HK Helper Sacked For Having Cancer Wins Damages

A domestic worker in Hong Kong sacked after a cancer diagnosis was awarded damages by the Labour Tribunal on Monday.

Baby Jane Allas, from the Philippines, was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in January and fired the following month by her employer, who cited the illness as the reason for termination.

The 38-year-old single mother of five instantly lost the right to healthcare and has had to regularly apply for visa extensions as she navigated the legal and immigration systems while battling cancer.

She has been undergoing radiation therapy five days a week, along with chemotherapy one day a week.

Allas and her former employer – who was absent from Monday's proceedings – reached a settlement of HK$30,000 for sickness allowance, medical fees and wages in lieu of notice.

"I am standing here right now to encourage more workers to come out if they have these kinds of cases," Allas said outside the hearing.

Allas added she hoped to find another employer "who can really understand my situation and treat me well".

She has separately filed claims with the Equal Opportunities Commission for wrongful termination and loss of earnings, which could be brought to the city's District Court.

Allas had previously said that she spent just over a year working for a family of Pakistani origin who ordered her to work every day of the week.

She also said that she was routinely given stale leftovers to eat and slept on a thin quilt in a cluttered store room.

Allas was accompanied to Monday's hearing by supporters and family, including her eight-year-old daughter, who clung to her waist.

Her plight has generated widespread sympathy in Hong Kong and a fundraising campaign organised by her sister's employer has so far raised more than HK$900,000 for treatment.

A large part of Allas' medical bills have been covered by hospital charities but expensive surgery will likely be needed to operate on her tumours. (AFP)