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| 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.
