Article: Domestic workers exploited: Gov

There are over a million domestic workers in South Africa and many remained "invisible" and abused by employers. These workers, who were largely African women, suffered sexual and emotional abuse "behind closed doors" and were also subject to human trafficking.
 
I agree there are probably a few that are treated badly, but I believe the larger group have decent employment conditions & workplaces, working for people that treat them fairly.

So maybe instead of harping on like this these people (gov & unions) should work together & reach to those that need their help.
 
Venomous said:
I agree there are probably a few that are treated badly, but I believe the larger group have decent employment conditions & workplaces, working for people that treat them fairly.

So maybe instead of harping on like this these people (gov & unions) should work together & reach to those that need their help.
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+1
 
Venomous said:
I agree there are probably a few that are treated badly, but I believe the larger group have decent employment conditions & workplaces, working for people that treat them fairly.

So maybe instead of harping on like this these people (gov & unions) should work together & reach to those that need their help.
Click to expand...

Yeah, in most households I'm aware of they are treated as part of the family. You can't trust someone to look after your kids if your not on good terms with them.
 
Frankly I am on great terms with my domestic worker and she earn significantly above minimum wage, the moment she joins union though she can find other employment. I don't need "labour" issues in my household.
 
Damn straight..

My maid works for me 1 day a week, she is treated as part of the family... but the minute I get hint of Union type stuff... I will then no longer have a maid..
 
"The mentality in our country when it comes to domestic workers is still that of 'baasskap'.
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Strange use of that word when the majority of domestic workers do NOT work for "white Afrikaner" families.
 
how many people have to be raped, robbed and murdered with the complicity of maids before people realize that having a maid is a bad idea? save money and secure your home.
 
I agree they are being Exploited. By our Government.
IF the government did not fail them and stole tax money, it could have been used to help these people.
What will happen if we all stopped using our Domestics? I know mine will have to go squat somewhere and beg for money.
 
Fader4 said:
how many people have to be raped, robbed and murdered with the complicity of maids before people realize that having a maid is a bad idea? save money and secure your home.
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There is that risk, and unfortunately since they're not necessarily voluntarily complicit even being on good terms with them is no guarantee. But what is the risk really? There are something like a million or more domestic workers in South Africa.
 
noxibox said:
There is that risk, and unfortunately since they're not necessarily voluntarily complicit even being on good terms with them is no guarantee. But what is the risk really? There are something like a million or more domestic workers in South Africa.
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It seems as if a good proportion of house robberies and attacks on residential properties are done with some "inside" knowledge or assistance, as you said... the maid does not necessarily have to be a willing accomplice either but more often than not they are willing, for instance i know a family who suffered a brutal attack in their home, complete with rape and attempted murder.... turns out the it was some family + boyfriend of maid that carried it out with her help, the family was the sort of people who treated her as one of their own, she had been with them for about a decade and had watched the kids grow up.... the works, yet when someone floated the idea of robbing the "madam".... she was game, im not saying everyone is like this... but their are certainly enough cases like this to make me cautious about who i employ
 
noxibox said:
If you did that she'd be able to rip you a new one.


And you too.
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How exactly is getting rid of the maid going to allow her to rip a person a new one, if its done in a completely above board fashion?
 
My maid works 2x half days and gets R1000 a month. If she doesn't like the treatment or pay, she can look for work elsewhere. Not saying I condone or support those who treat their staff with ill will, but for F***SAKES - who is paying who? If I'm treated poorly at work, I don't cry about it. I do something about it - either improve the quality of my work or I move on.
 
unskinnybob said:
If I'm treated poorly at work, I don't cry about it. I do something about it - either improve the quality of my work or I move on.
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You're an unskilled/low skilled worker?

B.O.F.H. said:
How exactly is getting rid of the maid going to allow her to rip a person a new one, if its done in a completely above board fashion?
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Please try firing someone for joining a union.
 
Exploited? I have never seen one exploited.

I know for a fact the domestic workers I've employed and my parents have employed have had an increase in quality of life. As most have said they become part of the family.


noxibox said:
Please try firing someone for joining a union.
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Have her/him sign a contract of employment - if he/she joins a union = instant termination.
 
unskinnybob said:
My maid works 2x half days and gets R1000 a month. If she doesn't like the treatment or pay, she can look for work elsewhere. Not saying I condone or support those who treat their staff with ill will, but for F***SAKES - who is paying who? If I'm treated poorly at work, I don't cry about it. I do something about it - either improve the quality of my work or I move on.
Click to expand...

I'll drink to that.
 
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