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| Migrants braved the cold to demand inclusion and greater rights |
Members of the Asian Migrant Coordinating Body reiterated their commitment to
fight “modern-day slavery, exclusion and discrimination” when they gathered in
Victoria Park on Dec 17 to mark International Migrants Day.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Hundreds of people joined AMCB and its allied organization, International Migrants Alliance in expressing anger at allegations of “job hopping” among migrants and government policies they perceive as anti-migrants such as the long-standing two-week rule. Under this policy, migrant domestic workers are given only 14 days to remain in Hong Kong when their contracts are prematurely terminated.
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| DETALYE |
The rallyists also alleged “abandonment” by the governments in Hong Kong and their own country in terms of giving them adequate protection and equal benefits under the law.
Despite their immense contribution to the economies of both countries, migrant workers continue to be oppressed and discriminated against, said the protesters. They cited their low wages, long working hours, unsafe working conditions and inadequate food and accommodation as bases for this allegation.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Worse, they are now falsely accused of “job hopping” when all they want is the right to switch employers when they can no longer bear the oppressive conditions in their workplace, they added.
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| We contribute a lot to society, said the protesters |
“Migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong are part of society, and we sustain the families and the economy of HK; we must be treated like any other worker in HK,” said the group.
They vowed to continue fighting for their rights until the governments of the host and sending countries listen to their pleas and address their demand to end “modern-day slavery and commodification or migrant workers.”
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
Further, they called on their governments to end their labor export program and instead create more jobs that pay a living wage back home so they are not forced to work abroad to support their families.
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| PADALA NA! |
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| CALL US! |
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