Common Grounds of Termination of Contract of the Filipino Workers in Hong Kong

The life of a lived-in worker is not easy. Major adjustments such as a new set of rules to obey imposed by the employers , the change of environment , demands , separation from families, homesickness and loneliness and with these all abrupt changes are sometimes difficult to cope  with.

There are several reasons on  why either an  employers or workers terminate the 2 - year contract  . Some are of the most common grounds of contract termination are :

Privacy 

Typically here in Hong Kong, some flats are not spacious , around 500 square meters to 900 square meters but because couple's are both working, they tend to hire a helper to help them manage the house works and child minding . With a little space , it's quiet difficult to have a total  privacy
 ( worker having her own room ) . There are cases that workers are sleeping at the sofa in the living room . This sometimes brought an uncomfortable feelings which leads her to terminates her contract.

Insufficient Food

Sufficient and healthy food gives literally energy to any individual . With enough energy, one can performs her duties more accurately , joyfully and  speedy. Despite of the fact that it is in the contract that a lived-in worker must  provided with ample food by the employers  or if not , give her, her food allowance of 760 HK$ but unfortunately food is one of the most common problems. During holidays, it's one of the most talked topic. I met Grace ( not her real name ) and she complained about how her employer treated her. According to her,  she  only had rice every dinner, not a full cup of rice but half and 2 scoops of vegetables as her viands. At daytime, she only had one slice of bread  for breakfast and a pack of instant noodles at lunch time. Having so much work to accomplish  and with a toddler under your care, it's impossible for her not to get hungry, not to feel weak and it resulted to poor performances . Many months of poor nutrition , she suffered from frequent stomach ache and dizziness which eventually leads to ulcer  which gave her no other option but to terminate her contract.

Impolite Speech / Nagging

" You stupid " , " Stupid you "

Majority of Filipinos talk in a mellow tone. The proper choice of words and tones are important in Filipino conversations. Talk in a loud voice and you will be misinterpreted as being "bastos" ( without manners ) . This is quiet opposite to some Chinese , especially to women. They are expressive and sometimes use strong words which are a bit impolite to Filipina sense of hearing . If a newly hired worker experience this, she tends to get hurt emotionally . "You stupid" is the most common phrase they used when  they are displeased/ unsatisfied  of a worker's performance . If a worker's patience and understanding is not that wide and her tolerance is short  ,  repetition of such statements makes her decides to  terminate her contract.

Over Work / Over Fatigue

Chinese are known to be hard workers all over the  world. Time is precious to them and they are excellent in handling their finances. They knew the value of hard work versus money . A lived-in worker may find it difficult at first  when there is no certain rule for the length of working hours . Normally, it starts at 6:00 in the morning at ends at mid-night with occasional rest during meal times , nature calls and bath times. The long working hours tends some workers to terminates their contracts.

Behavior

How one's behaves has literally a great impact to work and relationship to employers. Behavior determines your personality and your capability to withstand on a tough job. Your expertise and experiences may certainly  a big plus to your work but your attitudes will bring you farther . Some employers terminate their workers even they are excellent in performing their duties but because of behavior differences misunderstanding occurs . When employers have children and  grandmother ( usually, the grandmother supervise the house and the children ) , it's really not easy. The demands, pressures and endless works bring pressures and if the worker cannot behave appropriately into such situation then trouble begins. The way you responded to your employers and the way you communicate to children are important to them. Patience to children and being respectful to elderly brings merits and mind you  that most flats here , has hidden camera monitoring the activities when they are not around.

Curfew

It is normal that curfew is set during rest days/ holidays to any lived-in workers although there are some employers who doesn't mind . Employers assume full responsibility to the safety of their helpers and with that regards they sometimes treat their worker as an extended family.  Setting curfews are reasonable but there are also employers who set curfews as early as 7:00 pm. Failure to comply to  the said curfew will lead to problems between the worker and employers and if it will not be resolves but  getting worst, then it will lead to termination of contract.

Homesickness

The greatest battle one will ever face in working abroad is homesickness . Many  Filipinas cannot withstand the pains and loneliness of being away from family especially if they are mothers and wives. Many are unable to perform their tasks or not focus on their jobs because their thoughts and worries are with their families. The poor performances brought by such emotional struggles are sometimes subject for termination when employers are unsatisfied with the workers performances.

Debts/Loans

One of the most common problems of workers here are loans or debts from lending companies  whether they loan money for their needs or they only help a friend by being a referral/ guarantor . There are instances where unpaid loans of a friend  creates problems, bank employees will then start making calls on  the  home phone number  which was  submitted during the application process and some employers dislike the hassles of constant reminders of unpaid loans  from the bank. Failure to pay every due dates will lead to phone calls too from bank employees reminding you of your obligation. This, in many  cases will lead to termination when workers are unable to fix the problems.

Performances

Working abroad is undoubtedly tough . One must be a hundred percent sure that she can  withstand the challenges and rise above  from it . Dedication, patience, hard working , focus, the ability to handle things positively during "cloudy " times are important and the capability to take cares of the children. Employers  expectations are high and worker must meet those standard. Worker must proves that she is efficient and worth to be hired. Inability to give satisfaction to employers standards are ground for termination.

Hong Kong offers big salary compare to other countries and more freedom are exercise here but unfortunate to some, who still struggles  to cope and adjust to  new environment and working condition . Are all the sacrifices worth taking?