Lost and Found

Sri lost of parts of her middle finger and injured her index finger at work.

When they arrive here, migrant domestic workers are at a disadvantage. They cannot speak the language, do not have a support circle, and no knowledge of our legal system.  CA’s free para-legal consultation services is a great blessing for them.

For example, Sri, an Indonesian, came here to work for a family in February 2017. One day, her employer asked her to move a concrete wash basin. In the process, it accidentally slipped, crushing Sri’s left index and middle fingers. Parts of her middle finger came off. Sri’s employers took her to the Accident & Emergency Department for medical attention.

While Sri’s employers were very apologetic about the matter and paid for her medical treatment, they did not offer compensation for the injury sustained at work. Sri told a relative about that experience, and the relative told Sri to get a second opinion and referred her to our Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers (CMDW).

At our centre, our bilingual staff explained our labour laws to Sri, and told her she was entitled to receive compensation for the injuries sustained at work.  Sri said, “At first, I was afraid my contract would be terminated and then I wouldn’t be able to pay the medical bills, and could not support my family. But after CA explained my rights, I became more confident about my claims.”

Since English is not Sri’s first language, we offered free translation services to help her prepare the documents. We also selected the medical and legal team who would assess her injuries and work out her minimum compensation. They accompanied her to her doctor’s appointments.  Sri also got in touch with the Methodist Church where she found God and became a Christian. She said, “I am thankful for God’s kindness so I trust Him, and know He will take care of me.”

I am pleased to tell you that Sri and her employer came to a fair settlement and did not need to go to court.  They continue to work in harmony in the same household.

Sri wants other domestic workers to be informed about labour laws so they can protect themselves if accidents happen. To thank us for our service, Sri has donated a small portion of her compensation. She is saving the rest to help her family in Indonesia.

I feel truly blessed for our CMDW team and our church network for giving our domestic workers help, friendship, and justice. Although Sri lost parts of her finger, she has found Christ and her church family.

You can also support our migrant domestic workers today via our $10,000 Reasons donation campaign. Thank you.