Controversy over hiring "maid" with salary of 470 million VND/month in China

Hongxing News describes a maid recruitment ad posted by a "lady" in Shanghai on May 13.

The recruitment information requires the maid to be female, have a pretty appearance, be over 1m65 tall, and weigh under 55kg. In addition, the candidate must have at least a secondary school degree, and must be able to sing and dance.

Not only that, to enjoy the "sky-high" salary, candidates must also be "obedient, self-respecting", and "observant" to know when to put on shoes and when to change clothes for the owner.

Tranh cãi việc tuyển “hầu gái” lương 470 triệu đồng/tháng ở Trung Quốc - Ảnh 1.

A "lady" in Shanghai has hired a maid for 140,000 yuan per month. Illustration photo: SCMP

Hongxing News reporter said that currently "Shanghai lady" has recruited 2 maids who meet the above requirements. They are divided into 2 shifts, day and night, to serve their master and receive a salary of 140,000 yuan per month as announced.

The first shift maid had to work from 7am to 7pm, was required to put on shoes and socks for the mistress and wait at the door for 10 minutes before the mistress returned home, and then had to take off her shoes.

The night shift had to wash and massage the "Shanghai lady's" feet, and also prepare water and fruit whenever the mistress asked. Both maids also had to clean the house for the mistress.

Local government statistics show that the average monthly salary in Shanghai in 2021 was around 11,396 yuan ($1,600). Therefore, the maid being paid 140,000 yuan per month by her employer shocked many people, who commented enthusiastically on Chinese social media.

One person said half-jokingly, "Any job that gives me 5,000 yuan a month would make me lose all self-respect. If it pays me 140,000 yuan, it doesn't matter if it hurts my feelings a little."

Another person joked: "If I get this job, I will hire another maid to take care of me after work and pay this person 14,000 yuan a month."

However, there was also criticism aimed at the "Shanghai lady" for referring to the maid as "ancient maids". "It makes me feel like I'm living in feudal times" - one commenter said.

Wang Xiaobing, chairman of the Chengdu Domestic Helpers' Union, said this was the first time he had heard of a domestic helper earning 140,000 yuan a month. Normally, a domestic helper in Chengdu earns around 6,000 yuan a month.

As for demanding hiring conditions, Mr. Wang said they are allowed as long as both parties agree in advance and do not violate the law or infringe on citizens' legitimate rights.

Source