SINGAPORE: The head of the Catholic Church in
Singapore is calling for a rest day every week for domestic
workers, the latest in a chorus of voices here urging for time off
for maids.
Addressing the 200,000 local Catholic population to
mark the World Day of Migrants on Oct 30, Archbishop Nicholas Chia
noted that some employers here may not trust their helpers, feeling
they would "get into trouble" if given time off.
Employers may also feel they cannot cope without
help to take care of a child or elderly parent, he said.
But in the message published on the archdiocese's website, he
called for respect for one another, especially for those living
under the same roof.
"If you enjoy having a day off during the week, would it not follow
that your domestic helper would also enjoy and appreciate this
'luxury'?" he said.
He pointed out that while one in six families employs a domestic
helper in Singapore, only 53 per cent of maids receive one day off
per month, and about 12 per cent give their helpers one day off per
week.
Archbishop Chia said migrant workers must be paid fair wages, given
adequate food and ample time to rest each day, and the ability to
reunite with their families on a regular basis.
He also called for the "disturbing trend" of foreign wife abuse and
trafficking of women and children in Singapore to stop.
In June, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and
Sports Halimah Yacob said Singapore should consider legislation
requiring employers to give their domestic helpers a rest day every
week, to help reduce issues such as stress and overwork that
domestic workers are facing.
-- TODAY