Migrants Protest Over Hours, Sleeping Arrangements

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2018-06-14 HKT 12:28

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  Migrant workers complain that 20-hour working days can be the norm. Photo: RTHK

Sringatin speaks to RTHK's Iris Yeung

A group of migrant workers marched through Admiralty to the government's headquarters on Thursday to demand better working conditions.

The workers said there has to be a clearer definition in contracts on what constitutes "suitable accommodation" for domestic helpers, who are obliged to live with their employers.

Concern groups have complained in the past that maids are often forced to sleep on kitchen floors, in bathrooms or in cupboards.

Sringatin, who chairs the Indonesian Migrant Workers' Union, told RTHK's Iris Yeung that they also need a mandated 11 hours of uninterrupted rest.

"We receive many complaints from our members and also other migrant workers that the majority work for 16 to 20 hours, meaning less rest hours. They only sleep four or five hours a day," Sringatin said.

"It can impact their health and we know that many of the migrants have serious illnesses ... when they have the long working hours in Hong Kong."