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This class of workers is now being treated as modern day slaves

Aug 25, 2011 Letters

 

Dear Editor,
I would be happy if the Ministries of Labour and Human Services would look into the  employment of persons as domestics in homes and other places.  This class of workers known as “maids” and “servants” is now being treated as modern day slaves.
These workers endure many hardships at the hands of their employers including physical abuse.  Workers are forced to work extra hours after their time of dismissal without any extra pay for their service. In one particular case that I am familiar with there is one half day worker who is scheduled to leave work at noon but is called upon to do odd tasks until 14:00 hrs and rarely is permitted to leave before 13:00 hrs.
In another case that I know of a full time worker who works six days of the week was recently instructed to work seven days.  When she explained that she needed the  day for church and for her house hold chores she was told that she was free to leave the work.
Yet another worker who was employed do the laundry and clean the house and yard has been burdened with cooking which is now causing her to get home late. One employeee was physically slapped because some water from a cup spilled on the carpet. A live in domestic has a surveillance camera in her bed room. She only became aware of its presence when she was told it was not a lighting fixture but a camera. She is questioning who sees the pictures.
It would be a good thing if the Ministry could set up an employment bureau for domestic workers.  Employers should be made to state the time and nature of the work they will be engaging these persons in. The National Insurance Scheme should also ensure that the employers and employees make their contributions so that they benefit in cases of illness and old age. Registration of domestic employees may also provide some security to these workers.
The Ministry should also reserve the right to visit the homes where these people work and to monitor their working hours. In this letter  I have not really touched the tip of the iceberg of the plight of domestic workers which is almost as bad as trafficking in persons.
Harry Seymour

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