Still no legal day off for maids under Order

DOMESTIC workers in the Sultanate are still not legally entitled to one day's rest a week, even though the Employment Order, which was created to protect workers' welfare, accords the same right to workers employed by the private sector.

The legislation which states that workers are entitled to a consecutive 24-hour period of rest every seven days, does not apply to domestic helpers, said the Acting Commissioner of Labour Ramlee Hj Jamudin yesterday. "Maids' days off are at the discretion of their employer," he added.

Speaking during a dialogue with penghulus and village heads in Tutong, Ramlee said that unlike shift workers, domestic helpers do not have set working hours and periods of rest can be taken throughout the day. "Sometimes maids do not want to take a day off and if that is the case, the employer should compensate them by increasing their allowance."

This can also be practised during busy periods such as Aidil Fitri when helpers work longer hours than usual. "Giving them $10 extra for working overtime during times like Hari Raya shows appreciation," he added.

Although Brunei adopted the International Labour Organisation's Convention on Domestic Workers last year - which entitles all domestic workers to a mandatory rest day every seven days - they have yet to comply with all stipulations before ratifying the landmark treaty.

Several village heads also raised the issue of rising wages among domestic workers.

Foreign maids at the lower end of the pay scale can receive a monthly salary of $250, while maids from countries such as the Philippines can command a higher fee of $300 and over.

The Acting Labour Commissioner said the wage hike should not be frowned upon as it is unrealistic to keep domestic workers' wages low when the salary of Bruneians has risen throughout the years.

"Keeping wages low means workers will prefer to go to other countries that pay higher salaries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan or Arab states, and discourage them from working in Brunei," he explained.

He also stressed that employers are required to pay their workers' wages within seven days of when it is due, as stipulated in the Employment Order. The dialogue is part of the Labour Department's roadshow to raise awareness of the implementation of the Employment Agencies Order, which regulates licensing for agencies bringing in foreign workers and aims to prevent abuses such as inflated agents' fees and commissions.

The Order, which came into full effect January 1, prevents the use of freelance agents and direct hires, which has lead to complaints from freelance agents who say they cannot afford the hefty $10,000 to $20,000 security deposit required by the Labour Department to gain a license.

The department will be bringing the roadshow to each district to speak to private sector companies and community leaders about the new rules. The roadshow will be going to Temburong on February 11 and Brunei-Muara on February 14, 15 and 16. The Brunei Times