Domestic worker fired in HK awarded damages
Adomestic worker sacked after a cancer diagnosis was awarded damages by a Hong Kong court yesterday, in a case that highlighted exploitation of foreign women toiling as maids in the wealthy financial hub.
Baby Jane Allas of the Philippines was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in January and was fired the following month by her employer, who cited the illness as the reason for termination.
The 38-year-old single mother of five instantly lost the right to healthcare and has had to regularly apply for visa extensions as she navigated Hong Kong’s legal and immigration systems while battling cancer.
She has been undergoing radiation therapy five days a week, along with chemotherapy once a week.
Allas and her former employer — who was absent from yesterday’s proceedings — reached a settlement of 30,000 Hong Kong dollars ($3,800) at the country’s labour tribunal for sickness allowance, medical fees and wages in lieu of notice.
“I am standing here right now to encourage more workers to come out if they have these kinds of cases,” Allas said.
Allas added that she hopes to find another employer “who can really understand my situation and treat me well.”
She has separately filed claims with the Equal Opportunities Commission for wrongful termination and loss of earnings, which could be brought to the city’s District Court. Allas was accompanied to yesterday’s hearing by supporters and family, including her eight-year-old daughter, who clung to her waist.
Her plight has generated widespread sympathy in Hong Kong and a fundraising campaign organised by her sister’s employer, Jessica Cutrera, has so far raised more than 900,000 Hong Kong dollars for her treatment.
A large part of Allas’ medical bills had been covered by hospital charities, but expensive surgery would likely be needed to operate on her tumours, said Cutrera.