The worker deserves wages

One of the sad realities of our work in Christian Action is that we are often witnesses of the exploitation of women labourers in Hong Kong's progressive and prosperous society. We are a life-line for them and without our help in fighting for their rights, the lives of these hard working women would be without hope. Let me tell you about one such case.

Manju (not her real name) is an Indian national of Nepalese descent, a young mother with an energetic three year old boy, and a physically disabled husband, from whom she is separated by necessity.  Manju was treated well by her first employer in Hong Kong, but a nightmare began when her next employer required her to work from 6a.m.to 11.00pm. She slept on the floor of the children’s room. Then she was told she had to work in the employer’s store. This was illegal, so she refused.  Ten days later she developed a rash and her employer told her to eat less chillies!  It turned out to be shingles.

She worked despite her pain, but three days later she was told to leave. When she asked for her entitlements she was told that once the Labour Department had been notified, her employer would settle her dues.  Manju's ex-employer continued to stall, finally demanding that she first submit her resignation in writing. This was not true and she refused. Finally, she approached the Labour Department and with the assistance of Christian Action she filed a claim.

Her employer countered her claim, making numerous false allegations in court. Fortunately, the presiding officer found the claims made by the employer to be a tall story, and awarded Manju's claim in full, even awarding her costs!

Without our services Manju would have been stranded here, unable to access the justice system, and forced to borrow money to return to India, penniless, ill, and devastated by the unscrupulous employers in Hong Kong.  

Jesus said, 'the worker deserves his wages', and no one deserved hers more than Manju. Thank you for your donations to Christian Action so that we can continue to help honest, hard working women like her.