Work Overload - What Migrant Workers Do

Ann (pseudonym) is a Filipino migrant care worker who was initially arranged to take care of her employer's 90-year-old mother. After a month, the employer asked Ann to take care of his children. After two months, the employer asked Ann to go to one shop to help with pancakes in the morning, and another shop to help prepare ingredients, clean and wash dishes in the afternoon. Ann has to assist the employer's storefront from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. After returning to the employer's house in the evening, in addition to taking care of the grandma and children, she also has to do housework.

Ann told her fellow countrymen and friends about the treatment she encountered with her employer. The friends told the social worker of Rerum Novarum Center about Ann’s affairs and informed the contact information. The center wanted Ann to take pictures while working in her employer's shop, but because the employer's shop had a monitor facing her, the center reported to the Labor Bureau.

Ann worked as a domestic care worker for seven months in this employer's house, but according to the contract, she should work seven days and take one day off, but the employer not only did not give Ann any vacations, but also did not give Ann the rest time she deserved. After the center reported, the relevant personnel of the Ministry of Labor went to the employer's store and consider that the employer did not comply with the work contract, so that Ann could not obtain the rights she deserved, and sent the migrant workers to the Rerum Novarum resettlement center. Therefore, Ann terminated the labor-employment relationship with the employer, and the social worker assisted in arranging the case to change the job. The client use her time at the resettlement center to participate in classes including rights protection, nursing classes, Chinese classes and leisure activities.

With the help of Rerum Novarum, currently Ann changes her new employer, and Ann can also let go of the shadows of the past. The new employer is also very kind to her, so that she can get the rights and interests she deserves. During holidays, Ann often participates in the events organized by Rerum Novarum, such as asylum center activities, online Chinese classes, etc. Ann said: "The current job is very pleasant and stable. After changing to a new employment, I realize that not every employer will treat migrant workers inappropriately and do out-of-license work." I didn’t have time to call my family at work, and I couldn’t go to see a doctor when I was sick. Now I have time to call my husband and children. Thank you Rerum Novarum for accompanying me through this difficult journey!”

In the long run, the fishermen is a group who has been ignored. In 2017, Rerum Novarum reach these people. We not only concern about their lives but help them solve the problem about regulation, salary payment, job accident, employers changing, human trafficking, and so on. We went to 21 ports and solve the practical problems of the fishermen. Due to the language barrier, we see many fishermen do not know how to ask for help and bear the difficult working environment instead. They are working day and night with the thin salary. We are looking forward to your help and hope your can be the protector for the foreign migrants. Press “I want to donate.” or call (02)2397-1933 #122. Thanks for your attention!