I would like to thank Ms Aissa Montecillo for her letter to the editor entitled 'HK has progressed thanks to domestic helpers' (South China Morning Post, November 17). I am happy to know that there are people like Ms Montecillo who can understand the hardships and patience of domestic helpers. Many are really serving their employers the best they can but are maltreated and underpaid - yes, it is really outright discrimination. In fact most employers take advantage, and exploit their helpers because they know they are poor and they really need a job to support their families back home. With their meager income they are trying to survive in this first-class city, and if 20 per cent is deducted, how much is left for them? Lastly, I also congratulate the good employers, I know there are a lot of them. May your numbers increase. DELIA ANTONIO Ap Lei Chau
