Maids more aware of rights

From My Say

MY PAPER MONDAY JULY 14, 2008

 

I CANNOT agree more with the commentary “No one has the right to mistreat maids” (my paper, July 10).

 

Self-centred employers have been responsible for the many instances of maid abuse as they are more concerned about the well-being of their own households.

 

Along the way, they neglect the essential task of showing their domestic helpers how to improve the quality of their work.

 

It is true that there are issues caused by workers who find it difficult to adapt to their new environment.

 

This can especially be the case when they are in a foreign land for the first time.

 

Add to this the problems if bosses fail to try and understand the background or problems of their maids.

 

Many ugly incidents arise from miscommunication or a lack of communication.

 

Whatever their needs may be, it is important for employers to lend a willing and attentive ear to maids who have grievances, personal or otherwise.

 

Any ill-treatment of domestic helpers should not be tolerated in our present society.

 

Many employers have not realised that today’s domestic workers cannot be taken for granted anymore.

 

Nowadays, maids are better-educated and are more aware of their rights and expectations with regard to their job situation.

 

Hence, employers must shed their old concepts and regard modern-day maids in a whole new light, so that there will be positive employer-maid relationships.

 

Mr Jeffrey Law