Hong Kong’s domestic workers deserve dignity and cool comfort too
Inclement weather is making life harder for domestic workers who already lack places to rest and face restrictions on using air conditioning
A more recent issue involves helpers being instructed to only use air conditioning when the rest of the household is present. The Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions said about 80 per cent of its members reported such restrictions. Some also said they had no air conditioning in their rooms, disrupting sleep on hot nights.
According to an International Labour Organization recommendation, domestic workers’ accommodation should have adequate lighting, heating and air conditioning, in keeping with prevailing household conditions and taking into account local laws and standards. Hong Kong law requires that helpers be provided with free, suitable accommodation that ensures reasonable privacy. Air conditioning is not specified.
There are good reasons for disagreements about temperatures. Federation officials acknowledged that some workers, including those who serve the elderly, have employers who are relatively frugal or sensitive to the cold. It is encouraging that many disputes were resolved after open discussion. As for making days off more bearable, government involvement could be required. Some have suggested repurposing school facilities or community halls.
Solutions to such problems must be found in a city where there is a legal mandate for its more than 380,000 helpers to live where they work. Weather patterns are expected to become more extreme and unpredictable. The community cannot demand flawless service from household workers while systematically denying them a comfortable place to live or a dignified space to rest.