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)
