You may have heard of a recent controversy in the UK involving British televison chef Nigella Lawson, her art dealer ex-husband Charles Saatchi and their two personal assistants Franchesca and Elisabeth Grillo. Despite fraudulently spending over $1.1 million using the couple's credit cards, the two Grillo sisters told the Isleworth Crown Court that they were treated "worse than Filipino slaves".
It makes me wonder why the two staff would compare their employer's treatment to our highly sought Filipino domestic helpers. Is it a remarks made out of ignorance and bigotry or a valid observation about the harsh reality that our overseas domestic workers experience?
Intrigued by this news, I browse through the net and found this CNN article by Susan Ople. She described the existence of modern day slavery among some Filipino domestic workers. One case in Saudi Arabia where the lady was sold to 11 different employers. She ended up in hospital after being beaten. There are other horrible cases of abuse and we hope the government with the help of other organizations will continue to help and reach out.
On the other side of the story, there are also some inspiring accounts. For instance, a devoted servant for over 20 years to her Singaporean employer inherited over $4 million cash and a luxury apartment. Very lucky or just deserving? I know of some friends who speak highly of their employers. They are treated as part of the family and are even involved in the family decision. They are given at least 1 day off each week and 1 month paid holiday during Christmas.
What do you think of the remarks of the Grillo sisters about "Filipino slaves" ? Share with us.
It makes me wonder why the two staff would compare their employer's treatment to our highly sought Filipino domestic helpers. Is it a remarks made out of ignorance and bigotry or a valid observation about the harsh reality that our overseas domestic workers experience?
Intrigued by this news, I browse through the net and found this CNN article by Susan Ople. She described the existence of modern day slavery among some Filipino domestic workers. One case in Saudi Arabia where the lady was sold to 11 different employers. She ended up in hospital after being beaten. There are other horrible cases of abuse and we hope the government with the help of other organizations will continue to help and reach out.
On the other side of the story, there are also some inspiring accounts. For instance, a devoted servant for over 20 years to her Singaporean employer inherited over $4 million cash and a luxury apartment. Very lucky or just deserving? I know of some friends who speak highly of their employers. They are treated as part of the family and are even involved in the family decision. They are given at least 1 day off each week and 1 month paid holiday during Christmas.
What do you think of the remarks of the Grillo sisters about "Filipino slaves" ? Share with us.
0 comments:
Post a Comment