A Hong Kong domestic helper’s decision to quit her job for a better-paid position with a wealthier family has triggered an online debate after her employer alleged that her behavior worsened during her notice period.
In a social media post, the employer said the helper was due to leave in September to work for an expatriate couple in an affluent neighborhood. The new position reportedly offered a higher salary and a private room, according to The Standard.
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A woman cleans a residential window. Photo from Pexels |
However, the employer claimed the helper had become increasingly difficult to manage after securing the new job. She was accused of ignoring the employer’s mother, speaking disrespectfully to the employer’s father, and refusing to follow instructions.
The post attracted divided opinions online. Some employers said they had experienced similar problems, claiming domestic helpers sometimes became less cooperative after finding another position. They said employers often had little choice but to tolerate the situation until a replacement could be hired and trained.
Others advised the employer to terminate the contract immediately and provide the required compensation.
Many commenters, however, defended the helper, saying she was entitled to pursue better pay and living conditions. They argued that the employer should concentrate on recruiting a replacement instead of criticizing the helper’s conduct during her remaining weeks.
