
And eventually, there is nothing like a promotion or a really hefty bonus, to help us forget that at times we worked beyond the stipulated hours.
Some employers think it's vital to give days off to maids
The following article was first published by The New Paper on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 and republished by AsiaOne.
By Gan Ling Kai
MEET the employers of Filipino maid Teresita Guitang, 32.
They give her days off, with promises of incrementand even a paid leave at the end of the year.
It all sounds very corporate.
Well, you should treat your domestic helper the way you would want to be treated at work, Miss Guitang's bosses are telling Singaporeans.
Mr Jason Tan, 37, a financial services senior manager, said: "Just like us, I am sure our helpers do not want to face their bosses every single day.
"They need to get out from their workplace, which is our homes, to have a real break."
Under review
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is reviewing the current flexible arrangement where domestic helpers are allowed regular rest days or compensation in lieu.
The review comes after the Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob said last Sunday that Singapore should consider making it compulsory for employers to give maids a rest day weekly.
Miss Guitang started working for Mr Tan and his wife Celine Quek, 35, a homemaker,last February.
After six months, the couple were pleased with the maid's performance and allowed her to take two days off monthly.
Miss Guitang is their fifth maid and the second to have days off. The other three maids, from Indonesia, prefer a $20 monthly compensation in lieu of days off.
Having days off motivates Miss Guitang in handling her chores efficiently, including doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning their five-room Clementi flat, and taking care of their three children, aged two, six and eight.
Said Ms Quek, who used to work in corporate communications until she quit last year to help her children with their schoolwork: "It is important to help her set targets on what needs to be done at home.
"After she is done with the tasks, we don't keep adding things to her list. We don't expect her to work 24/7."
The couple plan to increase Miss Guitang's current monthly salary from $360 to $400 in December.
They are even working out with Miss Guitang the possibility of giving her a month of paid leave at the end of the year.
"In our careers, we are motivated by increments andother rewards.
"We should also be recognising the efforts of our helpers in taking care of our families," said Mr Tan.
Miss Guitang, who's single, is excited when her leisure days, usually Sundays, roll around.
She gets to log on in an Internet cafe at Lucky Plaza to video chat with her elderly parents and seven siblings in the Philippines.
She also spends the afternoons shopping with her cousins, who are also working here as maids.
She also has a dream: To set up a computer shop in back home in about 10 years. She also plans to take up computer courses here on her days off.
Said Miss Guitang: "It is not easy to work in a country so far away (from home).
"But I am not homesick because I get to talk to my family."
A recent survey of 108 employers found that 45 per centdonot give their maids a single day off in a month.
Only 12 per cent allow their maids a weekly day off, the minimum international standard sanctioned last week by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The survey was commissioned by the Singapore National Committee for United Nations Women and two migrant worker welfare groups, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics and Transient Workers Count Too, and was funded by the ILO.
Miss Guitang said she understands why some employers would not want to give days off to their maids.
After all, she has heard stories of how some foreign maids here "become naughty" and even get pregnant.
But she believes most domestic helpers are focused on doing their job well.
What gives Mr and Mrs Tan the assurance that Miss Guitang would not be led astray?
Trust
"It's all about trust," said Mr Tan. "It's about building that relationship through proper communication.
"It is like how we can't lock up our children all the time just because we are afraid they may misbehave."
But Mr Tan feels that making it compulsory for maids to be given weekly days off is not necessarily a good idea.
"It takes time to build that trust, and sometimes the children of the employer may be too young for this arrangement to work because they need more attention.
There should be more flexibility when it comes to days off," said Mr Tan.
Another employer whom The New Paper on Sunday spoke to lauds the idea of mandatory days off.
Housewife Angela Lee, 43, said: "Everyone needs social time. At the end of the day, we cannot be too reliant on our maids."
She gives weekly days off to her Filipino helper who looks after her two children, aged 11 and 13.
Ms Lee, who once lived in Hong Kong, added that maids in some other countries are given mandatory days off.
In Hong Kong, maids get at least one day off a week while in Taiwan, they get four days off a month.
"It may not be easy, but the employer and the helper have to communicate and work out their schedules," said Ms Lee.
By Gan Ling Kai
MEET the employers of Filipino maid Teresita Guitang, 32.
They give her days off, with promises of incrementand even a paid leave at the end of the year.
It all sounds very corporate.
Well, you should treat your domestic helper the way you would want to be treated at work, Miss Guitang's bosses are telling Singaporeans.
Mr Jason Tan, 37, a financial services senior manager, said: "Just like us, I am sure our helpers do not want to face their bosses every single day.
"They need to get out from their workplace, which is our homes, to have a real break."
Under review
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is reviewing the current flexible arrangement where domestic helpers are allowed regular rest days or compensation in lieu.
The review comes after the Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob said last Sunday that Singapore should consider making it compulsory for employers to give maids a rest day weekly.
Miss Guitang started working for Mr Tan and his wife Celine Quek, 35, a homemaker,last February.
After six months, the couple were pleased with the maid's performance and allowed her to take two days off monthly.
Miss Guitang is their fifth maid and the second to have days off. The other three maids, from Indonesia, prefer a $20 monthly compensation in lieu of days off.
Having days off motivates Miss Guitang in handling her chores efficiently, including doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning their five-room Clementi flat, and taking care of their three children, aged two, six and eight.
Said Ms Quek, who used to work in corporate communications until she quit last year to help her children with their schoolwork: "It is important to help her set targets on what needs to be done at home.
"After she is done with the tasks, we don't keep adding things to her list. We don't expect her to work 24/7."
The couple plan to increase Miss Guitang's current monthly salary from $360 to $400 in December.
They are even working out with Miss Guitang the possibility of giving her a month of paid leave at the end of the year.
"In our careers, we are motivated by increments andother rewards.
"We should also be recognising the efforts of our helpers in taking care of our families," said Mr Tan.
Miss Guitang, who's single, is excited when her leisure days, usually Sundays, roll around.
She gets to log on in an Internet cafe at Lucky Plaza to video chat with her elderly parents and seven siblings in the Philippines.
She also spends the afternoons shopping with her cousins, who are also working here as maids.
She also has a dream: To set up a computer shop in back home in about 10 years. She also plans to take up computer courses here on her days off.
Said Miss Guitang: "It is not easy to work in a country so far away (from home).
"But I am not homesick because I get to talk to my family."
A recent survey of 108 employers found that 45 per centdonot give their maids a single day off in a month.
Only 12 per cent allow their maids a weekly day off, the minimum international standard sanctioned last week by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The survey was commissioned by the Singapore National Committee for United Nations Women and two migrant worker welfare groups, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics and Transient Workers Count Too, and was funded by the ILO.
Miss Guitang said she understands why some employers would not want to give days off to their maids.
After all, she has heard stories of how some foreign maids here "become naughty" and even get pregnant.
But she believes most domestic helpers are focused on doing their job well.
What gives Mr and Mrs Tan the assurance that Miss Guitang would not be led astray?
Trust
"It's all about trust," said Mr Tan. "It's about building that relationship through proper communication.
"It is like how we can't lock up our children all the time just because we are afraid they may misbehave."
But Mr Tan feels that making it compulsory for maids to be given weekly days off is not necessarily a good idea.
"It takes time to build that trust, and sometimes the children of the employer may be too young for this arrangement to work because they need more attention.
There should be more flexibility when it comes to days off," said Mr Tan.
Another employer whom The New Paper on Sunday spoke to lauds the idea of mandatory days off.
Housewife Angela Lee, 43, said: "Everyone needs social time. At the end of the day, we cannot be too reliant on our maids."
She gives weekly days off to her Filipino helper who looks after her two children, aged 11 and 13.
Ms Lee, who once lived in Hong Kong, added that maids in some other countries are given mandatory days off.
In Hong Kong, maids get at least one day off a week while in Taiwan, they get four days off a month.
"It may not be easy, but the employer and the helper have to communicate and work out their schedules," said Ms Lee.
Giving day off to maid was big mistake for me
The following article was published in the The New Paper on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 and republished by AsiaOne.
By Veena Bharwani
WHEN I found out my maid got pregnant, the first thing I did was laugh. It was nervous laughter.
She got pregnant, but my husband and I were the ones who paid the price.
We have five-month-old twin boys and even with full-time help, it was tough to cope.
This maid worked for us for six months and we were reasonably happy with her.
It took almost five months to properly train her. This involved cooking, cleaning and the tough task of helping me with my twins.
Slowly but surely, she gained confidence and became pretty good with the babies.
She helped me feed and change their diapers and even helped to soothe them when they got cranky.
So to reward her, I let her have a day off, even though she was not allowed any under the terms of her contract.
Apparently, the temptation was too great and she ended up getting pregnant about a month ago.
She just wasn't smart enough to know that she had to use birth control.
So after repatriating her and ending up with lighter pockets, my husband and I sat down to see where we went wrong.
That's the thing, as employers,we tried our best to do the right thing.
We were trying to be humane by letting her have a day off when she asked for it.
We had heard countless stories of how maids are overworked and don't get enough time to rest.
Apparently, being kind was our biggest mistake.
When family members found out about our maid, they immediately said it was our fault.
Not let her out
They said we shouldn't have let her go out or even let her go down for walks.
We were supposed to keep tabs on her all the time.
But seriously, we already had two babies and we didn't want a third one.
So, what are we going to do with the next maid?
Well,we will not be as liberal with her as we were with the first one.
But,we don't want to house her like a caged animal as well.
What's worse is we have to pick a new maid based on sparse information given to us on a piece of paper.
Even if we interview her on the phone, it is tough to assess the kind of person she is.
Another problem is the low education level of the maids.
Because so many of them come from the rural areas in Indonesia, Philippines or Myanmar, a good number of them are only semi-literate and are unable to handle the pressures of living in a big city.
Again, it falls on employers to train and equip them with the skills to survive in a big city.
That's a lot to ask of us employers who are already burdened with a levy to pay and increasing salaries of maids.
And, frankly, I think one day off a week for maids is too much, given the number of things that could go wrong for us employers.
This week, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob said we should consider legislation entitling maids to a day off every week.
What she failed to consider is that the employers are liable to pay for the maids mistakes, like when they get pregnant.
Sure, as clarified by the Ministry of Manpower,employers will not lose the $5,000 security deposit if the maid gets pregnant.
But employers still have to pay the cost of sending her back and there is the added cost of hiring a new maid.
We also had to fork out money for engaging part-time help while waiting for the new maid.
Legal part-time cleaners do not come cheap - they charge about $16 per hour.
In all,we had to fork out about $1,000 for this.
But at the core, it is the hidden cost of coping with our boys before the new maid comes and also the time taken to train the new maid when she comes that is the most painful.
Lives on hold
For now, I have my mother, mother-in-law, brother and cousin who have put their lives on hold to help us cope on a daily basis.
On weekends, my husband and I mind the babies alone. Needless to say,we are always in a state of exhausted stupor.
Because we are so tired, we have less time to do the things that really matter - like reading and playing with our boys.
And when the new maid comes, I'll have to start at the beginning to get used to anew person in our household.
Even then, there is no guarantee that things will be better the second time around. I have had friends who have had numerous maids in one year.
Some of their maids got pregnant, some stole from them and others just couldn't cope with the work.
One friend of mine had to contend with her maid leaving her house every night and coming back at six in the morning.
Apparently, this maid was going to Geylang every night and moonlighting as a prostitute.
So what can be done? I have an idea.
Instead of having to hire a live-in full-time helper, can maid agencies come-up with a system where maids are bused every day into HDB estates?
They can start work at 9am and end at 7pm.The agencies can then arrange for buses to take them back to their own hostels.
Frankly, I don't even mind forking out the same amount of money for the maid on a monthly basis for this system.
Only if, the maid agents can play their parents - letting them have their days off when they need it and deal with their idiosyncrasies.
And they, the maid agents should be liable if anything should go wrong (since, it's the agents who make money by bringing them here in the first place).
Perhaps this will motivate them to properly interview maids before deciding if they are suitable to do the work in the first place.
The Ministry of Manpower probably has to police the maid agents to make sure they are not abusing the maids.
This system might just be a win-win situation for maids and employers.
The maids are happier as they won't get lonely as they can go back to their friends at the hostel.
The employers are happy as they are not liable to pay for their maids' mistakes and don't have to contend with a stranger sleeping in their house.
The icing on the cake would be if the maid levies are removed and given to the maids instead.
It would make them less likely to go into prostitution or any other illegal activities.
By Veena Bharwani
WHEN I found out my maid got pregnant, the first thing I did was laugh. It was nervous laughter.
She got pregnant, but my husband and I were the ones who paid the price.
We have five-month-old twin boys and even with full-time help, it was tough to cope.
This maid worked for us for six months and we were reasonably happy with her.
It took almost five months to properly train her. This involved cooking, cleaning and the tough task of helping me with my twins.
Slowly but surely, she gained confidence and became pretty good with the babies.
She helped me feed and change their diapers and even helped to soothe them when they got cranky.
So to reward her, I let her have a day off, even though she was not allowed any under the terms of her contract.
Apparently, the temptation was too great and she ended up getting pregnant about a month ago.
She just wasn't smart enough to know that she had to use birth control.
So after repatriating her and ending up with lighter pockets, my husband and I sat down to see where we went wrong.
That's the thing, as employers,we tried our best to do the right thing.
We were trying to be humane by letting her have a day off when she asked for it.
We had heard countless stories of how maids are overworked and don't get enough time to rest.
Apparently, being kind was our biggest mistake.
When family members found out about our maid, they immediately said it was our fault.
Not let her out
They said we shouldn't have let her go out or even let her go down for walks.
We were supposed to keep tabs on her all the time.
But seriously, we already had two babies and we didn't want a third one.
So, what are we going to do with the next maid?
Well,we will not be as liberal with her as we were with the first one.
But,we don't want to house her like a caged animal as well.
What's worse is we have to pick a new maid based on sparse information given to us on a piece of paper.
Even if we interview her on the phone, it is tough to assess the kind of person she is.
Another problem is the low education level of the maids.
Because so many of them come from the rural areas in Indonesia, Philippines or Myanmar, a good number of them are only semi-literate and are unable to handle the pressures of living in a big city.
Again, it falls on employers to train and equip them with the skills to survive in a big city.
That's a lot to ask of us employers who are already burdened with a levy to pay and increasing salaries of maids.
And, frankly, I think one day off a week for maids is too much, given the number of things that could go wrong for us employers.
This week, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob said we should consider legislation entitling maids to a day off every week.
What she failed to consider is that the employers are liable to pay for the maids mistakes, like when they get pregnant.
Sure, as clarified by the Ministry of Manpower,employers will not lose the $5,000 security deposit if the maid gets pregnant.
But employers still have to pay the cost of sending her back and there is the added cost of hiring a new maid.
We also had to fork out money for engaging part-time help while waiting for the new maid.
Legal part-time cleaners do not come cheap - they charge about $16 per hour.
In all,we had to fork out about $1,000 for this.
But at the core, it is the hidden cost of coping with our boys before the new maid comes and also the time taken to train the new maid when she comes that is the most painful.
Lives on hold
For now, I have my mother, mother-in-law, brother and cousin who have put their lives on hold to help us cope on a daily basis.
On weekends, my husband and I mind the babies alone. Needless to say,we are always in a state of exhausted stupor.
Because we are so tired, we have less time to do the things that really matter - like reading and playing with our boys.
And when the new maid comes, I'll have to start at the beginning to get used to anew person in our household.
Even then, there is no guarantee that things will be better the second time around. I have had friends who have had numerous maids in one year.
Some of their maids got pregnant, some stole from them and others just couldn't cope with the work.
One friend of mine had to contend with her maid leaving her house every night and coming back at six in the morning.
Apparently, this maid was going to Geylang every night and moonlighting as a prostitute.
So what can be done? I have an idea.
Instead of having to hire a live-in full-time helper, can maid agencies come-up with a system where maids are bused every day into HDB estates?
They can start work at 9am and end at 7pm.The agencies can then arrange for buses to take them back to their own hostels.
Frankly, I don't even mind forking out the same amount of money for the maid on a monthly basis for this system.
Only if, the maid agents can play their parents - letting them have their days off when they need it and deal with their idiosyncrasies.
And they, the maid agents should be liable if anything should go wrong (since, it's the agents who make money by bringing them here in the first place).
Perhaps this will motivate them to properly interview maids before deciding if they are suitable to do the work in the first place.
The Ministry of Manpower probably has to police the maid agents to make sure they are not abusing the maids.
This system might just be a win-win situation for maids and employers.
The maids are happier as they won't get lonely as they can go back to their friends at the hostel.
The employers are happy as they are not liable to pay for their maids' mistakes and don't have to contend with a stranger sleeping in their house.
The icing on the cake would be if the maid levies are removed and given to the maids instead.
It would make them less likely to go into prostitution or any other illegal activities.
Monday, June 27, 2011
46 percent against weekly day off for maids: poll
The following article was published by Yahoo News Singapore.
By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – 1 hour 39 minutes ago
Photo caption: A recent poll by Yahoo! Singapore revealed that most respondents are opposed to making it mandatory for employers to give domestic workers in Singapore one day off a week.
A recent poll by Yahoo! Singapore revealed that most respondents are opposed to making it mandatory for employers to give domestic workers in Singapore one day off a week.
Of the 13,782 users who participated in the poll, 6,375 users --46 percent -- responded "No" to the question on whether Singapore should pass a law to give domestic helpers a compulsory day off.
Poll conducted by Yahoo! Singapore. (Screencap)
6,059 users -- 44 percent -- said "Yes", while 1,348 users said that they "can't be bothered".
A compulsory weekly day off for domestic helpers was suggested last week by Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob.
Halimah said, "If a rest day a week is not possible, then these workers should at least be compensated in cash."
Under standard employment contracts for maids, the number of rest days each month is stipulated, and should the maids agree to work on their rest day, employers are required to pay them an agreed amount of compensation, usually between S$20 and S$50, TODAY reported.
The Ministry of Manpower has said it is reviewing the call to grant domestic workers weekly rest days or compensation in lieu, and that it will entertain input from stakeholders. The public may send their suggestions and comments to mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.
Elma, a Filipino who has been a domestic helper in Singapore for the last 20 years, said that there is a current misconception that maids will usually loiter outside Lucky Plaza on their off days.
The 44-year-old said, "When maids take days off, they may just stay at home and take a break instead of hanging out with their friends."
When asked whether maids should have a mandatory day off, she said, "Of course they should make it into a law. Maids need the rest just like normal human beings."
Misconceptions about penalties
In comments to the story about Minister Halimah's suggestion, most Yahoo! Singapore users indicated that they were against the idea. Some of them cited what they believed were current government policies placing financial liability on employers for wayward helpers as a reason not to award frequent off days.
"It's really the penalty that employers get if something happens to the maid. We are being placed (held) responsible for them, day off or not. How is the government protecting us as employers?" said Yahoo! Singapore user I-care-for-singapore.
Another respondent Rachel asked, "What are the government policies to ensure no moonlighting (by) the foreign domestic worker? If this law is legislated, what consequences will be imposed onto the employers if they do not abide? Fine and jail again?"
The users believed that employers could lose the security bond of $5,000 if a maid gets pregnant.
But under new rules implemented by MOM in January 2010, employers only need to inform maids of the work permit conditions and inform the authorities if a maid breaches any such conditions. Should their maids violate work permit conditions, the employer's security bond will not be forfeited, The Straits Times reported.
However, if a maid absconds and cannot be found, the employer could still lose half of their security deposit.
Make it a guideline only?
Madam Maggie Pay, a 52-year-old cashier, has had three domestic helpers in the past 10 years. The helpers were hired to cope with the needs of her 98-year-old mother-in-law.
Pay disagrees with the weekly off days and feels that it should be a guideline and not something that is cast in stone. Pay has had experience with maids falling into bad company after allowing them mobile phones and frequent days off.
"I don't think the suggestion should be made a law. It really depends on the maid. My current maid has a mobile phone and goes on off days once in a while when she requests for one. She's unlike the other maids I've had who fell into bad company and created problems for me," said Pay.
"Ultimately, it really depends on the maid and if they are responsible enough even on their off days," Pay added.
Issue of fairness and equality
Russell Heng, president of advocacy organisation Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), said that Halimah's suggestion is "rather overdue". Heng added the current situation surrounding days off is not working.
"From the point of fairness and equality, the current off-day policies aren't working. There are many instances of domestic workers working unhappily and that can lead to bad consequences such as abuse and so on," Heng said.
"Look at Taiwan and Hong Kong, two countries that are very similar to Singapore, they have obligatory off days for their domestic workers," Heng added.
"Such a move will not appease everyone, but we should be fair and see what the foreign domestic workers want," Heng said.
On how the group is working on changing the mind sets of employers, he said, "We tell employers that it might be in your interest if such a law is legislated. A happy worker is a good worker."
By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – 1 hour 39 minutes ago
Photo caption: A recent poll by Yahoo! Singapore revealed that most respondents are opposed to making it mandatory for employers to give domestic workers in Singapore one day off a week.A recent poll by Yahoo! Singapore revealed that most respondents are opposed to making it mandatory for employers to give domestic workers in Singapore one day off a week.
Of the 13,782 users who participated in the poll, 6,375 users --46 percent -- responded "No" to the question on whether Singapore should pass a law to give domestic helpers a compulsory day off.
Poll conducted by Yahoo! Singapore. (Screencap)6,059 users -- 44 percent -- said "Yes", while 1,348 users said that they "can't be bothered".
A compulsory weekly day off for domestic helpers was suggested last week by Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob.
Halimah said, "If a rest day a week is not possible, then these workers should at least be compensated in cash."
Under standard employment contracts for maids, the number of rest days each month is stipulated, and should the maids agree to work on their rest day, employers are required to pay them an agreed amount of compensation, usually between S$20 and S$50, TODAY reported.
The Ministry of Manpower has said it is reviewing the call to grant domestic workers weekly rest days or compensation in lieu, and that it will entertain input from stakeholders. The public may send their suggestions and comments to mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.
Elma, a Filipino who has been a domestic helper in Singapore for the last 20 years, said that there is a current misconception that maids will usually loiter outside Lucky Plaza on their off days.
The 44-year-old said, "When maids take days off, they may just stay at home and take a break instead of hanging out with their friends."
When asked whether maids should have a mandatory day off, she said, "Of course they should make it into a law. Maids need the rest just like normal human beings."
Misconceptions about penalties
In comments to the story about Minister Halimah's suggestion, most Yahoo! Singapore users indicated that they were against the idea. Some of them cited what they believed were current government policies placing financial liability on employers for wayward helpers as a reason not to award frequent off days.
"It's really the penalty that employers get if something happens to the maid. We are being placed (held) responsible for them, day off or not. How is the government protecting us as employers?" said Yahoo! Singapore user I-care-for-singapore.
Another respondent Rachel asked, "What are the government policies to ensure no moonlighting (by) the foreign domestic worker? If this law is legislated, what consequences will be imposed onto the employers if they do not abide? Fine and jail again?"
The users believed that employers could lose the security bond of $5,000 if a maid gets pregnant.
But under new rules implemented by MOM in January 2010, employers only need to inform maids of the work permit conditions and inform the authorities if a maid breaches any such conditions. Should their maids violate work permit conditions, the employer's security bond will not be forfeited, The Straits Times reported.
However, if a maid absconds and cannot be found, the employer could still lose half of their security deposit.
Make it a guideline only?
Madam Maggie Pay, a 52-year-old cashier, has had three domestic helpers in the past 10 years. The helpers were hired to cope with the needs of her 98-year-old mother-in-law.
Pay disagrees with the weekly off days and feels that it should be a guideline and not something that is cast in stone. Pay has had experience with maids falling into bad company after allowing them mobile phones and frequent days off.
"I don't think the suggestion should be made a law. It really depends on the maid. My current maid has a mobile phone and goes on off days once in a while when she requests for one. She's unlike the other maids I've had who fell into bad company and created problems for me," said Pay.
"Ultimately, it really depends on the maid and if they are responsible enough even on their off days," Pay added.
Issue of fairness and equality
Russell Heng, president of advocacy organisation Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), said that Halimah's suggestion is "rather overdue". Heng added the current situation surrounding days off is not working.
"From the point of fairness and equality, the current off-day policies aren't working. There are many instances of domestic workers working unhappily and that can lead to bad consequences such as abuse and so on," Heng said.
"Look at Taiwan and Hong Kong, two countries that are very similar to Singapore, they have obligatory off days for their domestic workers," Heng added.
"Such a move will not appease everyone, but we should be fair and see what the foreign domestic workers want," Heng said.
On how the group is working on changing the mind sets of employers, he said, "We tell employers that it might be in your interest if such a law is legislated. A happy worker is a good worker."
Treat domestic helpers with respect
TODAY, Voices, 27 Jun 2011
Letter from Raymund Koh Joo Guan
I REFER to the letter "The troublesome cost of days off for maids" (June 23) by Sheila Shanmugam.
Why is it that when it comes to discussing rest days for maids, the first thing employers think of is, "my maid will learn bad things from her friends" or "my maid will become pregnant"? While such things do happen, I do not agree that we should generalise with every domestic helper.
There are many wholesome activities maids do on their rest days. Some have picnics in the park, some go to Internet cafes to chat on the webcam with their family back home, some get their hair done. Meeting their friends for lunch or dinner is part and parcel of socialising.
What gives employers the right to withhold such basic rights? Would employers themselves work seven-day weeks and still have their own bosses restrict them from meeting friends or communicating on their mobile phones?
It is naive to believe that a person would remain good if kept at home every day. I have a neighbour whose maid was not even allowed to go to the neighbourhood minimart alone. A year into her contract, during her routine medical check-up, she was found to be pregnant!
The best thing to do is to get close to your maid, know who her friends are and know about her movements as much as possible. But no one can work seven days a week for two whole years and still remain sane. If employers want a safer environment especially when their maid is employed to look after young children, my advice is, treat her well and with respect like a fellow human-being.
Letter from Raymund Koh Joo Guan
I REFER to the letter "The troublesome cost of days off for maids" (June 23) by Sheila Shanmugam.
Why is it that when it comes to discussing rest days for maids, the first thing employers think of is, "my maid will learn bad things from her friends" or "my maid will become pregnant"? While such things do happen, I do not agree that we should generalise with every domestic helper.
There are many wholesome activities maids do on their rest days. Some have picnics in the park, some go to Internet cafes to chat on the webcam with their family back home, some get their hair done. Meeting their friends for lunch or dinner is part and parcel of socialising.
What gives employers the right to withhold such basic rights? Would employers themselves work seven-day weeks and still have their own bosses restrict them from meeting friends or communicating on their mobile phones?
It is naive to believe that a person would remain good if kept at home every day. I have a neighbour whose maid was not even allowed to go to the neighbourhood minimart alone. A year into her contract, during her routine medical check-up, she was found to be pregnant!
The best thing to do is to get close to your maid, know who her friends are and know about her movements as much as possible. But no one can work seven days a week for two whole years and still remain sane. If employers want a safer environment especially when their maid is employed to look after young children, my advice is, treat her well and with respect like a fellow human-being.
Everyone deserves a break
Making ground rules clear is key
Letter from Phillip Ang Keng Hong
TODAY, Voices, Jun 27, 2011
AS EMPLOYERS, many Singaporeans cite personal reasons to deny their helpers a day to be out with friends. But if our employers cite personal reasons to keep us on overtime every day, we would complain or threaten to resign.
My helper is given one day off each week. This seems a big deal to many maids living nearby, as though I am the only Singaporean doing so. I make the ground rules clear to my helper, am concerned for her but do not intrude into her personal life.
Maids are adults and if we entrust our food and family to them, why do we not trust them? The contract with an employer is one where they are required to discharge certain household duties. Their private lives are none of our business. If they get into trouble, the contract is terminated.
We worry about how they would change when they mix with their friends and things which have yet to happen. Reports often highlight maids in trouble and, over time, this has created a negative bias in us.
But there are maids who have been working for the same employer for years. One I know has been with the same employer for 21 years. Many others for years.
Denying them of a day off a week to let their hair down may in effect create more problems for employers.
Some maids may not want weekends off as it means having less savings. But the issue of compensation should not be enforced on them.
Since there are families who may really need extra help during weekends, perhaps the Ministry of Manpower could consider allowing maids to work part time.
Letter from Phillip Ang Keng Hong
TODAY, Voices, Jun 27, 2011
AS EMPLOYERS, many Singaporeans cite personal reasons to deny their helpers a day to be out with friends. But if our employers cite personal reasons to keep us on overtime every day, we would complain or threaten to resign.
My helper is given one day off each week. This seems a big deal to many maids living nearby, as though I am the only Singaporean doing so. I make the ground rules clear to my helper, am concerned for her but do not intrude into her personal life.
Maids are adults and if we entrust our food and family to them, why do we not trust them? The contract with an employer is one where they are required to discharge certain household duties. Their private lives are none of our business. If they get into trouble, the contract is terminated.
We worry about how they would change when they mix with their friends and things which have yet to happen. Reports often highlight maids in trouble and, over time, this has created a negative bias in us.
But there are maids who have been working for the same employer for years. One I know has been with the same employer for 21 years. Many others for years.
Denying them of a day off a week to let their hair down may in effect create more problems for employers.
Some maids may not want weekends off as it means having less savings. But the issue of compensation should not be enforced on them.
Since there are families who may really need extra help during weekends, perhaps the Ministry of Manpower could consider allowing maids to work part time.
Maid part of family? More reason to ensure she has rest
Straits Times, Forum, Jun 25, 2011
I DISAGREE with most of the points raised by Madam Fu Sze Sze ('Spare a thought for working mums'; yesterday).
What have soaring inflation, rocketing housing prices and dipping total fertility rate got to do with giving the maid a day of rest? Nobody is objecting to her having a maid - just give her a well-deserved day to rest and enjoy herself.
Giving a weekly day off to the maid does not mean that the family is deprived of her services when the parents are at work.
I am sure that Madam Fu and her husband do not work seven days a week. If their weekly day off is not fixed, then it is just a simple matter of arranging to have the maid's day off made flexible and she can have her rest on any day of the week, when both or either of the parents is not working.
Does the writer consider spending quality time communicating and taking care of her two children a chore?
She mentioned that having a weekly day off does not ease the stress of overworking problems as the maid will have to complete the chores the day before or after her day off. Does that mean the maid will have to mop the floor twice, make breakfast, lunch and dinner twice, and double-feed the infant all on the same day?
I am sure it will not be a health hazard if the house is not cleaned for just one day in a week (presuming that both the writer and her husband find it too tiring to help clean up their own house on their day off). Moreover, it will be eco-friendly to have the laundry done less often.
While I agree that inculcating a mindset to include the maid as part of the family is a noble thing to do, it is easier said than done. By the way, family members need their day of leisure and rest too.
Philip Loh
I DISAGREE with most of the points raised by Madam Fu Sze Sze ('Spare a thought for working mums'; yesterday).
What have soaring inflation, rocketing housing prices and dipping total fertility rate got to do with giving the maid a day of rest? Nobody is objecting to her having a maid - just give her a well-deserved day to rest and enjoy herself.
Giving a weekly day off to the maid does not mean that the family is deprived of her services when the parents are at work.
I am sure that Madam Fu and her husband do not work seven days a week. If their weekly day off is not fixed, then it is just a simple matter of arranging to have the maid's day off made flexible and she can have her rest on any day of the week, when both or either of the parents is not working.
Does the writer consider spending quality time communicating and taking care of her two children a chore?
She mentioned that having a weekly day off does not ease the stress of overworking problems as the maid will have to complete the chores the day before or after her day off. Does that mean the maid will have to mop the floor twice, make breakfast, lunch and dinner twice, and double-feed the infant all on the same day?
I am sure it will not be a health hazard if the house is not cleaned for just one day in a week (presuming that both the writer and her husband find it too tiring to help clean up their own house on their day off). Moreover, it will be eco-friendly to have the laundry done less often.
While I agree that inculcating a mindset to include the maid as part of the family is a noble thing to do, it is easier said than done. By the way, family members need their day of leisure and rest too.
Philip Loh
Overseas Indonesian workers must have ID cards
Straits Times, Jun 27, 2011
Photo caption: Maid Dwi Niarti Muhyanto shows off her ID card, but despite it being compulsory, many maids here do not have one. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
ALL Indonesian maids must apply for an identification card issued by the Indonesian authorities, or risk being stopped from leaving their home country.
This applies to every Indonesian working overseas, including those already here, said a spokesman for the Indonesian Embassy.
It is understood that many Indonesian maids here do not have the card.
The requirement for the document, known as the Overseas Workers' ID Card (Kartu Tenaga Kerja Luar Negeri or KTKLN), was introduced back in 2004.
It stores personal information about the worker and names, addresses and contact details of her employer and family, making it easier for the Indonesian government to keep track of overseas workers.
But the requirement was not strictly enforced until recently.
The embassy spokesman told The Straits Times yesterday that the Indonesian government has stepped up immigration checks at the airports in recent months.
For instance, a maid on home leave may have problems returning to Singapore to work if she does not carry the document. She would have to apply for the card before being allowed to leave the country.
Indonesian National Labour Export and Protection Agency officials were in town this weekend to educate Indonesian workers about the card.
Accompanied by embassy officials, they gave a briefing to more than 1,000 Indonesians at the Indonesian School Singapore in Siglap yesterday.
The Indonesian Embassy has also reminded maid agencies and informed employers here about the stricter regulations.
Explaining why many maids here do not have the card, the embassy spokesman said: 'It could be because they were already overseas before 2004 or they didn't go through the proper channels.'
Maids currently working here without the KTKLN can apply online and collect their cards at the embassy.
Those returning home with the intention of coming back here to work can also apply for the card at any of 23 designated labour offices across Indonesia.
MELISSA KOK
Photo caption: Maid Dwi Niarti Muhyanto shows off her ID card, but despite it being compulsory, many maids here do not have one. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIMALL Indonesian maids must apply for an identification card issued by the Indonesian authorities, or risk being stopped from leaving their home country.
This applies to every Indonesian working overseas, including those already here, said a spokesman for the Indonesian Embassy.
It is understood that many Indonesian maids here do not have the card.
The requirement for the document, known as the Overseas Workers' ID Card (Kartu Tenaga Kerja Luar Negeri or KTKLN), was introduced back in 2004.
It stores personal information about the worker and names, addresses and contact details of her employer and family, making it easier for the Indonesian government to keep track of overseas workers.
But the requirement was not strictly enforced until recently.
The embassy spokesman told The Straits Times yesterday that the Indonesian government has stepped up immigration checks at the airports in recent months.
For instance, a maid on home leave may have problems returning to Singapore to work if she does not carry the document. She would have to apply for the card before being allowed to leave the country.
Indonesian National Labour Export and Protection Agency officials were in town this weekend to educate Indonesian workers about the card.
Accompanied by embassy officials, they gave a briefing to more than 1,000 Indonesians at the Indonesian School Singapore in Siglap yesterday.
The Indonesian Embassy has also reminded maid agencies and informed employers here about the stricter regulations.
Explaining why many maids here do not have the card, the embassy spokesman said: 'It could be because they were already overseas before 2004 or they didn't go through the proper channels.'
Maids currently working here without the KTKLN can apply online and collect their cards at the embassy.
Those returning home with the intention of coming back here to work can also apply for the card at any of 23 designated labour offices across Indonesia.
MELISSA KOK
Maid agencies accused of price-fixing may appeal
Straits Times, Jun 27, 2011
They must submit arguments by today or face fine
By Melissa Kok
THE majority of the 16 maid agencies under investigation by the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) for price-fixing are likely to appeal against their cases or plead for leniency.
The agencies, which have until today to submit their arguments or face a fine, have been accused of meeting to discuss a collective pay increase for new Indonesian maids, from $380 to $450 a month.
Last May, a Proposed Infringement Decision was issued to the agencies, asking them to present their arguments before the CCS makes a final decision.
In the letter, they were notified of the fine they could expect to pay if found to have infringed anti-competition rules.
The Straits Times understands that the total fine faced by the 16 agencies, which include Jack Focus, Javamaids and Arrow Employment, amounts to more than $160,000.
It was reported in February that the CCS was investigating the agencies after they had allegedly met in January to discuss a pay rise to ease a supply crunch for Indonesian maids. Contacted by The Straits Times, the agencies - which declined to be named for fear of affecting their case outcomes - said most would fight the ruling.
It is understood that they cannot discuss details of their cases as they have signed a confidentiality agreement with the CCS.
But at least one agent said he would pay the penalty, as it was too much of a hassle to appeal.
He said: 'If we had an intention to fix something to benefit us, we would not have changed the salary.'
Other agencies agreed, adding that they do not stand to gain from a salary hike for maids. Increasing agency fees charged to employers, they noted, would benefit them more if they had wanted to gain from price-fixing.
Currently, employers pay between $400 and $450 per month to hire a new Indonesian maid, up from around $360 to $380 a year ago.
Some agencies said they had little choice but to offer a higher salary in order to attract more Indonesian domestic helpers.
The entry test in English that maids have to pass in order to work here and the minimum age requirement of 23 are among factors already deterring Indonesian maids from working here.
With Jakarta lifting a two-year freeze on new Indonesian maids working in Malaysia, and the recent increase in salary for maids in Hong Kong, agencies here expect the supply crunch to get worse.
As of last year, there were 201,000 maids in Singapore, of whom 90,000 are said to be Indonesian.
They must submit arguments by today or face fine
By Melissa Kok
THE majority of the 16 maid agencies under investigation by the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) for price-fixing are likely to appeal against their cases or plead for leniency.
The agencies, which have until today to submit their arguments or face a fine, have been accused of meeting to discuss a collective pay increase for new Indonesian maids, from $380 to $450 a month.
Last May, a Proposed Infringement Decision was issued to the agencies, asking them to present their arguments before the CCS makes a final decision.
In the letter, they were notified of the fine they could expect to pay if found to have infringed anti-competition rules.
The Straits Times understands that the total fine faced by the 16 agencies, which include Jack Focus, Javamaids and Arrow Employment, amounts to more than $160,000.
It was reported in February that the CCS was investigating the agencies after they had allegedly met in January to discuss a pay rise to ease a supply crunch for Indonesian maids. Contacted by The Straits Times, the agencies - which declined to be named for fear of affecting their case outcomes - said most would fight the ruling.
It is understood that they cannot discuss details of their cases as they have signed a confidentiality agreement with the CCS.
But at least one agent said he would pay the penalty, as it was too much of a hassle to appeal.
He said: 'If we had an intention to fix something to benefit us, we would not have changed the salary.'
Other agencies agreed, adding that they do not stand to gain from a salary hike for maids. Increasing agency fees charged to employers, they noted, would benefit them more if they had wanted to gain from price-fixing.
Currently, employers pay between $400 and $450 per month to hire a new Indonesian maid, up from around $360 to $380 a year ago.
Some agencies said they had little choice but to offer a higher salary in order to attract more Indonesian domestic helpers.
The entry test in English that maids have to pass in order to work here and the minimum age requirement of 23 are among factors already deterring Indonesian maids from working here.
With Jakarta lifting a two-year freeze on new Indonesian maids working in Malaysia, and the recent increase in salary for maids in Hong Kong, agencies here expect the supply crunch to get worse.
As of last year, there were 201,000 maids in Singapore, of whom 90,000 are said to be Indonesian.
Bosses baulk at sending staff for English test
Straits Times, Jun 27, 2011
Low take-up rate for Service Literacy Test targeting foreign staff
By Jamie Ee Wen Wei and Melissa Kok
Photo caption: SUCCESS STORY: Fujian native Alan Huang with his colleague Feng Xiang (left) and floor supervisor Selvi Chellaiammah Sadpudi Ramanaidu. -- ST PHOTO: SAM CHIN
'HELLO' and 'good morning'.
These were among the few simple greetings Fujian native Alan Huang could manage in English when he first took up a housekeeping job at The Regent Singapore in 2006.
Now, the 25-year-old can hold a conversation with English-speaking guests without breaking out in cold sweat.
In April, the high-school graduate even sat and passed an English literacy test after attending a four-month course paid for by his employer.
Introduced last year, the Service Literacy Test (SLT) is targeted at work permit holders in front-line service jobs.
But it has barely struck a chord with bosses - even if it means paying $100 less in foreign worker levy for each work permit holder who passes the test.
As of last month, only 420 companies enrolled a total of 1,650 work permit holders for the test, according to figures from the Manpower Ministry (MOM).
The number represents only a fraction of some 422,000 work permit holders employed in the manufacturing, process and service industries as of December last year.
The SLT was introduced with the aim of improving the service standards of front-line staff in the hotel, food and beverage and retail industries, after the issue of foreign staff having a poor grasp of English became a hot topic for discussion two years ago.
But companies who spoke to The Straits Times cited expensive training costs and the test being unnecessary as possible reasons for the low take-up rate.
Mr Jimmy Ng, operations manager for food and beverage company Ya Kun International, said: 'First of all, I don't want my staff to feel so stressed by the test.
'Second, a lot of overtime will be incurred if I send my staff for courses to train for the test; that means additional costs to me.'
He employs 18 work permit holders, all unskilled. But only four of them take on jobs that require them to interact with customers in English.
'After a year or so, they will be able to speak basic English and can do cashiering - it's good enough for me,' he said.
Training to prepare foreign workers for the SLT is not subsidised by the Government. The MOM could not provide the current passing rate for the test.
Private training providers also said it has seen poor enrolment numbers for its English-language courses and programmes that specifically help workers prepare for the SLT, which is administered by the Workforce Development Agency.
The Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business, for example, conducted only two runs of a course in English listening and conversational skills, with a total of 21 students.
An MOM spokesman said employers who were keen on sending their staff for the test were motivated by 'the better service and business operations that good language proficiency would bring'.
The lower levy for skilled work permit holders was another incentive, said the spokesman.
At Fish & Co, which runs a number of restaurants in Singapore, 15 members of its staff who work as kitchen crew or servers have passed the SLT.
'The test allows us to better assess the literacy level of our staff. At the same time, the company enjoys a lower foreign worker levy rate,' said Ms Susan Hiu, Fish & Co's human resources and training manager.
With higher levy rates kicking in next month, observers say more companies may consider the test option.
Royal Plaza on Scotts, which has yet to send any of its staff to sit the SLT, said it has plans to do so. Said Ms Juliana Ong, the hotel's human resource manager: 'There is an additional incentive for employers to do so, with the increase of levy for foreign workers in July.'
But some bosses, like Ya Kun's Mr Ng, are not convinced.
He said: 'I'm not so confident that they will all pass the test, so no choice, I'll just pay the levy.'
What is the SLT?
FOREIGN workers in the hotel, food and beverage, and retail industries must clear the Service Literacy Test (SLT) in order to get work permits as skilled workers, on top of having certificates for the relevant job skills.
Malaysians are exempt from the test.
A worker who attains 'skilled' status will cost his boss $100 less in foreign worker levy.
Employers now pay $170 a month for a skilled work permit holder versus a levy of $270 for an unskilled worker.
From next month, the levy will go up to $180 for skilled workers and $280 for unskilled workers.
Training courses to prepare foreign workers for the test, which is not compulsory, can range from $250 to $1,000 per head and run for a period of between 15 hours and two months. The cost of such programmes is not subsidised by the Government.
Those who pass the SLT are expected to be able to listen, understand and respond appropriately in English on the job.
Low take-up rate for Service Literacy Test targeting foreign staff
By Jamie Ee Wen Wei and Melissa Kok
Photo caption: SUCCESS STORY: Fujian native Alan Huang with his colleague Feng Xiang (left) and floor supervisor Selvi Chellaiammah Sadpudi Ramanaidu. -- ST PHOTO: SAM CHIN'HELLO' and 'good morning'.
These were among the few simple greetings Fujian native Alan Huang could manage in English when he first took up a housekeeping job at The Regent Singapore in 2006.
Now, the 25-year-old can hold a conversation with English-speaking guests without breaking out in cold sweat.
In April, the high-school graduate even sat and passed an English literacy test after attending a four-month course paid for by his employer.
Introduced last year, the Service Literacy Test (SLT) is targeted at work permit holders in front-line service jobs.
But it has barely struck a chord with bosses - even if it means paying $100 less in foreign worker levy for each work permit holder who passes the test.
As of last month, only 420 companies enrolled a total of 1,650 work permit holders for the test, according to figures from the Manpower Ministry (MOM).
The number represents only a fraction of some 422,000 work permit holders employed in the manufacturing, process and service industries as of December last year.
The SLT was introduced with the aim of improving the service standards of front-line staff in the hotel, food and beverage and retail industries, after the issue of foreign staff having a poor grasp of English became a hot topic for discussion two years ago.
But companies who spoke to The Straits Times cited expensive training costs and the test being unnecessary as possible reasons for the low take-up rate.
Mr Jimmy Ng, operations manager for food and beverage company Ya Kun International, said: 'First of all, I don't want my staff to feel so stressed by the test.
'Second, a lot of overtime will be incurred if I send my staff for courses to train for the test; that means additional costs to me.'
He employs 18 work permit holders, all unskilled. But only four of them take on jobs that require them to interact with customers in English.
'After a year or so, they will be able to speak basic English and can do cashiering - it's good enough for me,' he said.
Training to prepare foreign workers for the SLT is not subsidised by the Government. The MOM could not provide the current passing rate for the test.
Private training providers also said it has seen poor enrolment numbers for its English-language courses and programmes that specifically help workers prepare for the SLT, which is administered by the Workforce Development Agency.
The Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business, for example, conducted only two runs of a course in English listening and conversational skills, with a total of 21 students.
An MOM spokesman said employers who were keen on sending their staff for the test were motivated by 'the better service and business operations that good language proficiency would bring'.
The lower levy for skilled work permit holders was another incentive, said the spokesman.
At Fish & Co, which runs a number of restaurants in Singapore, 15 members of its staff who work as kitchen crew or servers have passed the SLT.
'The test allows us to better assess the literacy level of our staff. At the same time, the company enjoys a lower foreign worker levy rate,' said Ms Susan Hiu, Fish & Co's human resources and training manager.
With higher levy rates kicking in next month, observers say more companies may consider the test option.
Royal Plaza on Scotts, which has yet to send any of its staff to sit the SLT, said it has plans to do so. Said Ms Juliana Ong, the hotel's human resource manager: 'There is an additional incentive for employers to do so, with the increase of levy for foreign workers in July.'
But some bosses, like Ya Kun's Mr Ng, are not convinced.
He said: 'I'm not so confident that they will all pass the test, so no choice, I'll just pay the levy.'
What is the SLT?
FOREIGN workers in the hotel, food and beverage, and retail industries must clear the Service Literacy Test (SLT) in order to get work permits as skilled workers, on top of having certificates for the relevant job skills.
Malaysians are exempt from the test.
A worker who attains 'skilled' status will cost his boss $100 less in foreign worker levy.
Employers now pay $170 a month for a skilled work permit holder versus a levy of $270 for an unskilled worker.
From next month, the levy will go up to $180 for skilled workers and $280 for unskilled workers.
Training courses to prepare foreign workers for the test, which is not compulsory, can range from $250 to $1,000 per head and run for a period of between 15 hours and two months. The cost of such programmes is not subsidised by the Government.
Those who pass the SLT are expected to be able to listen, understand and respond appropriately in English on the job.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Maids treated as part of the family
Straits Times, Forum, Jun 26, 2011
your letters
Dr Lee Wei Ling's letter ('Sympathy knows no borders'; last Sunday) strikes a chord with me, as I had maids who took care of my two children when they were little.
I was fortunate to have had three maids over a period of 14years, all from the Philippines.
In addition to entrusting the youngsters to their care, I was able to return to a clean home every day. Meals were cooked for the family, and clothes washed and ironed. The children were given their glasses of milk, made to brush their teeth, bathed and put to bed.
My children have grown up, and it has been 18 years since I had my last maid.
For what they had done, I am eternally grateful.
Each of my maids had served the family well, and we reciprocated by treating them as part of the family - giving them their deserved days off and having them join family outings as well as nightly viewing of Chinese TV serials, which they enjoyed. Birthdays, Mother's Day and Christmas were celebrated together.
Like Dr Lee's maid Siti, my second maid returned to her country only to discover that her husband, in her absence, had married another woman.
I was sad to hear the news and could only pray that she stay strong in her ordeal for the sake of her two daughters.
The article, ''Little time for chores, have to study'' (last Sunday), reported that would-be maids in Indonesian training centres spend 80 per cent of their training time preparing for the English test in Singapore. This makes little sense, as the language can be mastered over time.
I agree with Dr Lee that the English test should go back to the old format - with pictures in addition to the questions in English.
Bennie Cheok
your letters
Dr Lee Wei Ling's letter ('Sympathy knows no borders'; last Sunday) strikes a chord with me, as I had maids who took care of my two children when they were little.
I was fortunate to have had three maids over a period of 14years, all from the Philippines.
In addition to entrusting the youngsters to their care, I was able to return to a clean home every day. Meals were cooked for the family, and clothes washed and ironed. The children were given their glasses of milk, made to brush their teeth, bathed and put to bed.
My children have grown up, and it has been 18 years since I had my last maid.
For what they had done, I am eternally grateful.
Each of my maids had served the family well, and we reciprocated by treating them as part of the family - giving them their deserved days off and having them join family outings as well as nightly viewing of Chinese TV serials, which they enjoyed. Birthdays, Mother's Day and Christmas were celebrated together.
Like Dr Lee's maid Siti, my second maid returned to her country only to discover that her husband, in her absence, had married another woman.
I was sad to hear the news and could only pray that she stay strong in her ordeal for the sake of her two daughters.
The article, ''Little time for chores, have to study'' (last Sunday), reported that would-be maids in Indonesian training centres spend 80 per cent of their training time preparing for the English test in Singapore. This makes little sense, as the language can be mastered over time.
I agree with Dr Lee that the English test should go back to the old format - with pictures in addition to the questions in English.
Bennie Cheok
Saturday, June 25, 2011
$5,000 security bond not forfeited if maids get pregnant
Straits Times, Forum, Jun 25, 2011
THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) would like to clarify some questions about the security bond posted by employers of foreign domestic workers.
The security bond is aimed at ensuring that employers remain responsible for the proper upkeep and maintenance of, as well as prompt salary payment to, foreign workers. It also prevents illegal deployment and ensures the timely repatriation of foreign workers.
The security bond applies to employers of both foreign domestic and non- domestic workers. These conditions are made known upfront when employers apply for a Work Permit on behalf of their foreign workers.
From 2005 to 2010, MOM forfeited an average of 65 (less than 0.04 per cent) security bonds for maids each year. As of December last year, there were 201,000 maids working in Singapore.
MOM understands employers' concerns that they should not be held responsible when their maids violate the Work Permit conditions on their own accord, especially outside designated work hours or on their rest days. Therefore, since January last year, MOM has removed employers' liability if the maid gets pregnant or breaches other Work Permit conditions that relate to her own behaviour. It is untrue that the $5,000 security bond will be forfeited for pregnancy.
Even in the extreme case where the maid absconds and the employer is unable to repatriate her, only half of the security bond will be forfeited, so long as the employer has made reasonable efforts to locate the maid. The forfeited security bond is used to cover repatriation and other related costs once the worker is found, so that it does not exact a cost on taxpayers in Singapore. This includes the cost of providing food and temporary accommodation, as well as arranging for her repatriation to her home country. This is also the case for non-domestic foreign workers.
MOM is studying the suggestion for the Government to legislate a weekly rest day for maids, with compensation in-lieu when the maid and employer mutually agree that the rest day be forgone. We will need to consult all stakeholders, including employers, employment agencies, domestic workers and non-governmental organisations.
MOM would like to reassure employers that all views and feedback would be considered. Further, should there be any changes, sufficient notice will be provided. Members of the public can e-mail their views and suggestions to mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.
Farah Abdul Rahim (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Manpower
THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) would like to clarify some questions about the security bond posted by employers of foreign domestic workers.
The security bond is aimed at ensuring that employers remain responsible for the proper upkeep and maintenance of, as well as prompt salary payment to, foreign workers. It also prevents illegal deployment and ensures the timely repatriation of foreign workers.
The security bond applies to employers of both foreign domestic and non- domestic workers. These conditions are made known upfront when employers apply for a Work Permit on behalf of their foreign workers.
From 2005 to 2010, MOM forfeited an average of 65 (less than 0.04 per cent) security bonds for maids each year. As of December last year, there were 201,000 maids working in Singapore.
MOM understands employers' concerns that they should not be held responsible when their maids violate the Work Permit conditions on their own accord, especially outside designated work hours or on their rest days. Therefore, since January last year, MOM has removed employers' liability if the maid gets pregnant or breaches other Work Permit conditions that relate to her own behaviour. It is untrue that the $5,000 security bond will be forfeited for pregnancy.
Even in the extreme case where the maid absconds and the employer is unable to repatriate her, only half of the security bond will be forfeited, so long as the employer has made reasonable efforts to locate the maid. The forfeited security bond is used to cover repatriation and other related costs once the worker is found, so that it does not exact a cost on taxpayers in Singapore. This includes the cost of providing food and temporary accommodation, as well as arranging for her repatriation to her home country. This is also the case for non-domestic foreign workers.
MOM is studying the suggestion for the Government to legislate a weekly rest day for maids, with compensation in-lieu when the maid and employer mutually agree that the rest day be forgone. We will need to consult all stakeholders, including employers, employment agencies, domestic workers and non-governmental organisations.
MOM would like to reassure employers that all views and feedback would be considered. Further, should there be any changes, sufficient notice will be provided. Members of the public can e-mail their views and suggestions to mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.
Farah Abdul Rahim (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Manpower
Employer won't lose security bond over pregnant maid
Straits Times, Jun 25, 2011
THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clarified that employers no longer stand to lose their $5,000 security bond if a maid gets pregnant, an oft-cited reason why employers are reluctant to give maids a day off.
In a statement to The Straits Times, an MOM spokesman acknowledged that employers should not be held responsible when their maids violate work permit conditions on their own accord, especially outside designated work hours or on their days off.
In view of this, it loosened security bond conditions in January last year.
Under the new rules, employers are merely required to inform maids of the work permit conditions and inform the authorities if a maid breaches any such conditions.
Earlier, if a maid got pregnant, had a child in Singapore or even married a Singaporean without MOM's consent, the employer could stand to lose the security deposit.
However, employers could still see half their security deposit forfeited if a maid absconds and cannot be found.
The money is used to cover repatriation and other related costs once the worker is found, so that this does not exact a cost on taxpayers in Singapore. This includes the cost of providing food and temporary accommodation for the worker.
But such cases are rare - less than 0.04 per cent of security deposits have been forfeited yearly since 2005.
The bond can also be forfeited if employers do not pay workers promptly or if they deploy them illegally, such as making them work in a shop or in another relative's home.
The spokesman said MOM was studying the suggestion that the Government legislate a weekly rest day for maids, with compensation when the maid and employer mutually agree that the rest day be foregone.
Employers, employment agencies, maids and non-governmental organisations will all be consulted before a decision is made.
The spokesman added that MOM would like to reassure employers that all views will be considered.
'Should there be any changes, sufficient notice will be provided,' the spokesman said.
Members of the public can e-mail their views and suggestions to mom_fmmd@ mom.gov.sg
THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clarified that employers no longer stand to lose their $5,000 security bond if a maid gets pregnant, an oft-cited reason why employers are reluctant to give maids a day off.
In a statement to The Straits Times, an MOM spokesman acknowledged that employers should not be held responsible when their maids violate work permit conditions on their own accord, especially outside designated work hours or on their days off.
In view of this, it loosened security bond conditions in January last year.
Under the new rules, employers are merely required to inform maids of the work permit conditions and inform the authorities if a maid breaches any such conditions.
Earlier, if a maid got pregnant, had a child in Singapore or even married a Singaporean without MOM's consent, the employer could stand to lose the security deposit.
However, employers could still see half their security deposit forfeited if a maid absconds and cannot be found.
The money is used to cover repatriation and other related costs once the worker is found, so that this does not exact a cost on taxpayers in Singapore. This includes the cost of providing food and temporary accommodation for the worker.
But such cases are rare - less than 0.04 per cent of security deposits have been forfeited yearly since 2005.
The bond can also be forfeited if employers do not pay workers promptly or if they deploy them illegally, such as making them work in a shop or in another relative's home.
The spokesman said MOM was studying the suggestion that the Government legislate a weekly rest day for maids, with compensation when the maid and employer mutually agree that the rest day be foregone.
Employers, employment agencies, maids and non-governmental organisations will all be consulted before a decision is made.
The spokesman added that MOM would like to reassure employers that all views will be considered.
'Should there be any changes, sufficient notice will be provided,' the spokesman said.
Members of the public can e-mail their views and suggestions to mom_fmmd@ mom.gov.sg
Only 12% give maids weekly day off: Survey
Straits Times, Jun 25, 2011
Number getting at least one day off a month has not changed much from 50% in 2003
By Radha Basu, Senior Correspondent
Photo caption: A survey by non-governmental organisations here has found that few Indonesian maids get days off, with only 38 per cent having at least one day off a month. This is in contrast to 85 per cent of Filipino maids getting at least one day off a month. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF MUNIFAH
THREE non-governmental organisations have echoed veteran labour leader Halimah Yacob's call to legislate weekly days off for maids.
The three groups surveyed 108 employers and found that 45 per cent do not give their maids a single day off in a month.
Close to 30 per cent let their maids off one day a month. And only 12 per cent allow their maids a weekly day off, the basic minimum international standard sanctioned last week by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Most employers surveyed have Indonesian or Filipino maids.
Rest days are particularly uncommon for Indonesian maids, with only 38 per cent getting at least one day off a month. Eighty-five per cent of the Filipinas get at least one day off a month.
The survey was commissioned by the Singapore National Committee for United Nations Women and two migrant worker welfare groups, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) and Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), and was funded by the ILO.
Home executive director Jolovan Wham noted that the number of maids getting at least one day off a month has not changed much from the 50 per cent recorded in a study in 2003.
This is despite a Manpower Ministry (MOM)-endorsed standard employment contract that went into force in 2006, which states that maids should get at least a day off a month or cash in lieu.
'This shows that many employers are still resistant, and that the use of a standard contract to ensure the rights of domestic workers is not effective,' said Mr Wham.
'It points to the need for legislation and aggressive public education.'
Asked to state the most important reason why they did not give their maid a day off, around 31 per cent of those surveyed said they wanted to prevent their maid from 'falling into bad company'.
Another 27 per cent claimed that their maid did not want a day off. One in 10 said they could not spare the maid as there was nobody else to take care of elderly family members.
The survey to gauge public sentiments on days off for maids was open to both people with maids and people without maids.
A total of 582 people were polled, and the vast majority - 474 - did not employ maids. Of this group, more than seven in 10 felt that maids should get at least one rest day every week.
But when asked what they would do if they had a maid themselves, fewer than half said they would give the maid a weekly day off.
Several employers told The Straits Times they saw days off as a reward rather than a right.
Ms Ramya Narayan, a 32-year-old engineer, said her Indonesian maid did not get any days off during the first two years of her contract because she was more interested in getting cash in lieu.
Towards the end of her two-year contract in 2008, the maid asked if she could get a day off every month when her contract was renewed.
'I said I would think about it,' said the mother of two children, now aged nine and seven. 'She lived in our house, so who she met on days off or what she did could directly affect the safety of my children.'
Shortly afterwards, her daughter, who shared a room with the maid, woke her parents at 5am to say the maid had gone out. She had sneaked out to meet her foreign worker boyfriend.
'We have no idea how long she was fooling us,' said Ms Narayan.
She said she was not against the principle of giving maids days off, but added: 'The maid must earn my trust. And that cannot happen overnight.'
But such views do not hold much water with TWC2 vice-president Noorashikin Abdul Rahman.
'If a domestic worker becomes pregnant or falls into bad company, an employer is at liberty to sack her,' said Ms Noor. 'Denying a worker a legitimate right because of possible future misdeeds is just not right.'
However, Ms Noor added that MOM should also consider removing all security conditions that require employers to be legally responsible for the moral or social conduct of their workers. Under current rules, an employer is required to inform MOM if a worker breaches a work permit rule, like getting pregnant.
'It is unfair to impose such obligations on employers as it would require them to interfere in the private lives of their workers,' she said.
The argument that maids themselves often do not want days off is harder to dismiss. While Ms Noor acknowledged that some maids might prefer to work on some days off, she said very few would willingly give up all their rest days.
'The point is that the contract is signed only after the worker arrives in Singapore. Even if she disagrees with some of its clauses, she is usually told by agents that it is too late to go back. So she has little choice but to consent,' she said.
Other survey findings
# On average, maids here work for around 14 hours a day, though most - nearly 60 per cent - are able to get one to two hours of rest during the workday.
# More than half the maids start work at 6am and end work between 8pm and 9pm, according to their employers. A quarter end work at 10pm.
# About 90 per cent of employers listed 'performing household chores' as the most common task. Slightly over 40 per cent of maids look after school-age children, and 25 per cent care for the elderly.
# Among those who do give maids a day off, the most common reasons cited were 'our maid deserves a day off' or that she 'has a right to a day off'.
# Half the employers surveyed said they would consider giving their maids a day off if the security bond was lifted. Employers stand to lose at least $2,500 if a maid absconds and cannot be repatriated. About 16 per cent said they would definitely grant days off if the bond was abolished.
# Employer satisfaction levels are high, with nearly 80 per cent of those polled agreeing or strongly agreeing that their maids perform their tasks effectively.
Number getting at least one day off a month has not changed much from 50% in 2003
By Radha Basu, Senior Correspondent
Photo caption: A survey by non-governmental organisations here has found that few Indonesian maids get days off, with only 38 per cent having at least one day off a month. This is in contrast to 85 per cent of Filipino maids getting at least one day off a month. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF MUNIFAHTHREE non-governmental organisations have echoed veteran labour leader Halimah Yacob's call to legislate weekly days off for maids.
The three groups surveyed 108 employers and found that 45 per cent do not give their maids a single day off in a month.
Close to 30 per cent let their maids off one day a month. And only 12 per cent allow their maids a weekly day off, the basic minimum international standard sanctioned last week by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Most employers surveyed have Indonesian or Filipino maids.
Rest days are particularly uncommon for Indonesian maids, with only 38 per cent getting at least one day off a month. Eighty-five per cent of the Filipinas get at least one day off a month.
The survey was commissioned by the Singapore National Committee for United Nations Women and two migrant worker welfare groups, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) and Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), and was funded by the ILO.
Home executive director Jolovan Wham noted that the number of maids getting at least one day off a month has not changed much from the 50 per cent recorded in a study in 2003.
This is despite a Manpower Ministry (MOM)-endorsed standard employment contract that went into force in 2006, which states that maids should get at least a day off a month or cash in lieu.
'This shows that many employers are still resistant, and that the use of a standard contract to ensure the rights of domestic workers is not effective,' said Mr Wham.
'It points to the need for legislation and aggressive public education.'
Asked to state the most important reason why they did not give their maid a day off, around 31 per cent of those surveyed said they wanted to prevent their maid from 'falling into bad company'.
Another 27 per cent claimed that their maid did not want a day off. One in 10 said they could not spare the maid as there was nobody else to take care of elderly family members.
The survey to gauge public sentiments on days off for maids was open to both people with maids and people without maids.
A total of 582 people were polled, and the vast majority - 474 - did not employ maids. Of this group, more than seven in 10 felt that maids should get at least one rest day every week.
But when asked what they would do if they had a maid themselves, fewer than half said they would give the maid a weekly day off.
Several employers told The Straits Times they saw days off as a reward rather than a right.
Ms Ramya Narayan, a 32-year-old engineer, said her Indonesian maid did not get any days off during the first two years of her contract because she was more interested in getting cash in lieu.
Towards the end of her two-year contract in 2008, the maid asked if she could get a day off every month when her contract was renewed.
'I said I would think about it,' said the mother of two children, now aged nine and seven. 'She lived in our house, so who she met on days off or what she did could directly affect the safety of my children.'
Shortly afterwards, her daughter, who shared a room with the maid, woke her parents at 5am to say the maid had gone out. She had sneaked out to meet her foreign worker boyfriend.
'We have no idea how long she was fooling us,' said Ms Narayan.
She said she was not against the principle of giving maids days off, but added: 'The maid must earn my trust. And that cannot happen overnight.'
But such views do not hold much water with TWC2 vice-president Noorashikin Abdul Rahman.
'If a domestic worker becomes pregnant or falls into bad company, an employer is at liberty to sack her,' said Ms Noor. 'Denying a worker a legitimate right because of possible future misdeeds is just not right.'
However, Ms Noor added that MOM should also consider removing all security conditions that require employers to be legally responsible for the moral or social conduct of their workers. Under current rules, an employer is required to inform MOM if a worker breaches a work permit rule, like getting pregnant.
'It is unfair to impose such obligations on employers as it would require them to interfere in the private lives of their workers,' she said.
The argument that maids themselves often do not want days off is harder to dismiss. While Ms Noor acknowledged that some maids might prefer to work on some days off, she said very few would willingly give up all their rest days.
'The point is that the contract is signed only after the worker arrives in Singapore. Even if she disagrees with some of its clauses, she is usually told by agents that it is too late to go back. So she has little choice but to consent,' she said.
Other survey findings
# On average, maids here work for around 14 hours a day, though most - nearly 60 per cent - are able to get one to two hours of rest during the workday.
# More than half the maids start work at 6am and end work between 8pm and 9pm, according to their employers. A quarter end work at 10pm.
# About 90 per cent of employers listed 'performing household chores' as the most common task. Slightly over 40 per cent of maids look after school-age children, and 25 per cent care for the elderly.
# Among those who do give maids a day off, the most common reasons cited were 'our maid deserves a day off' or that she 'has a right to a day off'.
# Half the employers surveyed said they would consider giving their maids a day off if the security bond was lifted. Employers stand to lose at least $2,500 if a maid absconds and cannot be repatriated. About 16 per cent said they would definitely grant days off if the bond was abolished.
# Employer satisfaction levels are high, with nearly 80 per cent of those polled agreeing or strongly agreeing that their maids perform their tasks effectively.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Naked hostesses busted in police raid
This article was published by Yahoo News, Singapore.
By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – 9 hours ago
Photo caption: Vietnamese hostesses were arrested in a police raid. (AFP file photo)
20 naked Vietnamese hostesses were arrested during a police raid on Wednesday night.
According to Lianhe Wanbao, the hostesses were caught serving customers naked in a lounge along Joo Chiat.
Plainclothes policemen had visited the bar and saw the hostesses fully naked and having sex with customers in the lounge.
The police conducted the raid at 8.50pm and arrested the Vietnamese women. They were ordered to put on their clothes before they were brought away for investigations. The lounge's customers were also asked to leave.
By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – 9 hours ago
Photo caption: Vietnamese hostesses were arrested in a police raid. (AFP file photo)20 naked Vietnamese hostesses were arrested during a police raid on Wednesday night.
According to Lianhe Wanbao, the hostesses were caught serving customers naked in a lounge along Joo Chiat.
Plainclothes policemen had visited the bar and saw the hostesses fully naked and having sex with customers in the lounge.
The police conducted the raid at 8.50pm and arrested the Vietnamese women. They were ordered to put on their clothes before they were brought away for investigations. The lounge's customers were also asked to leave.
Start with two rest days a month
Letter from Tony Lim Kheng Yee
TODAY, Voices, Jun 24, 2011
SHOULD the Government make it compulsory for maids to get a rest day every week, I hope the Manpower Ministry would also make adjustments concerning the worker's levy and the security bond.
The worker's levy has inflated the cost of hiring a maid and, if it is removed, it would help employers to compensate the maid if her service is required on her day off.
The conditions attached to the security bond have been watered down to the extent that I am not sure if it still serves the original purpose. Retaining it only adds to the cost for the employer and, if waived, the savings could be deployed towards getting a part-time helper on the maid's rest day.
It seems inevitable that legislation will be put in place to make the rest days compulsory. I suggest, for a start, rest days be granted only on a bi-weekly basis - two days off a month. This would allow hard-pressed employers, especially those with young children and old folks, to adjust or look for other help.
TODAY, Voices, Jun 24, 2011
SHOULD the Government make it compulsory for maids to get a rest day every week, I hope the Manpower Ministry would also make adjustments concerning the worker's levy and the security bond.
The worker's levy has inflated the cost of hiring a maid and, if it is removed, it would help employers to compensate the maid if her service is required on her day off.
The conditions attached to the security bond have been watered down to the extent that I am not sure if it still serves the original purpose. Retaining it only adds to the cost for the employer and, if waived, the savings could be deployed towards getting a part-time helper on the maid's rest day.
It seems inevitable that legislation will be put in place to make the rest days compulsory. I suggest, for a start, rest days be granted only on a bi-weekly basis - two days off a month. This would allow hard-pressed employers, especially those with young children and old folks, to adjust or look for other help.
Penalise maid, not employer
Letter from Tan Saw Bin
TODAY, Voices, Jun 24, 2011
I GRANT my maid the day off whenever she requests to go out. I also give her light duties on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays so these are her rest days at home.
My previous maid would go out to meet her Bangladeshi boyfriend when my family members were out. I was oblivious of this until my neighbour informed me. Before that, we had believed her when she said she went out to run errands for our household.
I urge the authorities to review the S$5,000 security bond, when legislating the requirement to give maids a day off a week.
It is unfair to penalise employers for a maid's misbehaviour not initiated by the employer as it is very difficult to ensure our maids do not engage in forbidden activities. The authorities should instead impose a penalty on maids for their misbehaviour.
The maid's employer could withhold a sum of, say, S$500 to be used to pay the authorities should the maid violate the Manpower Ministry's rules. Maids have no qualms about breaking rules here as there is no financial penalty on them. But if the onus were put on them, this would reduce the social problems caused by maids.
TODAY, Voices, Jun 24, 2011
I GRANT my maid the day off whenever she requests to go out. I also give her light duties on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays so these are her rest days at home.
My previous maid would go out to meet her Bangladeshi boyfriend when my family members were out. I was oblivious of this until my neighbour informed me. Before that, we had believed her when she said she went out to run errands for our household.
I urge the authorities to review the S$5,000 security bond, when legislating the requirement to give maids a day off a week.
It is unfair to penalise employers for a maid's misbehaviour not initiated by the employer as it is very difficult to ensure our maids do not engage in forbidden activities. The authorities should instead impose a penalty on maids for their misbehaviour.
The maid's employer could withhold a sum of, say, S$500 to be used to pay the authorities should the maid violate the Manpower Ministry's rules. Maids have no qualms about breaking rules here as there is no financial penalty on them. But if the onus were put on them, this would reduce the social problems caused by maids.
BODY IN BEDOK RESERVOIR - Jeans may be reason why only lower body found
Straits Times, Jun 24, 2011
By Elizabeth Soh
SEVERAL questions were raised when the lower half of a body was found floating in Bedok Reservoir on Monday.
Could it have been severed in a gruesome murder? How long has it been in the water?
The body is believed to be that of 23-year-old Chinese national Lin Xiao, who went missing two months ago.
He was last seen by his mother, Madam Hu Ping Zhu, 43, a kitchen assistant, when they were leaving home for work together on April 28 at 8am.
He lived with his mother in Chai Chee, which is near the reservoir.
Forensic experts The Straits Times spoke to yesterday say there could be another explanation as to why only the lower half of the body was found.
They said it could have decomposed more slowly than the upper half because of the jeans found on the corpse when it was recovered from the reservoir.
'We would have to examine the remains to determine if the body had been purposely cut in half before it was dumped into the water,' said an Australia-based private pathologist who did not want to be named.
'However, two months of decomposition could have resulted in the upper body simply disintegrating.' He added that the bottom half may appear intact only because the jeans held it together.
As to why the body was not discovered for such a long time, experts said that it could have been weighed or held down, although dead bodies typically sink to the bottom first.
Dr Ong Chin Choon, who teaches forensic courses at Singapore Polytechnic, said: 'Shortly after, it would go through a process of anaerobic decomposition wherein carbon dioxide and methane gases released would cause it to float up.'
According to the experts, Singapore's hot weather would normally result in the body rising to the surface within two to four days. 'Assuming the body had indeed been in the water for two months, it would probably have been tangled in weeds or weighed down or it would have floated up long ago,' said Dr Ong.
He added that a typical mitochondrial DNA test to discover the victim's identity should take only one to two days to conduct if DNA is available from the mother. However, it is understood that the severe level of decomposition could extend the waiting time for DNA results.
On Tuesday, Madam Hu identified a belt on the body as belonging to her son. Keys found on the remains also fit the locks to her flat. She has contacted a funeral parlour and is arranging for the body to be cremated.
Police have not confirmed the identity of the victim, and investigations are ongoing as they continue their search for the missing half of the body.
By Elizabeth Soh
SEVERAL questions were raised when the lower half of a body was found floating in Bedok Reservoir on Monday.
Could it have been severed in a gruesome murder? How long has it been in the water?
The body is believed to be that of 23-year-old Chinese national Lin Xiao, who went missing two months ago.
He was last seen by his mother, Madam Hu Ping Zhu, 43, a kitchen assistant, when they were leaving home for work together on April 28 at 8am.
He lived with his mother in Chai Chee, which is near the reservoir.
Forensic experts The Straits Times spoke to yesterday say there could be another explanation as to why only the lower half of the body was found.
They said it could have decomposed more slowly than the upper half because of the jeans found on the corpse when it was recovered from the reservoir.
'We would have to examine the remains to determine if the body had been purposely cut in half before it was dumped into the water,' said an Australia-based private pathologist who did not want to be named.
'However, two months of decomposition could have resulted in the upper body simply disintegrating.' He added that the bottom half may appear intact only because the jeans held it together.
As to why the body was not discovered for such a long time, experts said that it could have been weighed or held down, although dead bodies typically sink to the bottom first.
Dr Ong Chin Choon, who teaches forensic courses at Singapore Polytechnic, said: 'Shortly after, it would go through a process of anaerobic decomposition wherein carbon dioxide and methane gases released would cause it to float up.'
According to the experts, Singapore's hot weather would normally result in the body rising to the surface within two to four days. 'Assuming the body had indeed been in the water for two months, it would probably have been tangled in weeds or weighed down or it would have floated up long ago,' said Dr Ong.
He added that a typical mitochondrial DNA test to discover the victim's identity should take only one to two days to conduct if DNA is available from the mother. However, it is understood that the severe level of decomposition could extend the waiting time for DNA results.
On Tuesday, Madam Hu identified a belt on the body as belonging to her son. Keys found on the remains also fit the locks to her flat. She has contacted a funeral parlour and is arranging for the body to be cremated.
Police have not confirmed the identity of the victim, and investigations are ongoing as they continue their search for the missing half of the body.
ST Forum Online: Letters on Domestic Workers' Day Off
Straits Times, Forum Online, Letters on Domestic Workers' Day Off
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
~
Jun 24, 2011
An argument that holds no water
SOME maids may indeed overspend on their free days, and become unhappy with their pay ("More days off may not be in maids' interest", by Mr Sng Choon Kwee; yesterday). However, that does not make them any different from the rest of us.
Many of us work months to save up for a vacation, or a dream home, or children's education. Many of us have problems saving for other long-term expenses. The majority of people are not happy with what they are paid, and definitely would wish to be paid more. However, no one is calling for weekends and holidays to be abolished for the rest of the labour force.
Hence, it is not our prerogative to deprive maids of their rest time in order to save their money. Being adults, that decision is theirs.
The idea that we have to control their free time for their own best interest is condescending and patriarchal at best. They should be allowed to manage their money and free time as they wish.
Indulekshmi Rajeswari (Miss)
~
Jun 24, 2011
Maids are not less human than us
I DISAGREE with Mr Yum Shoen Liang's stand that domestic workers are not like other workers ("Maids can't be compared with other workers"; yesterday).
By his assertions, everyone whose nature of job is different from a stereotypical concept of a worker should not be considered a worker. At the heart of the issue is why are we treating domestic workers differently? Are they less human than us? Do they deserve less rights than a typical worker?
Mr Yum asserts that he observed acts of irresponsibility by domestic workers. How does this relate to giving or withholding a day off for them? I think that a mandated day off would give the domestic workers a better chance at discharging their responsibilities well.
Mr Yum believes he is taking good care of his domestic worker by giving her sufficient rest. However, not everyone does the same. In the lopsided power relationship between the domestic worker and her employer, the domestic worker often has little voice.
A mandated day off serves to rectify this situation.
Li Ruijie
~
Jun 24, 2011
Most maid employers are compassionate, so...
I REFER to Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob's call for legislation entitling maids to take a day off every week ("Consider law to give maids a day off every week: Halimah"; Monday).
There is no need for legislation as different households have different needs. Let the present arrangement between maids and employers stay.
The majority of Singapore employers are basically kind and compassionate towards their maids. If not given a day off a week, maids are normally compensated either in cash or kind. I feel if the system is not broken (or problematic) why fix it.
Let me relate the story of my maid, who was engaged to look after my aged mother-in-law in September 2009. In April last year, my mother-in-law died. My wife and I decided to keep the maid until her contract ends this August.
In a two-person household, in an HDB executive apartment, where both husband and wife go to work, there is not much work to do daily. Just some general cleaning, a bit of washing, ironing and cooking one meal a day. In a day, the hours of rest are more than that of work. She spends most of her free time reading.
My wife and I decided to keep the maid for one and a half years (without a real need for her) until her contract expires out of compassion and kindness.
So, in my view, let the employers and their maids settle the day off issue among themselves.
Robert Lim
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
~
Jun 24, 2011
An argument that holds no water
SOME maids may indeed overspend on their free days, and become unhappy with their pay ("More days off may not be in maids' interest", by Mr Sng Choon Kwee; yesterday). However, that does not make them any different from the rest of us.
Many of us work months to save up for a vacation, or a dream home, or children's education. Many of us have problems saving for other long-term expenses. The majority of people are not happy with what they are paid, and definitely would wish to be paid more. However, no one is calling for weekends and holidays to be abolished for the rest of the labour force.
Hence, it is not our prerogative to deprive maids of their rest time in order to save their money. Being adults, that decision is theirs.
The idea that we have to control their free time for their own best interest is condescending and patriarchal at best. They should be allowed to manage their money and free time as they wish.
Indulekshmi Rajeswari (Miss)
~
Jun 24, 2011
Maids are not less human than us
I DISAGREE with Mr Yum Shoen Liang's stand that domestic workers are not like other workers ("Maids can't be compared with other workers"; yesterday).
By his assertions, everyone whose nature of job is different from a stereotypical concept of a worker should not be considered a worker. At the heart of the issue is why are we treating domestic workers differently? Are they less human than us? Do they deserve less rights than a typical worker?
Mr Yum asserts that he observed acts of irresponsibility by domestic workers. How does this relate to giving or withholding a day off for them? I think that a mandated day off would give the domestic workers a better chance at discharging their responsibilities well.
Mr Yum believes he is taking good care of his domestic worker by giving her sufficient rest. However, not everyone does the same. In the lopsided power relationship between the domestic worker and her employer, the domestic worker often has little voice.
A mandated day off serves to rectify this situation.
Li Ruijie
~
Jun 24, 2011
Most maid employers are compassionate, so...
I REFER to Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob's call for legislation entitling maids to take a day off every week ("Consider law to give maids a day off every week: Halimah"; Monday).
There is no need for legislation as different households have different needs. Let the present arrangement between maids and employers stay.
The majority of Singapore employers are basically kind and compassionate towards their maids. If not given a day off a week, maids are normally compensated either in cash or kind. I feel if the system is not broken (or problematic) why fix it.
Let me relate the story of my maid, who was engaged to look after my aged mother-in-law in September 2009. In April last year, my mother-in-law died. My wife and I decided to keep the maid until her contract ends this August.
In a two-person household, in an HDB executive apartment, where both husband and wife go to work, there is not much work to do daily. Just some general cleaning, a bit of washing, ironing and cooking one meal a day. In a day, the hours of rest are more than that of work. She spends most of her free time reading.
My wife and I decided to keep the maid for one and a half years (without a real need for her) until her contract expires out of compassion and kindness.
So, in my view, let the employers and their maids settle the day off issue among themselves.
Robert Lim
Extend day-off benefit to all workers in Singapore
Straits Times, Forum, Jun 24, 2011
CARITAS Singapore warmly welcomes the suggestion by Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob to legislate a weekly day off for domestic helpers ('Consider law to give maids a day off every week: Halimah'; Monday).
Caritas Singapore is an umbrella body with 23 affiliate member organisations whose work touches the lives of more than 50,000 beneficiaries, including foreign workers and domestic helpers.
We strongly support the suggestion by Madam Halimah and hope that the Ministry of Manpower will consider implementing a day off each week not just for foreign domestic helpers but for all workers in Singapore.
Such a move will be in line with one of the key elements that was adopted at the recent International Labour Organisation Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
We believe that this would go a long way in protecting domestic workers and their basic rights and dignity, which include limits to hours of work, a minimum wage, and a decent place for rest.
George Lim
Chairman
Caritas Singapore
CARITAS Singapore warmly welcomes the suggestion by Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob to legislate a weekly day off for domestic helpers ('Consider law to give maids a day off every week: Halimah'; Monday).
Caritas Singapore is an umbrella body with 23 affiliate member organisations whose work touches the lives of more than 50,000 beneficiaries, including foreign workers and domestic helpers.
We strongly support the suggestion by Madam Halimah and hope that the Ministry of Manpower will consider implementing a day off each week not just for foreign domestic helpers but for all workers in Singapore.
Such a move will be in line with one of the key elements that was adopted at the recent International Labour Organisation Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
We believe that this would go a long way in protecting domestic workers and their basic rights and dignity, which include limits to hours of work, a minimum wage, and a decent place for rest.
George Lim
Chairman
Caritas Singapore
WEEKLY DAY OFF FOR MAIDS - Spare a thought for working mums
Straits Times, Forum, Jun 24, 2011
I REFER to Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob's call for legislating a weekly day off for domestic helpers ('Consider law to give maids a day off every week: Halimah'; Monday).
I urge Madam Halimah to look at the issue from the perspective of an ordinary, Singaporean working mother.
As a mother of a preschooler and an infant, having a domestic helper is probably the best solution for me as I would like to make full use of my hard-earned degree, remain in the competitive workforce and contribute to the nation's economic growth while supporting the Government's call to have more babies. Without a domestic helper to look after the children, one of the parents will have to stay at home.
Amid soaring inflation, rocketing housing prices and a dipping total fertility rate, is it appropriate to consider a weekly day off for domestic helpers at this juncture? If the Government would like to hear more babies cry, the answer is a clear no.
Moreover, does having a weekly day off ease the stress and overworking problems faced by domestic helpers? They may have to complete their chores before or after their day off. Essentially, they are left with less time to do the same chores. In this case, a weekly day off seems to worsen the problem.
Instead, inculcating a different mindset that looks at domestic helpers as part of the family may help. When the domestic helper is regarded as part of the family, she feels more comfortable and less likely to be stressed. Do we overwork our family members? No.
With many Singaporean households relying on domestic helpers to keep the house running, any change in the existing legislation is going to affect a large number of people.
It is not assumptive to conclude that a weekly day off for domestic helpers will have a negative impact on the fertility rate and the number of mothers in the workforce.
Fu Sze Sze (Madam)
I REFER to Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob's call for legislating a weekly day off for domestic helpers ('Consider law to give maids a day off every week: Halimah'; Monday).
I urge Madam Halimah to look at the issue from the perspective of an ordinary, Singaporean working mother.
As a mother of a preschooler and an infant, having a domestic helper is probably the best solution for me as I would like to make full use of my hard-earned degree, remain in the competitive workforce and contribute to the nation's economic growth while supporting the Government's call to have more babies. Without a domestic helper to look after the children, one of the parents will have to stay at home.
Amid soaring inflation, rocketing housing prices and a dipping total fertility rate, is it appropriate to consider a weekly day off for domestic helpers at this juncture? If the Government would like to hear more babies cry, the answer is a clear no.
Moreover, does having a weekly day off ease the stress and overworking problems faced by domestic helpers? They may have to complete their chores before or after their day off. Essentially, they are left with less time to do the same chores. In this case, a weekly day off seems to worsen the problem.
Instead, inculcating a different mindset that looks at domestic helpers as part of the family may help. When the domestic helper is regarded as part of the family, she feels more comfortable and less likely to be stressed. Do we overwork our family members? No.
With many Singaporean households relying on domestic helpers to keep the house running, any change in the existing legislation is going to affect a large number of people.
It is not assumptive to conclude that a weekly day off for domestic helpers will have a negative impact on the fertility rate and the number of mothers in the workforce.
Fu Sze Sze (Madam)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)