TNAG-2318-FCO40-3362-Petitions-from-members-of-the-public-regarding-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 98

SUBMISSIONS

In the light of the above our basic submissions, in support of this petition, are as follows:

1.

2.

The standard contract is, in practice, biased in favour of the employer.

Hardship and injustice are common results of the present law policy and practice.

THE HARDSHIPS INCLUDE

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

the charging of excessive and unlawful fees by many employment agencies in Hong Kong and abroad.

the physical and psychological maltreatment of workers by employers, ranging from inadequate food, never permitting a worker rest days or access to a telephone to physical and sexual abuse.

underpayment of wages and the withholding of other benefits guaranteed under the employment contract.

being forced to work for persons other than the nominated employer or at different workplaces.

(e) the rigidity and the lack of clarity in the rules when dealing with situations in which an employee has been terminated or forced to resign.

(F)

inequitable use of the criminal law against foreign domestic helpers for breaching their contracts.

(Appendix A in general but particularly:

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