Washing windows can be a tough job—it’s difficult work and it can be dangerous. And in Hong Kong, it has turned into a chore with international implications. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Washing windows in Hong Kong can be a fatal occupation.  Local news reports say at least four domestic workers have been killed this year by falling from windows when they were trying to clean them from the outside.  That led to street protests last month…..urging better protection for workers.  And because so many domestic workers in Hong Kong are from the Philippines, now the consulate has gotten involved.

Early last week, the consulate announced that a new clause would be added to the contracts of all Filipino maids—stating that cleaning the outside of windows would no longer be part of their duties.  In Singapore, there have been severe restrictions on domestic workers cleaning the outside of windows for about four years.  That kind of work is only allowed when the employer is on site and when there is a safety grill in place outside the window.

In other cases, the windows are washed from the outside by someone doing the whole building—complete with a safety harness and similar equipment.  The Philippines Consulate has delayed adding that clause to the contract….at the request of the Hong Kong government—which wants time to work on a solution.  Advocates for domestic workers complain Hong Kong does not do enough to protect that group….saying the average maid in Hong Kong works nearly twelve hours a day…six days a week.