Recently, there is an intense debate on whether maids should be given day off. Giving maids day off has its pros and cons. According to Veteran labor leader Halimah Yacob, giving maids a day off might help to minimize some issues such as stress and overwork that domestic workers are facing now. Although she has a point, there are many more factors that should be taken into consideration.
Firstly, many think that maids should be given off as maids , as humans, should be given the right to have freedom. Imagine having to stay home for a few years without going out! This would result in the maid going crazy, and the maid may even find ways to try "escape" from home, thus giving a lot of problem to the employer.
Secondly, like madam Halimah Yacob said, giving the maid a day off would help to minimize stress and overwork. A day off to breathe some fresh air and to take a break from such a stressful environment will not only satisfy the maid, but it may also increase productivity. I guess many people would also like to have occasional breaks, just like students have their holidays, and working adults have the freedom to take leave.
However, there are also many disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the employer do not know what the maid might do outside home. The maids, when hanging out with friends may be influenced. They may learn how to rebel against their employers or harm their employers. This is what many people are worrying about if they give their maids a day off. You will not know what your maid is up to when you are not keeping an eye on them.
Also, maids may be easily cheated. Singapore is not the home ground of these maids. The maids may be easily deceived. They may be cheated their money. In a foreign country, one is not familiar with the surroundings and people, and that increases the chance of these maids being deceived. Not only that, many perverted men may want to take advantage of these innocent maids. This will result in the maid being affected for life.
Actually, it is possible to give maids freedom, as well as keep the maids safe. The employers can personally bring the maid out. For example, if the employer wants to go for a walk in the garden, the maid can tag along. Not only can the maid take a break and breathe the refreshing air, the employer will make sure that the maid is safe. Isn't it a simple yet feasible method?
In conclusion, although there are many good and bad effects, the problem can be easily solved.
