Domestic workers in Singapore clamor for 24-hour off day

A post has been circulating over the Internet, advocating for employers to give their domestic workers a 24-hour day off. This, however, led to a flurry of protests from employers.

One reason for objection is that the performance of domestic workers might suffer. They might make poor use of their leisure time that they will be too tired to work the next day. The post advises the employer to make sure their domestic helper makes good use of her off day.

Another reason is that the domestic helper’s lifestyle may not be consistent with the employer’s family values. The article advises the employer not to interfere, as long as the domestic helper is not breaking the law or intruding on their family members.

Another complaint is that employers work on weekends as much as domestic helpers do. However, it is noted that domestic helpers do not enjoy as much leisure time as their wealthier employers. Some employers also don’t trust their domestic helpers, but this should not be a reason to deny them of their days off.

One more argument is that a household is different from an office, but standard labor laws still apply. Another fear is that the domestic worker might get pregnant on her day off; however, the Ministry of Manpower has made the law less likely for domestic workers to forfeit the bond they have paid.

The article listed tips to employers who are still concerned with their domestic helpers in their days off. One is to proactively communicate with one another, and to manage expectations.

Source : NextSinga