Filipino maids US$400 minimum wage: Sporeans can afford it
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Oct 7, 2010 - ST Forum
MS ALICE Cheah justifies a seven-day working week for maids ('Myopic to seek minimum wage for maids'; last Saturday) by stating that they are compensated in lieu of a day off, and that if they do not like it, they need not accept the employment offer.
The assertion suggests that maids are completely free to choose the terms of their employment.
If domestic helpers were paid at least a living wage to begin with, her argument would have been more convincing. The reality, of course, is that maids are rarely paid adequately and they often have no other choice but to accept whatever they are offered, considering that many of them have to support a broader family. Thus, they do not enjoy any bargaining power.
The writer also claims that it is myopic to call for a minimum wage of $US400 (S$527) though it is unclear as to why this is so.
She suggests no alternative wage other than 'a reasonable and acceptable basic salary'.
We should respect the considered and reasonable wish of the Philippine government in determining that $US400 is a reasonable minimum salary for their citizens to work as domestic helpers in foreign countries.
It does not seem like a lot of compensation when one sincerely reflects on the multiple roles undertaken by maids - as carers, cleaners, chefs and often household managers.
In a sophisticated and wealthy country like Singapore, a minimum wage for domestic helpers is an idea that is timely. Respect for such a minimum wage would only further Singapore's reputation as a destination of choice for domestic helpers.
Peter Waring (Dr)
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Agree.... now who wants to bet that angel will contest this
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2x
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I dont have maid but I am not sure whether a monthly salary of $500+ is then divided into 2 parts, maid gets about $300+ per month while the other half goes to the agency??
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My Aunt's maid is a filipino. She jumped at the chance when my Aunt offered her a re-contract. She said, the min wage is not for the sake of the maids, but for the government to tax them when they return home. She rather earn lesser now, than to face the risk of unemployment in future.
Do not forget that we still have our Indonesian, Myanmar, and soon to be Bangladeshi maids coming in. We have so many choices, employers can always choose the others.
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Treat the maid well, let her eat and drink when she's hungry, let her take a rest when she's tired, Let her sleep early...and remember to look after her...she will definately stick to you for life.
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Originally posted by likeyou:
Treat the maid well, let her eat and drink when she's hungry, let her take a rest when she's tired, Let her sleep early...and remember to look after her...she will definately stick to you for life.
take her for holidays.
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Originally posted by likeyou:
Treat the maid well, let her eat and drink when she's hungry, let her take a rest when she's tired, Let her sleep early...and remember to look after her...she will definately stick to you for life.
Might as well marry the maid. -
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Originally posted by likeyou:
Treat the maid well, let her eat and drink when she's hungry, let her take a rest when she's tired, Let her sleep early...and remember to look after her...she will definately stick to you for life.
why u always spell the word "definitely" as "definately" huh ?
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Originally posted by Devil7030:
why u always spell the word "definitely" as "definately" huh ?
Cos I am in my dark room...'naked'. -
blogging in the dark.
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Originally posted by Clivebenss:
blogging in the dark.
Utility bills are rising. -
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