The representative from Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body (AMCB) submitted a position paper to the Commissioner of Labour on Thursday, to demand an increase on the monthly salary of Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong.
The AMCB is asking for an increase of HK$1,340 or 30% from the current salary of HK$4,630, based on their computation and studies on the Standard Living Wage. The group believes that raising the wage of FDWs to HK$6,014, is an act of respect to the population with a contribution to the Hong Kong society.
Considering the per capita food expenditure statistic of the Hong Kong government, the group calls for a rise on the monthly food allowance of HK$2,600 or 130% hike from the current amount of HK$1,121.
With around 380, 000 FDWs in Hong Kong present during the pandemic, the group said that many of FDWs’ working and living condition have worsened. Many of their members were facing longer working hours, lack of rest, lack of proper food, and accommodation. FDWs does not received enough supplies for the prevention of the virus from their employers.
The Foreign Domestic Worker group also demands the HKSAR government to amend the “Standard Employment Contract for Foreign Domestic Workers” to include resting hours – a continuous 11-hour rest periods between two consecutive workdays and a break after meal for live-in domestic workers.
The AMCB is composed of the FDWs coming for the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.