"The Embassy of the Philippines here has said that as of March 1, “the office is
strictly implementing the POEA Rules and Regulations on the $400 or RO 160
minimum salary for household service workers.” In a notice issued yesterday, the
embassy emphasised that the parties concerned would have to sign a certification
stating the minimum salary and no employment contracts would be processed
otherwise...." Source
The implementation of the above has been received with two sides of responses, some Filipino's are happy to have the increase in the sense that it will aid them in supporting themselves and families back home. While on the flip side some Filipino are saying that it would reduce the demand for workers in the country since the wage is too high for locals.
I know that most of the expat community in the country get this wage covered by their employment contract and thus can afford to maintain such wages, even allowing the housemaid to take up part time work with wages ranging from 4-10RO per hour (if not more). thus their salaries actually could reach up to if not above 300RO per month. On the flip side of the coin you have workers who have been employed to work 6am-10pm (some beyond) with no rest days on a salary as low as 60-80RO.
I believe there should be a standard that needs to be followed and if a person is in need of a helper then there are other nationalities that can be considered for employment, but then as with the concerns of some Filipino's the demand for their employment with local families will reduce significantly.
Whats your take on this?
Should there be a cap on minimum wage?
How will this effect the employment of Filipino's in the country?
Aishelaqtta ايش اللقطه
Follow on:
The implementation of the above has been received with two sides of responses, some Filipino's are happy to have the increase in the sense that it will aid them in supporting themselves and families back home. While on the flip side some Filipino are saying that it would reduce the demand for workers in the country since the wage is too high for locals.
I know that most of the expat community in the country get this wage covered by their employment contract and thus can afford to maintain such wages, even allowing the housemaid to take up part time work with wages ranging from 4-10RO per hour (if not more). thus their salaries actually could reach up to if not above 300RO per month. On the flip side of the coin you have workers who have been employed to work 6am-10pm (some beyond) with no rest days on a salary as low as 60-80RO.
I believe there should be a standard that needs to be followed and if a person is in need of a helper then there are other nationalities that can be considered for employment, but then as with the concerns of some Filipino's the demand for their employment with local families will reduce significantly.
Whats your take on this?
Should there be a cap on minimum wage?
How will this effect the employment of Filipino's in the country?
Aishelaqtta ايش اللقطه
Follow on:
I don't know anyone who pay's their maid 300 a month, and I don't know anyone who gets their maid paid for by their Companies either.
ReplyDeleteHaving a maid / domestic help is a privilege and not a right. I think it's tantamount to modern day slavery to ask someone to work 6am-10pm 7 days a week for RO 60 a month. Or even RO 160 a month.
Freddie Daddy....I know your secret lol jk
Delete"....ask someone to work 6am-10pm 7 days a week for RO 60 a month. Or even RO 160 a month." What would you say is the proper wage they should be granted?
I for one give my house help a decent salary,accomodation,meals, with their day ending at 8:30pm and bonus allowance. Mind you I have 2 since you know how many kids I have and need all the help I can get as a working mom.
I think it all boils down to being fair, decent and considerate to the person whos helping you.
Are you serious with your comment, 'I know that most of the expat community in the country get this wage covered by their employment contract and thus can afford to maintain such wages, even allowing the housemaid to take up part time work with wages ranging from 4-10RO per hour (if not more). thus their salaries actually could reach up to if not above 300RO per month.'
ReplyDeleteI have lived here for many years and have never met anyone that fits this criteria. You know who I see driving round in Mercedes, BMW, Porsche etc and living in great big houses with 3 maids, driver and cook? Omanis. You know who mistreats their maids so much that Indonesia won't even allow maids to work here anymore and the filipino embassy has had to implement rules on salaries? Omanis.
Go ahead, tell yourself that most expats get maids paid for and they pay them 300 rials a month but it is so wrong it makes your delusions of grandeur reek even more.
I didnt state that they get paid 300RO if you read my statement as you put it I did mention that they can accumlate up to that amount in a month. (salary+ additional part time work)
DeleteIts simple math really....
Hmmmm... so expats dont drive Benz, BMW and Porche? Your being short changed my friend
Must say I"m impressed that you labelled me with "delusions of grandeur ", not that you know me on any level... Go on play the I"m a poor expat card that doesnt get paid enough to be in this rotten country card
I think there should be a minimum wage for all housemaids, regardless of nationality. Philipino only? outher countries too, Ethiopian, Indonesian, Sri Lankan, Begali,etc....
ReplyDeleteAnd working hours should be no more than 7 hours a day, however divided, 5 days a week. This is basic rights. If overtime is required a minimum of 4 rials should be paid on the hour.
That's just basic human rights.
Of course, housemaids recieve free housing (one room with locking door, cupboard, bed), free food (and their food should be the same quality as the rest of the family), and either they should be supplied with 5 uniforms and laundry facilities, or they should be given clothes of the same. The clothes should be replaced every two years, with one new uniform or outfit every year. They also ask for items like phone and vanity items like skin creams (usually whiteners in my experience) which should come out of their own pockets. If their salary is decent and they have days off they should be able to buy these items for themselves.
On their days off, they should be allowed to socialize with whomever they wish. It should not be for the employer to control. It is isn't their right.
Of course, if a housemaid gets pregnant (from dating) she should consider her contract ended and be sent home.
Offices should not be allowed to charge fees for housemaids if the housemaid has already paid her own airefare and medical test ect...
If there is any abuse of these rights, the maid should be allowed financial compensation and her emplowers and maid office should face criminal charges (human traffiking with jail time etc.).