LettersHong Kong’s unsung coronavirus heroes deserve better treatment: spare a thought for put-upon domestic helpers

Instead of criticising helpers for continuing to meet in groups on their rest day, attention must be paid to the difficulties they face during this crisis. The government must do more to protect their rights

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Domestic helpers try to meet social distancing norms while spending their day off, in Central on March 29. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 7:10am, 2 Apr 2020Updated: 7:10am, 2 Apr 2020

The government has introduced a raft of social distancing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants are now obliged to operate at half their capacity and gatherings of more than four people are banned. While most people are adhering to the government’s order, groups of domestic helpers have still been spotted gathering in large numbers. Some may denounce them for behaving irresponsibly and even living in a “parallel universe”, but do these critics realise the ordeal helpers are going through during the health crisis?

A recent online survey of 1,127 domestic helpers revealed that more than half complained of increased cleaning workload since the outbreak began. Besides, they were not given sufficient protective equipment, such as face masks, and were even confined to their place of residence during their day off. Without sufficient bargaining power, they can only swallow the bitter pill or risk being dismissed.

Meanwhile, the Labour Department has merely suggested domestic workers stay home on their rest day without taking any further measures to protect them. As a result, many of them have been deprived of their rest day and suffer from fatigue (“Live-in’ rule sees helpers made to work on rest day, appeal of policy argues”, March 17).

Let’s not forget that migrant helpers make a significant contribution to our economy, amounting to an estimated US$12.6 billion last year. They have been diligently providing care for the elderly and children. Without their committed service, parents could hardly go out to work and our society could hardly prosper. They deserve better treatment, our respect and more protection.

Our government should strictly enforce the law and punish employers who mistreat these vulnerable workers. Employers should be open-minded and respect the worker’s rights. Only with mutual respect can both sides build a harmonious relationship and minimise conflict. Let’s be considerate and treat our unsung heroes with compassion.