Sentidokomon

By Carmen LlauderesIs running away a solution to our work-related problems? Let’s find out from some who experienced being runaways. In an interview with Gina Grancho from the Divine Mercy Prayer Group in Nicosia she said that, ‘’I was only working for 6 months in Larnaca. I left when I got the chance due to the sexual harassment of my employer’s son. I cleaned 3 houses, one for my employer’s and 2 for their children. Another issue was lacked of food. I reported and stayed at the St. Joseph Social Center for 2 months. My employer gave immediate release afterwards. Later, I found a very good employer whom I work happily for 4 years already.

A friend whose name is withheld kept herself for 2 years in her employer’s house before running away. According to her, “I saved money before leaving them in case I might not get a new job or in case I would go back to Philippines. I left due to the strong violation of the employment contract,” she emphasized. “I knew that I would be working with only 4 people but I am serving 7 individuals. I have improper accommodation, insufficient food and I was working unhappily.”So after planning carefully with prayer I left them to fight for my right as a foreign worker. I went and stayed at the St. Joseph Social Center and made a report about my case. Shortly I went to the immigration office to complain. After a thorough investigation I was given a release and found a good employer whom I enjoy working with. I have freedom at work and the terms and conditions of my employment contract are being followed.Another Filipina who requested anonymity also shared her story. “I have no plans of running away. I just have decided not to go back to my employer’s house after one of my regular Sunday’s-off due to too much work. I was at the St. Joseph Social Center when my employer called and it was already 9pm and they were very worried about me. When they learned that I was at the center and made a report to the officer-in-charge, there were discussions followed. Later my employer also agreed to release me and I have found a better employment. Since I left my previous employer until today we still have a good communication and relationship and I am very grateful to them for their understanding.Mary and Madeleine from the Charismatic Community decided to leave their employers’ houses after working for 9 and 11 months respectively. Mary said that her boss the madam in particular is a perfectionist and meticulous employer as if all she does is not acceptable to her, there were lots of work loads and she was totally unhappy with them. While Madeleine emphasized that her madam abused her verbally and physically and was very sad at work. Both went to a friend’s house for help and shelter while they processed their complaints at the immigration office. Later they were allowed to look for another employment and now working happily with their respective employers.