HK hikes wage, food allowance for foreign domestic helpers

MANILA, Philippines – Labor chief Rosalinda Baldoz today announced that the Hong Kong labor department has increased the minimum allowable increase (MAW) and food allowance for foreign domestic helpers.

“I see these increases in minimum wage and food allowance as a welcome development, particularly as we endeavor to advance our workers’ rights through, among others, just compensation and better working conditions,” Baldez said in a statement.

Citing a report by Labor Attaché to Hong Kong Romy Salud, the secretary said that effective June 2 this year, the new MAW for foreign domestic helpers would be not less than HK$3,740 (US$480.75) while the food allowance would not be less than HK$775. (US$99.63) per month.

Baldoz said that the Hong Kong labor department announced the wage and food allowance increases to representatives of the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand on June 1.

The labor chief, meanwhile, clarified that Filipino domestic helpers who will benefit from the wage increase are those with contracts signed “on or after the effectivity date.”

“The existing wage of HK3,580 and food allowance of HK$750 shall still be accepted provided that the contract is signed on or before 01 June 2011 and processed by the Philippine Consulate on or before 21 June 2011,” she said. –Angelo L. Gutierrez, Philippine Star