It’s a sad truth that many people expect better pay, nicer jobs, and comfy workspaces for themselves, but when it comes to those who help them at home, they’re often treated unfairly. Domestic workers, who work hard to keep homes running smoothly, are paid very little and hardly ever get a raise. What’s worse, if they try to find a better job elsewhere, they can be reported by their employers. It’s like some people want the poor to stay poor, and they get upset when domestic workers want a chance at a better life.
For example, a man in Gurgaon took to X to complain about how high-paid professionals in the city have “ruined” the domestic help market as domestic workers do not want to work on builder floors and enjoy working in condos where the pay is better and the work is lesser.
“The highly paid professionals staying in high-rises of Gurgaon have ruined the domestic help market in the city. Maids don’t want to work in kothis/builder floors, they enjoy working in condos where all their friends work. They say pay is better there and there is lesser work! For context, salary of a live-in maid in Gurgaon condos is between Rs. 20,000 – 25,000 per month. Stay and food is free,” he wrote.
Have a look:
The highly paid professionals staying in high-rises of Gurgaon have ruined the domestic help market in the city. Maids don't want to work in kothis/builder floors, they enjoy working in condos where all their friends work. They say pay is better there and there is lesser work!
— Gurugram Man (@GurugramDeals) May 2, 2024
For context, salary of a live-in maid in Gurgaon condos is between Rs. 20,000 – 25,000 per month. Stay and food is free.
— Gurugram Man (@GurugramDeals) May 2, 2024
It’s a common scenario where people advocate for fair wages and better working conditions in their own jobs. But when it comes to the domestic workers who clean their homes, cook their meals, and care for their children, they often overlook these principles. Several people online pointed out this duplicity and schooled the man.
Here’s how some of them reacted:
How dare the poor not stay poor? How dare they get better wages and better lives?
— Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) May 2, 2024
This is similar to saying rich has ruined real estate market for middle class
— Sumit Behal (@sumitkbehal) May 2, 2024
Clean your own house, then.
— Anil (@AnilGanti) May 2, 2024
So what exactly is your point? Those living in high-rises should not hire maids so the ones who live in kothis/builder floors can hire them? Or those living in high-rises should not pay well to the maids so those living in kothis/builder floors can afford them?
— सुमंत (Sumant) 🇮🇳 🇨🇦 🇺🇲 (@sumantv) May 2, 2024
Good for the domestic workers. Let them have autonomy over their choices. They are at the lowest tier of the socioeconomic hierarchy, with no access to benefits like provident fund, holidays, and meager wages.
— The Commentary (@decentComment) May 2, 2024
Wait a minute, Isn’t this good for the maids? Finally, professionals are paying more for maids and giving lesser work and uplifting them, and you are complaining?
— Naresh (@TopDriverIndia) May 2, 2024
Dude that is insensitive. They are choosing a better pay and work environment. You will do the same. Don’t mock their choices for a better life.
— Ankesh Saha (@ankeshsaha87) May 2, 2024
Similar to domestic companies claiming multinationals have ruined the job market in the city.Professionals don’t want to work in offices with lesser facilities,they enjoy working in swanky offices where all their friends work.They say pay is better there and there is lesser work.
— Manish Rao (@immanishrao) May 2, 2024
Gurgaon man is shocked to find that people want to be paid fair price for the work they do. https://t.co/uKLkCoYvi3
— Vaishnavi Bhaskaran (@vaishbhaskaran) May 2, 2024
gurugram man is mad domestic workers make money that isn’t peanuts & have some flexibility and control in terms of their working environment & salaries. good for them https://t.co/CFZiNsPVoK
— k (@krownnist) May 2, 2024
Proper casteist & racial mindset. These "wannabe" rich people of India can't see people from poor background & literacy doing even a little progress in life. Always want them to remain poor. Who's forcing you to employ her? Just do your household chores by yourself, simple. https://t.co/6XP9GtAl9c
— 🎯DEVENDRA🎯 (@DS_790) May 3, 2024
god forbid the working class seek good wages and working conditions and not be enslaved by the likes of you https://t.co/pRDGT78gaw
— lay riotta 🇵🇸/🏳️🌈 (@lawyerussy) May 2, 2024
So if we get better jobs for better pay its fine but our house help cannot have such choices ? https://t.co/hGF378Xw31
— Priyashmita (@priyashmita) May 2, 2024
Domestic workers, despite their essential role in maintaining households, are frequently undervalued and underpaid. They might work long hours without proper breaks or compensation for overtime. Many are paid just a fraction of what they need to support themselves and their families. This creates a cycle of poverty where they struggle to make ends meet.
It’s not fair that people preach about equality but then treat those who work for them so poorly.