Posted by
suba
18 yrs ago
Our maid started to work for us since June 2006. Now, 5 months has passed. We pay the minimum salary (according to regulation & our contract she signed) to our maid.
She does not ask me her salary rise; however, she is talking me often about her friend’s monthly salary is HK$ 6,000, another HK& 8,000, also HK$ 12,000. Our maid is very good with 6 years experience in Hong Kong. However, we would like to keep the current salary at least on year because she signed it once.
In addition, I believe that we treat her well as the condition as below. However, it is appreciated if you could advise me when is the best timing to review the salary?
Holiday & Day Off:
From the beginning we allow her to take the national holiday and Sunday off. In August while we were in holiday, we paid for her 2 ways flight to see her family in Philippines and gave her the paid leave for one week.
Food:
She eats the same food as we eat. We allow her to access any food we have in stock room and fridge when she is hungry.
Her private area:
She has her own room, where we provide an electric fan, a bed, a lower chest-drawer, a tall closet, a desk and a chair. And a renovated shower room. From Suba
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zalca
18 yrs ago
she sounds like she's taking the mickey, honey/
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TC
18 yrs ago
Ask her for the contact numbers of the employers who are paying those wages (because you'd like to have a chat with them). My bet is you won't get any such numbers. Sounds like she's playing with you. As said above, she has signed a 2-year contract for a specified wage - and now 5 months later she wants it changed. No way, unless of course you firmly believe she deserves something extra (in which case the bonus is a far better proposition). If there is to be a review I'd also suggest at the end of one year. Good luck.
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Agree - she wouldn't have signed the contract if she wasn't satisfied with the salary. Ignore it, or tell her about YOUR friends, whose helpers work harder, longer, faster, better, and who may be looking for a new job sometime soon. Bet yours will stop whining then...
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my friend has the helper for 5 years already and she is still paying her the minimum. however, each time the helper goes back to phils for her holiday, she gave her one month salary in addition so that she can buy things for her family. also, she give lai see during chinese new year and a little extra here and there during festive season and birthday. her helper seem very happy with that and is totally devoted to her family. i plan to do the same with my helper.
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MC
18 yrs ago
Agree with all the above. You are the best judge of what she deserves. College graduates make $8000 or so.. Cannot imagine a helper gets paid $8000 or more. What most people do is to always put the minimum in the contract. You can always pay more if you wish, but not writing it down. A lot of depends on what she needs to do. My helper who's been with me for 7 years get paid minimum. But I give her extras for major holidays and etc. There is little housework and she is 50, does not want to work too hard. So she is happy.
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am agree on what all you guys said,i myself is a domestic helper..am working with the same employer for almost 9 years,my my salary is $3,860..and i recieved $100.on chinese new year and $100 on X'mas day and $100 on my b-day..but i never complain..they have been very nice to me..and am happy to return the favor..what am saying sometimes people are not happy of they have,they always look for more..it's up to you suba if you want to give your helper more..but don't you think your willing to spoil her that much?
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Pls do not spoil the helpers. I mean stick to the contract, but if their performance is outstanding, offer bonus from time to time at your discretion. Ask your helper what is her intention of mentioning those figures to you. I will discuss with her right away at the spot and she is not happy with the salary, fire her. Be firm but reasonable.
My maid has been working for our family for 5 years, m paying her 3660+200 bonus per mth.
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I specify in the very first phone call with a potential helper that the job gets minimum salary. That way it is out in the open right away, and if she is looking for more neither of us needs to waste time meeting. I then reiterate that point in the interview, and finally before the contract is signed I put down all details (including $) on paper. No confusion, and no room for complaining about her friends getting more later.
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I agree with all of the above posters. The salary stated in the contract is and will be her salary till the end of her contract. You may give her some bonus if you wish but don't spoil your maid. Some will be greatful for what you give, others will asks for even more. Be firm to what you believe, that you are paying her right and that you are not shortchanging her in anyway. If you got her from an agency, you may also call your agent to talk to her. Good Luck!
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