MANILA, Philippines – Labor leader Ernesto Herrera claimed on Wednesday that reports of massive termination of Filipino maids in Hong Kong are “grossly exaggerated”.
In a press statement, the former senator said many Filipino and Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong lose their jobs either because of expiration of contracts, or because they are being replaced by Chinese laborers from the mainland.
“The reports are based on a few isolated and extreme cases that have been blown out of proportion because they are sensational,” said Herrera, secretary-general of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).
“In the end, it is all about the Hong Kong employers’ need for services. Filipino workers there have jobs as long as their services are required,” he added.
Herrera said relations between the Philippines and Hong Kong “remain very civilized, diplomatic, and cooperative” despite the August 23 hostage-taking tragedy.
“The people of Hong Kong do not resent Filipinos. Like most of us Filipinos, they resent the way the hostage crisis was mishandled. We share their anguish and indignation,” he added.
Of the estimated 225,000 foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, 53% come from the Philippines, according to TUCP data.
In 2009, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Hong Kong sent home a total of US $339.55 million, down $66.58 million or 16.4% versus the $406.13 million they remitted in 2008, the labor confederation said.
From January to June this year, OFWs in the former Crown colony sent home through banks a total of $168.15 million, up 5.2% compared to the $159.81 million they remitted over the same period in 2009. –abs-cbnNEWS.com
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
Daily Observances:
Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
