A maid who had to do basic housework before leaving on her day off took to social media, commenting that it took up her time and made her feel uncomfortable.
In her anonymous post to Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), the helper asked others: “Do helpers need to do morning basic housework before they go out for off day?”
She added that she needed to in her household, but felt that this should not be the procedure.
“After sweeping and mopping we sweat a lot.No time to wash hair even if we shower . Then go out the whole day. It really makes [us] feel uncomfortable to meet with friends or for myself too”, the helper wrote.
She added that she wished employers would be able to understand this and give the helpers their own time that day.
Most helpers agreed and added that they too had to work before going out on their days off. One helper said that she had to clean her employer’s 3-storey house before and after going out, clean three cars and cook dinner. She also added that she had to work till 10 pm even though it was her day off.
Here’s what they said:
Last week, an employer who wanted to know if their maid’s timings for her days off were normal took to social media to ask other helpers and employers.
In an anonymous post to Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), an employer asked: “Do give me advice – is it normal for my FDW to leave at 7:30am or earlier on her off day and return around 10pm or later?”
She added: “What are usual off day hours?”
One maid said:
“Communication is the key. It’s day off not time off”.