Introduction

SINGAPORE — A disturbing account of verbal abuse has emerged from a local grocery store, as an employer reported that a staff member has been repeatedly shaming her domestic helper for her weight.

The Incident

In an emotional post on the Reddit forum r/askSingapore, the employer expressed her outrage after discovering that her long-time helper, who has been part of the family for over a decade, was the target of cruel remarks from a store employee. "She goes there daily and is recognized by many of the staff," the concerned employer explained.

Escalation of the Situation

The situation escalated when the helper revealed that the employee had made derogatory comments about her being "fat" on multiple occasions and had even inappropriately touched her stomach while making a jarring remark about her possibly being pregnant. Such treatment has understandably taken a toll on the helper's mental health, leading her to skip meals in hopes of losing weight. "My helper has started to go on a diet and has skipped lunch for 3 days straight," the employer lamented.

Response from the Employer

The employer described the staff member's conduct as "incredibly rude and unprofessional," emphasizing that nobody, regardless of their role or the fact that her helper is a regular customer, should have the right to belittle another person. Outraged by the lack of accountability, she considered escalating the issue to the store manager but faced a dilemma — she did not know the identity of the offending staff member, and her helper was hesitant to pursue complaints.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights a growing concern regarding workplace bullying and the treatment of domestic workers, particularly in a society where such individuals often face discrimination and prejudice. In light of the employer’s plight, several Reddit users chimed in with advice, suggesting that she accompany her helper on the next grocery trip to identify the offending employee, while others speculated about the motives behind the employee's behavior, hinting at possible insecurities on their part.

Cynical Responses

However, some responses were more cynical, suggesting that pursuing the matter might only serve to embarrass the staff member without yielding any meaningful consequences. One user pointed out the commonality of such scenarios and noted that while inappropriate behavior should be addressed, the approach to dealing with it is crucial.

Related Incidents

In a related twist, another troubling story has surfaced on social media, where a woman claimed that her previous domestic helper is now facing mistreatment from a new employer. According to her revelations shared on r/singapore, the new employer allegedly does not provide daily meals for the helper, restricts her access to the kitchen, and expects her to cover her own medical expenses, all while being subjected to verbal scorn.

Conclusion

These incidents raise significant questions about the treatment of domestic workers in Singapore, and underscore a need for greater awareness and protections for individuals in such vulnerable positions. As this story continues to unfold, many are left wondering: what will it take for real change to happen? Stay tuned as we follow the developments in these shocking instances of workplace mistreatment!