Category Archives : Protest


PROTEST – Erwiana Suspect in Court as Gov’t Ignores Calls for Reform

As the employer accused of torturing Indonesian helper Erwiana Sulistyaningsih appears at a Kwun Tong court facing seven charges of abuse, helpers and local people gathered at the Star Ferry last night for a candlelit vigil in her name.

Despite tireless efforts by the Justice Committee, international condemnation, multiple submissions to the government calling for reform and subsequent torture cases, the Hong Kong authorities are yet to announce any change in the rules which enabled the torture of Erwiana.


PROTEST – Employer Groups Rally Against Improved Rights for Domestic Workers 1

Around 50 protesters from the Liberal Party and domestic helper employer groups gathered at government headquarters today demanding the government allow them to sack their helpers without notice.

Last month, at a government hearing, Liberal Party member Harris Yeung warned thatthere will be more pregnancies” if helpers are given the option to live away from their employers (video). Protest leader and councillor Michael Lee stood by his party’s assertion today, adding that allowing workers to ‘live-out’ would create social issues, “…such as the housing problem, such as the traffic problem. We cannot control what they are doing at night… They will do some part-time jobs, or they may even go drinking or go partying. Then they will have no energy to work for us.”

Protest leader and Liberal Party councillor Michael Lee

Protest leader and Liberal Party councillor Michael Lee

The employers claimed their needs were being neglected, chanting “we demand the government give us automatic firing rights!” and “helpers borrow money and run off!“.


PROTEST – Hundreds Flash Mob in Victoria Park & Erwiana is Released

Hundreds of helpers gathered in Victoria Park on Sunday for the ‘One Billion Rising‘ flashmob, which called for improved rights for domestic helpers and justice for torture victim, Erwiana

Over 500 people braved the drizzle, filling Victoria park and demanding an abolition of discriminatory policies against helpers.

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via Jennifer Ngo on Twitter


EVENT – Protest Tomorrow, Noon, at Labour Department

An announcement below from the Justice for Erwiana Committee. Visit the Erwiana Justice Centre to donate directly to her.

Justice for Erwiana

INVITATION

Dear friends,

The case of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih is the latest exposed case of abuse and violence against migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong that should urge the Hong Kong government to make a thorough review on its policies that put the likes of Erwiana in a condition vulnerable to violation of their rights and dignity as a woman, worker and as a human being.
 
Hong Kong Labour Department plays a big role in defining the labour condition of migrant workers aside from regulating recruitment agencies and their practices.
 
It was very unfortunate that despite the gravity of Erwiana’s case, Labour Secretary Matthew Cheung publicly stated that the mandatory live-in employment arrangement – a policy that put MDWs vulnerable to abuses – is here to stay. This statement does not help at all in improving the condition of MDWs in Hong Kong that will mitigate the possibility of more women experiencing the horrors of Erwiana and other forms of violence.

PROTEST – Over 5000 Demand ‘Justice for Erwiana’ in Hong Kong (Part 1)

Over 5000 Indonesian domestic workers rallied at police and government headquarters today, demanding justice for torture victim Erwiana Sulistyaningsih.

You can donate to her directly, sign a petition, write letters and more at the Justice for Erwiana.com Action Centre.

Dozens of locals and expats also took part. Hong Kong’s Trade Unionist movement, the League of Social Democrats, Socialist Action, Left21 and the Neighbourhood and Worker’s Service were amongst local groups joining the demonstration.

Protesters made the following demands…

1. Investigate Erwiana’s case and prosecute the employer
2. Revoke the agency’s license and punish the agency.
3. Make live out an option.
4. Abolish 2-week rule.
5. Regulate working hours.


PROTEST – HK Maid Community Gather for Global Dance-Off

Ahead of the fourth International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees in New York this week, Hong Kong’s migrant community gathered in Central for a globally coordinated dance flash mob…

The UN is set to decide on the fate of 214 million migrants around the world. The ‘High Level Dialogue’ will set policies that enable governments to profit more from the money migrants send home to their families. Millions of migrants and refugees will be excluded from having a say in these negotiations.


PROTEST – Indonesian Maids Rally in Support of Abused Domestic Helper

Today, around 350 Indonesian maids rallied at their consulate in Causeway Bay in support of a fellow domestic helper who grabbed headlines around the world last month.

Between October 2010 and October 2012, Kartika Puspitasari was allegedly beaten with a chain and a shoe, scalded with a hot iron, tied to a chair, had her hair chopped off and was forced to wear a diaper and children’s clothes by her employers.

Tai Chi-wai, 42, and his wife, Catherine Au Yuk-shan, 41, face charges of false imprisonment, assault and inflicting grievous bodily harm.