Incident Overview

In a troubling revelation shared online, a Singaporean employer has come forward to highlight the shocking mistreatment of her domestic helper by a staff member at a local grocery store. In a post on Reddit's r/askSingapore, the employer expressed her outrage after discovering that one of the supermarket employees repeatedly verbally shamed her helper for her weight.

Employer's Statement

“My domestic helper has been part of our family for over ten years,” the employer stated, emphasizing the familiarity between her helper and the grocery staff, who she visits frequently. “Today, I learned that one employee has called her fat multiple times and even touched her stomach while asking if she was pregnant!”

Impact on the Domestic Helper

Describing the staff member's behavior as 'incredibly rude and unprofessional,' the employer strongly condemned the comments, noting that they have adversely affected her helper's mental health. Disturbingly, she revealed that her helper has resorted to skipping lunch for three consecutive days and is now trying to go on a diet due to the hurtful remarks.

Employer's Dilemma

While the employer considered filing a complaint with the grocery store management, she faced the dilemma of not knowing the identity of the offending staff member and her helper’s reluctance to escalate the issue. 'It infuriates me that this staff member can continue working without facing any consequences,' she lamented.

Community Response

The Reddit community responded with a range of suggestions, with some advising the employer to accompany her helper on her next shopping trip to identify the individual responsible for the harassment. One user urged, 'Follow discreetly… and then escalate to a manager.' Another commentator speculated that the employee’s behavior could stem from their own insecurities, highlighting a concerning trend of individuals belittling others to bolster their self-esteem.

Related Incident

In a different thread, a separate incident surfaced where a woman alleged exploitation of a former domestic helper by her new employer. She described harsh working conditions, where the helper was reportedly denied meals, prohibited from using the kitchen, and forced to cover her medical expenses while enduring constant criticism from her employer.

Conclusion

These incidents underline the urgent need for better treatment and support mechanisms for domestic workers, particularly in a multicultural society like Singapore. As discussions around workers’ rights and mental well-being gain momentum, it’s crucial for communities to stand against any form of harassment and advocate for dignity and respect for all workers.

Updates

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the broader implications for domestic workers in Singapore!