60387    So, in spite of the high interest rates, no other choice is available.

60388    This incident highlighted the vulnerable social position of Filipino women.

60389    "Hong Kong is close to the Philippines and salaries are high, so many people are eager to work here. Labor conditions, however, are not favorable."

60390    This is according to Remi Borongan, chairperson of the Asian Domestic Workers Union, which is fighting for improvements in the employment conditions of maids.

60391    The union's headquarters are in a one bedroom apartment in an old multi-purpose building in the Yaomade district of downtown Kowloon.

60392    It was established five years ago in May 1989.

60393    There are around 3,000 members.

60394    The Union runs its activities from monthly fees of ten Hong Kong dollars and entry fees of 30 Hong Kong dollars, money given from whatever is left over for living expenses after sending money back home.

60395    Borongan advises members while also working as a maid herself for her Hong Kong employers.

60396    At the headquarters, different kinds of complaints are stored on a computer list.

60397    The most common are examples of labor violations.

60398    There are numerous examples of women coming to Hong Kong with a domestic help contract, only to be asked by their employers to work in other places, such as factories.

60399    Cases of wage disputes, termination without reason, and sexual abuse are also not uncommon.

60400    Work visas become invalid if employment is terminated and the worker must return home.

60401    For this reason, it is difficult to turn down requests to work long hours or on holidays.