FDH Contracts to Include Window-Cleaning Restrictions

Image Caption: This is how window cleaning should be done, says Cheung

By Vir B. Lumicao

From Jan. 1 next year, all contracts of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong could include a provision restricting their window-cleaning duty. Such restriction could include requiring windows on floors above ground to be fitted with grilles, and for the employer or an adult representative to supervise the cleaning process

The text of the safety provision could be released as early as next Monday, Nov. 14, after employers’ groups and other interested parties are consulted.

The agreement on window-cleaning safety was struck during a meeting on Oct. 27 between Labour Secretary Matthew Cheung and the consuls general of the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand and other countries sending domestic workers to Hong Kong.

Consul General Bernardita Catalla told The SUN that Cheung had called the meeting and presented the Labour Department’s own version of a safety clause which was, in fact, much better than what other countries already had. 

Cheung told local media that the Labour Department would consult employer groups and employee associations this week to wrap up the whole thing.

“Our intention is to include (the) new clause in the standard employment contract issued by the Hong Kong Government. So, it is actually a government-led exercise in including a new clause in the agreement,” Cheung said.

Cheung said that the understanding was the window exteriors could be cleaned if the flat is on the ground floor or if there are corridors or safe balconies outside.

“(But) as far as other windows are concerned, they have got to have grilles fitted,” he said.

And even with the safety grilles, the helper should not extend any part of her body except for the arm outside of the window, and that “we require an adult or representative of their employers to be present in case there is anything that they need to help the helpers”.

Cheung added, “So, we are talking about providing really a safe environment, which is after all the responsibility of employers. At the same time, this will also ensure the interests of the employees and the employers as well. They will have the service of domestic helpers in cleaning windows in safe conditions.”

Catalla said Labour aims to produce something based on its agreement with the Philippines and, separately, with the employers and should there be a radical difference, the department would again present the proposal to the Consulate.

“Kung wala naman…ilalabas yung text of the provision by Nov 14,” Catalla said.

She explained that unlike the Consulate’s original proposal that the safety clause be added as a separate attachment to the contract, the provision will now be part of the contract itself.

“So, hindi lang Filipino workers but all foreign domestic workers, and maybe local workers, will benefit from that,” the consul general said.

She added that whatever would be agreed upon by all sectors concerned, the new safety clause should be in place by Jan 1. 

(Source: SunWebHK.com)