THE MAIL SAYS: Maids are human beings too

The Malay Mail, Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

WHEN Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam announced domestic maids should be given a day off every week, there was a big hue and cry from employers.

He said domestic workers were entitled to a weekly day off, just like workers in other sectors, as stipulated in the Employment Act.Those totally against it feared that should maids get a day off, they may be exposed to many social problems.
maids

MAIDS: Are they lesser human beings?
The outcry of employers to this plan is very perplexing, though everyone would like to have a maid at their beck and call 24/7.

Many of these employers are working professionals themselves who work for big organisations or businesses.

As employees, they enjoy their annual leave, days off, public holidays, medical leave, compassionate leave, maternity/paternity leave... and the list can go on. But that's okay, because they are entitled to it.

In fact, if any of these benefits are taken away, they would scream murder.

But when it comes to their maids, suddenly all this does not seem to matter. They need their maids 24/7, no questions asked. They claim it is stated as such in the contract.

Why is this so? Why do we look at maids differently? Are they lesser beings? Or is this something of a class issue?

Maids, like any one of us, are human beings with the same wants and needs. They are entitled to basic human rights: things like a day off for rest from their daily chores, time to go out with friends, to the movies and just relax or a day just to do what they want, a day to recharge their batteries.

Who are the employers to be their moral guardians or the ones to decide what their maids should or should not do with their free time? Most of the maids are adults and they can decide for themselves what is good or bad.

Being far from home, they should be allowed the chance to meet fellow workers from their village or country. Surely during that one day in a week employers can take care of their children and the household chores.

Perhaps, besides giving a day off to maids, the government should also clearly define the duties of maids.

In Hong Kong, for instance, the terms and conditions are set down clearly and the duties of the maids are listed. And yes, they get a day off.

Employers must understand that a happy and contented worker will be a good worker.

The government seems set to enforce the ruling and employers better get used to the idea of giving their maids a day off every week.