Kalis Koh S10034279

http://www.supload.com/listen?s=SaX6_zU-vG2

The spate of abuse cases reported has led to the introduction of several new initiatives in 2005 to raise consciousness among employers and domestic workers about rights and responsibilities. However, domestic helpers who know their rights may not necessarily protect them. There are domestic workers who choose to suffer in silence because they either do not want to risk their employment or are too afraid to speak up. Hence to maximise the help given to them, not only must an avenue be provided to these domestic helpers, but it also has to be accessible.

Christopher Lim (phone conversation)
“My neighbour’s maid was badly abused by her employer. The neighbours did not suspect anything because the maid did not utter a single complaint to anyone. But, another neighbour’s maid saw the bruises and told her employer. Fortunately, the employer reported the case.”

Domestic workers are afraid to have any dealings with people from the government. Hence, many would not seek help from government bodies. Another source of aid to these domestic workers could be the employment agencies. Employment agencies, I feel, are better able to help domestic helpers who are in trouble. This is because the domestic helpers, feel a sense of ‘closeness’ with the agencies hence it is easier to break the barrier. Sadly, few employment agencies are genuinely concerned about the welfare of the domestic helpers once they have been hired. With the lack of a strong backing, employers are more daring in violating the rights of the domestic helpers. These employers are in a way not accountable to anyone.

Mdm Kang who has been employing the same maid for six years says
“Limits should be drawn. There must be greater initiative in ensuring the welfare of these maids.”

It is not sufficient to increase domestic helpers’ awareness on their rights because it would prove useless if they aren’t able to fight for their rights. Though there are domestic workers’ association and government bodies to help them, it would be more effective if they’re able to derive support from other fellow domestic workers. Domestic workers, especially those who are new to Singapore, relate better to other domestic workers, as there is a sense of closeness. Thus, all domestic helpers could be made a compulsory member of a domestic helpers’ union. The union enables domestic helpers to look out for one another. With the union, these domestic helpers know that help is available and they are less likely to be trapped by fear. Furthermore, the union is a ‘proclamation’ to the employers that the rights of these domestic helpers are strictly protected. Hence, these employers would be less likely to intentionally violate the domestic helpers’ rights.

As mentioned earlier on, employment agencies have a great part to play in helping these domestic helpers. More initiatives should be taken by these agencies to ensure the welfare of the domestic helpers. These agencies, should not only concern themselves with the domestic helpers when customers come complaining, but they should make it a point to ensure that the domestic helpers have settled down in the household nicely. For the first few months of employment, agencies can send staff to visit these domestic helpers to check on them. House visitations are more credible as compared to phone checks. Thus, the employment agencies are better able to understand if the domestic helpers are getting on fine.