At least two domestic workers told The Straits Times that they are still being asked to work for substantial periods during their rest days at home this Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period from May 16 to June 13, 2021.

Worse, they are made to do so without compensation, and sometimes under the guise that not going out keeps domestic workers safe from Covid-19 and performing chores at home won't be too much of an ask.

As expected, this latest restriction imposed on foreign domestic workers' movements has caused the ugly Singaporean employer to rear its head again.

Two domestic workers spoke to ST

In total, ST spoke to two domestic workers, who both shared that they cannot get proper rest at home on their off days when they are deterred from going out.

One 29-year-old Indonesia domestic worker told ST it has been difficult to get adequate rest even though she can't go out, as the home is also a workplace.

She said she tried to rest in her room after doing about three to four hours of household chores on her day off, but the child she is looking after would enter her room multiple times and this interferes with her down time.

She also said she is not compensated for the extra work.

Another 47-year-old Indonesian helper was asked by her employer to do the laundry and prepare meals on her off day without extra pay.

She told ST: "I asked her if I could get paid for working on my day off, but she said no. My day off feels like any other work day."

24-hour rest time

The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home), a non-governmental organisation, called for the rest day to be defined as a 24-hour period.

This is not the first time domestic workers are faced with such a situation where they have little choice but remain at home, which might caused unfair situations.

During the circuit breaker period in 2020, Home saw a 25 per cent increase in the number of helpline calls from domestic workers asked to work on their rest days, among other things.

Employer-employee have to cut a deal

However, the ST report also presented employers who are responsible and responsive to the needs of their helpers.

One employer said open communication with the helper is useful in setting expectations, as well as giving helpers agency in choosing if they want to work and get paid instead of resting.

Employers on their part have to fulfil their side of the bargain by either giving more salary for extra work, or making it mandatory for their helper to rest, and actually seeing to it.

One employer was reported to let her helper out on weekdays instead to remit money when it is less crowded in town.

The employer even provided an advance month's worth of salary, so that the helper gets to remit up to two months' of money back home at once to minimise the trips outside of the house for such errands.

Background

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on May 21 that domestic workers are encouraged to stay at home during their rest days during the current Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period.

Domestic workers should not be assigned work on their rest days, MOM said.

And if helpers agree to forego their rest day, employers have to provide compensation in lieu.

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