Newer helpers complain a lot more these days, says maid agency owner

SINGAPORE: After receiving a spate of complaints from newer helpers, a maid agency owner took to social media to ask if today’s “new gen” helpers are just getting softer.

Posting in the ‘MDW in Singapore’ Facebook group on Saturday (Jul 12), she shared her observations from three years of running the agency.

Compared to helpers who came to Singapore about 10 years ago, she said the newer batch are more vocal, more particular about their preferences, and a lot quicker to speak up when they’re unhappy.

She noted that many of them grumble about the nature of their work (like having to clean “six toilets”), say their employers are “too naggy,” complain that the salary is “too low,” or dislike having to follow curfews, like coming home before midnight.

On top of that, she said some helpers now insist on having every Sunday off, all public holidays off, and even expect 15 days of paid leave each year. Others go as far as requesting specific food brands or demanding a private room with free WiFi.

More worryingly, she claimed there has been an uptick in cases involving helpers getting tangled in loan shark activities or money laundering schemes.

Three years ago, she said she seldom heard such complaints from helpers, as most were focused on working and earning a salary to support their families back home.

She wrapped up her post by saying that unless the situation is genuinely unfair, helpers should try to adjust.

“Unless the employer abuses you physically or verbally, breaches MOM’s (Ministry of Manpower’s) rules, underfeeds you, or overworks you, then you should embrace and adapt to the employers’ requirements to earn $$ and send home to your family. All the best,” she wrote.

“At that time, we still didn’t know our rights, so we were actually bullied.”

In the comments section, several longtime domestic helpers stepped in to defend the newer generation of workers, pushing back against claims that they are too soft or entitled.

One helper, who has been working in Singapore for over two decades, recalled the harsh conditions she faced when she first arrived 23 years ago. Back then, she said, there were no days off, no access to phones, and little support when mistreated.

“I handwashed bedsheets, and I always hear ‘stupid here and there’ and you can only cry in your sleep because your employer can’t know,” she continued.

“Now that the rules have changed, the new helpers are so lucky that they almost have one weekday off a week and have NGOs to run to if they’re in trouble with employers.”

Another helper chimed in, saying that back then, many domestic workers didn’t even know they had rights.

“At that time, we still didn’t know our rights, so we were actually bullied. We advised the new ones that they should know their rights and, at the same time, make sure they are doing their best and working hard.”

A third added, “I mean, how can they complain if they could not use the phone before? If they don’t have an off day to go to the agency to complain? We work for 12 hours or so, so why can’t we take the same hours for our off day?”

Still, not everyone disagreed with the agency owner’s view. A few netizens felt that today’s helpers do seem more fragile compared to those from earlier generations.

One said, “I agree; the new generation cannot survive without a handphone.”

Another shared, “I’ve been working with my employer for 3 decades, and yes, I saw a lot of difference from before. Now helpers know their rights, unlike before when we worked hard to support our families back home, but now young generations are taking it easy.”

For those who are in distress

The MOM reminds migrant domestic workers that they can seek help whenever they are in distress. Those in immediate danger are advised to call the police at 999.

Alternatively, they can contact the MDW Helpline at 1800 339 5505, available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to speak directly with an MOM officer.

The helpline is strictly for domestic workers facing urgent or distressing situations. For general enquiries, they are encouraged to reach out to the MOM Contact Centre.

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Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)