Posted by
people
16 yrs ago
My Filipina helper surprised us yesterday by giving us her resignation. I have two kids aged 14 months and 9 years both of whom have become very fond of her in the last 6 months. She is very good with children but not so great with housework. She seemed to be very happy and we had made it clear that we want her to stay for the two years. Till a month ago she was concerned that we will terminate her contract. We have never had any showdowns or trouble till now.
Now I can't decide if I should talk to her and ask her to stay or just let her go. If she stays it will be difficult to trust her and if she goes it will be difficult for the kids (me too) to get accoustomed to someone new.
Any advice?
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if she wants to go let her go. there's no point to keep her against her will and she could create trouble for your family.
you said it yourself - if she stays it will be difficult to trust her....
kids are resilient... they will cope with the new helper.
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Wiz Bang's right. no need to worry about the kids getting used to the new helper. You'll be surprised!
Also, when you hire a new one, even for interview, let the kids stay so you can have a feel whether they'll like each other's company.
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4G
16 yrs ago
Yes as rightly said kids will adjust ,dont think its worth living under stress
this is what is so irritating ,there is nothing to protect the employers from stopping the helpers from terminating their contracts midway , maybe bec theyre getting more salary or cant do their jobs well ,not getting along with the employer etc etc
The law should be changed that if the helper breaks contract midway , they should get no air passage ,nothing .Why does the employer have to bear the brunt of their decisions ,and pay so much extra going thr the process all over again
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If you like the helper, you should at least try to listen and hear the reason why she's going. If you think that the reason is valid, then let her go. If the reason is unfounded (like she's afraid you're going to let her go) then you can try to change her mind. At least you'll save yourself some hassle in finding a new one.
But don't give the helper any reason to abuse you (by thinking that she's indispensable).
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Thanks everybody. What you said was most helpful. I did ask her the reason for leaving but did not ask her to stay. Her reason is that she does not like it when I get irritated or annoyed with the kids and that she is losing weight!!! Seems pretty lame to me.
I have to agree with 4G here and blame the laws that do not help the employers at all.
Thanks again.
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Many Filipina helpers equate "losing weight" with being stressed and unhappy. The opposite, desired state is being "fat" - i have been told by helpers I know that I am looking fat - a compliment, I'm sure! My current helper says that whenever she runs into my previous helper, the old helper expresses surprise at how fat she is (ie contented and happy).
I think it is fair that the employer pay airfare even where the helper breaks the contract. It is a competitive market out there and many helpers come to HK in debt.
Although it is inconvenient and tedious for the employer, the cost and burden of breaking a contract is much more onerous for a helper. Most helpers would not do this lightly. Also, if the work conditions are intolerable (not the case here, i know) it would be harsh to either require the helper to stay for a minimum period or pay her way out.
Good luck with finding a new helper - much better to have one who appreciates her situation than one who is unhappy.
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I think this case ended as it should be.
There was a contract, and each party abided by the terms.
The employer will face some hassle in getting a new helper, the helper is going to lose her income (as she needs to go home to her place of origin before she can start a new contract, if she so desires). The flip side is of course when the employer ends the contract even with the helper's objection.
I agree with the OP, the reason given was lame. However, it might be the truth and it's a big deal to this helper.
That's how it is when it comes to employment of helpers.
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"The law should be changed that if the helper breaks contract midway , they should get no air passage ,nothing .Why does the employer have to bear the brunt of their decisions ,and pay so much extra going thr the process all over again"
The labour laws in HK are the labour laws and are the laws afforded to all employees. Remember as an employer you also have the option of terminating contracts and would feel extremely hard done by should your have a penalty for terminating early, maybe let's say 6 months wages in lieu. This is the just the way it is. In the workplace it's no different - getting the right employee can cost a fortune and after training, etc they decide to leave then that's a large investment right out of the door.
Employees and employers both have rights and these are very similar whether it's domestic help or in the workplace. It's just when you are talking about domestic help it get's more emotional.
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Would have liked to end it here but for evildeed and beancurd posts...
Food- helper is paid 50 dollars per week for snacks (chocolates/crisps/coke/ready to eat noodles etc. that we usually do not stock at home) over and above the free food at home
Work hours - 6 a.m till 8.30 p.m
Not enough rest - Two adults, 9 year-old-pretty much takes care of himself, I do most of the cooking, taking care of a 14-month-old is the most important duty for I was at work.
Beancurd - I agree that laws are usually fair and no issues about payment...airfare or leave wages. It is also true that it gets emotional with domestic helpers...and rightly so for you entrust your home and children to their care. Hong Kong has no other childcare alternative for expats..no creche at all...I have had to quit my job so I can stay and look after my child while I find a replacement and even then there is no reliability. She could quit when it is convenient to her...if she finds a better job or for her personal reasons (being unhappy, loosing weight ...whatever)
I am sure employers could be terminating their helpers too for no fault of the helper and that is the point...such laws need more thought.
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