Letter to The
Straits Times: Reward 'role model' maids and their employers
My letter to the Straits Times on the above
subject is published today, Thursday 18th September 2014.
It is disturbing to learn of the latest maid abuse case
(“3 more months’ jail for ‘relentless tormentor’ of maid”; last Thursday).
Another report (“Myanmar imposes temporary ban on maids to Singapore”; last Saturday) said the Myanmar government has temporarily barred its women from working as maids in Singapore because of concerns over abuse.
Such reports do not put us in a good light, even though most employers here treat their maids reasonably well.
Given that Singaporeans depend heavily on their maids to provide much-needed support, it is vital to build cordial working relationships between maids and their employers.
To this end, I propose that a reward scheme for “role model” maids and
employers be put in place by the Ministry of Manpower. Up to five winners each year would be rewarded
with cash and sponsored holidays, providing an excellent opportunity for
families to take their maids with them on a well-deserved break.
Such a scheme would not only recognise outstanding maids and their employers, but also spur others to emulate them.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
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