Maid asks if others have to wake up before 6am on their day off to vacuum & mop before going out, then return to prepare the next day’s lunch

A domestic helper is checking with other helpers if they have to work on their days off, as she is required to wake up at 5:45 am every day, vacuum and mop the floor and empty the rubbish – even on her supposed day off.

In a post on Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), Ms Iradiel Augustin Rafelyn asks if others are also treated the same as she is on what is supposed to be her one day of rest in the week.

In her post, on Mar 29, she says that on Saturday night, before her day off, she is also required to prepare the family’s lunch for the next day. Despite having to work late to get the Sunday lunch ready, she still has chores to complete on Sunday morning and can only leave at 9:30 am. Moreover, when she returns that evening, she has to prepare Monday’s lunch for the family.

Several domestic helpers responded to the post, with most saying that on their days off, they did not have to wake up at a specific time or do any work. Some said that on their days off they would help out with small tasks such as clearing the rubbish or wiping up the kitchen before they left, but even so, they would not have a curfew and would only be required to resume work the next day.

Many helpers suggested that she speak to her employers about it.

A number of helpers said that they were also made to work on their supposed days off.

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