KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

I have a Filipino helper taking care of my DS (3.5yo) but now about 4 months into her second contract (after returning home), she is giving problem and threatening to leave if we don't give her another $100 pay rise (we already gave her $50 pay rise during the renewal).

We are extremely disappointed because before this she was very good and my DS really likes her too. We always treat her well and whenever we go out to eat at restaurants, the food we order for her is always similar priced as what we eat ourselves. At the end of the day, I guess it boils down to greed.

Anyway, I know that MOM sides with FDWs completely so even if I tried to keep her, she could easily pretend to be sick everyday and refuse to work and I won't be able to do anything. Moreover she's taking care of my small son so I don't want to risk it. (Seriously, what's the point of contracts when they can abuse the contract so easily???) Can someone who has changed maids mid-contract help give me a rundown on what are the costs involved if I want to change my maid and the likely problems I would face?

If there aren't that much hidden costs, then I would prefer to change because once the trust is lost, I can't believe that she'll take care of my son properly anymore.

Thanks.

Hi i just send my maid of 4years packing last week. The cost i incurred was:

1. Her airfare back to indon which is about $200+
2. Agency fee + insurance for new maid about $2k
3. Loan for new maid about $3k (haven't paid yet cos still waiting for new maid)

I also treated my maid v well and she has been with me since my no. 1 was born. I realise they don't care about how well you treat them. She was very good 1st 2 years. But after 2 years and i let her have handphone and off day, they start to do funny things. THey always like to compare salary and once they think u cannot do without them, they think u are held at ransom by them.

Hi

The costs involved are:
Airfare to send maid home
Agency fee and insurance for new maid
New maid's loan

I heard once the maid go back home leave and return the working attitude will deteriorate. Some will also request for transfer after returning from home leave because they want you to pay for their paid home leave and return airfare and they no need to bear the agency fee on their end should they not renew with the employer and return home after 2 years contract.

Employer gotta bear the risk