Employers vow to help FDHs vs abusive agencies

Employers pledge to support their FDHs.

Labor and migrants rights group have launched a campaign which aims to enlist the help of employers in the fight of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) against abusive recruitment agencies.

The Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU) and the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) launched the “My Fair Home” campaign, which also aims to establish a “harmonious relationship” between employers and FDHs.

“Ang objective ng My Fair Home ay para magkaruon ng harmonious relationship yung employer at saka employee,” Shiella Grace Estrada, chair of the Progressive Laboour Union of Domestic Workers in Hong Kong, said in an interview.

“Plus, makuha yung support from employers kagaya nung pagpledge nila kanina na, kapag may mga cases na excessive recruitment fees from agencies, the employers are willing to support if they are going to file a case against employment agencies,” she added.

Estrada said several employers attended the launching, which was held in Central, and they signed a manifesto of support for FDHs.

“I will ensure fair wages are paid to domestic workers in my home (at least the minimum wage) and that domestic workers in my home have reasonable work hours and time to rest,” the manifesto read.

“I will negotiate the terms and conditions of employment with any domestic worker in my home, ensuring a mutual understanding through a written agreement,” it added.

By signing the manifesto, the employers promised to ensure a work environment that is free from abuse, harassment, and violence, that domestic workers in their homes would have access to “decent healthcare,” and that they are able to make complaints against unfair employment agencies.

They gave their word that they will ensure that domestic workers in their homes will enjoy decent living conditions and “a safe, secure private bedroom.”

The employers also promised to ensure that their domestic helpers are able to spend their free time “whenever and however they choose.”

Estrada said their group and allies will work to spread the message of the campaign so that more and more employers would sign the manifesto.

“Yun ang aming icocontinue—mareach out yung other employers for support,” Estrada said.

During the program, two Indonesian workers shared their experiences in fighting against the “illegal practices” of the employment agencies.

They emphasized that the support from the unions and employers was very important to end exploitation and unfair treatment of domestic workers in Hong Kong, Estrada said.