Maids treated like slaves in TT

THE EDITOR: In Trinidad and Tobago there has been a trend on for the longest time, and I think the relevant authorities need to look seriously into it. I am referring to the manner in which maids or helpers have been treated. Too long have they been trampled upon and paid next to nothing for more work. Many employers are aware that the latest amount to be paid to workers is $8 per hour. Some know but they try to pay what they want and tell you they cannot pay anything more, yet they work you like a beast, without a break, with no time to breathe properly. No matter how much work you do, to them it’s not enough, they are never satisfied. It appears to me that a maid or helper is looked upon as an old piece of mat on which everyone wipes his or her feet day after day. These employers, who are guilty of that behaviour need to realise that maids or helpers are human beings with the same red blood running through their veins, and the same organs and what have you.

Proper treatment must be given to them or they should do their work for themselves. Some employers have grown up as if handicapped in the world. Thank God for the maid or helper who many a day has pulled them out from trouble. Yet no thanks on their lips. Have a heart, it’s people like yourself you are dealing with. They feel hungry, they feel pain, they become ill, and die at times. They need a moment to deep breathe like employers at times. Before one job is through, employers dictate to them ten more, so their brains are always on the go. What kind of brains do they think maids or helpers carry? The computer has the disk on which things are being stored for reference. They expect the maid or helper must not forget but they should remember everything they say to them. Impossible! Some of them want to speak with them and to them as if they are above them. They forget their work depends on the same maid or helper who can be very spiteful if they are not treated right. Many employers in Trinidad and Tobago believe maids or helpers are dogs. They speak to them in an uncouth manner and they in turn must remain quiet and employers alone have the right to speak. They seem to feel too, that they should not defend themselves but abuse the maids or helpers in whatever way and laugh behind their backs and say they must come back became that’s all they depend upon.

I want those employers to know that their foolish way of thinking and reasoning has to come to an end soon. Treat people in the same way you would want to be treated. Stop believing helpers are scrunting and must abide with anything. No way I say! When you give a plate of food, do not behave like there’s a famine in the island. Energy had been put out to do your work, and that human body needs to be revitalised. Employers treat their dogs better than their maids and helpers. Think about it and see if I am making any sense. In this country any number plays. In other countries baby-sitting is a full time job for it entails a lot more than bottle feeding, changing of pampers and bathing etc. Washing and cooking. Ironing and general cleaning are jobs by themselves, here in Trinidad and Tobago; all these are expected of one person and yet a mere pocket change is what their employers hand out. It’s time to stop this foolishness! Some employers expect their maids or helpers to iron form 8 am to 4 pm. Sometimes from 9 am to 3.30 pm and then go out to face the breeze along with the weather which is unpredictable at times.

They remain in their warm houses and watch TV and the car sits idly in the garage. Nobody really cares about nobody these days, that “crap” has to stop. The hours 7 am to 3 pm; 8 am to 4 pm; 9 am to 5 pm are the hours expected on the jobs. Anything going half hour later, you know it’s a problem to pay the extra. Machines break down when overworked, beasts have to chew their cud, who are maids and helpers? Human beings if you please. On Sundays they have to be at home putting their homes in order, some employers want you out to work on the Sabbath. Slavery was abolished years ago by William Wilberforce, but it appears to be the “in thing” again. Come on relevant authorities, wake up and look seriously into this situation. Many are victims of abuse where labour is concerned. Wake up and get employers to know that employees need to be treated right. Check it for without a doubt one of these days a maid or a helper will lose her cool and trip.

SHELLY ANN CAROL OSMOND
Cunupia