Obedience and Objection : Working Conditions for Indonesian Female Domestic Caretakers in Taiwan

[[abstract]]來台工作之外籍家庭看護工大多數來自貧窮家庭、教育程度低、缺乏工作發展機會及背負家庭經濟責任之女性，她們遠度過洋來到台灣為了追求更好的生活。然而來到台灣之後，這些女性面對許多挑戰，常會因語言、風俗習慣、文化差異、衛生問題等等而產生隔閡與不適，在勞資關係中也難免發生衝突，爭執與磨擦。 本文以在台工作之印尼女性家庭看護工為研究對象，來探討外籍勞工在台之勞動形構，包括:勞動條件、勞雇關係、法令保障、勞資爭議、安置原因，以及外勞的反應行為。面對不合理的勞動條件時，她們會採取何種反應?如何爭取工作權益及保護自己?在何種狀況下才會申訴?另探討台灣政府在許多勞資爭議中所扮演的角色，如何影響外勞的工作權益保障? 在訪談過程中，筆者發現，第一次來台工作的外勞，對台灣環境陌生，未充分了解台灣相關法令規定及工作內容，導致容易處於勞力剝削淫威之下，成為雇主或仲介不當對待的對象。本研究結果顯示，外勞的順從態度並非完全屬於認命或無條件的順從態度，而是一種被脅迫的順從態度。但在某種狀況，外勞因感情因素，願意忍耐及接受雇主的態度。然而在工作過程中，因發生一些狀況而改變了外勞的態度行為，由順從態度轉變成各種反應行為，並產生外勞安置的需求。[[abstract]]Most of the foreign domestic caretakers in Taiwan come from poor families, low education, poor work development and responsible for the family economy, they come to Taiwan to pursue a better life. However, working in Taiwan presents many challenges, these women often feel estranged and unable to adapt the environment due to language barriers, customs and behavior, differences in culture, hygienic problems, etc. In addition, frictions and disputes are common problems in the labor relations. This study took Indonesian female domestic caretakers as the objects of study to research the working conditions of foreign workers in Taiwan, including : working conditions, labor relations, legal protection, labor disputes, the reasons for shelter, and response behaviors of foreign workers. Discussed about how foreign workers react to unreasonable labor conditions? How do they strive for working rights and protect themselves? When will they file a complaint? In addition, this study also research the role of Taiwan government in many labor disputes, how to influence the working rights protection of foreign workers. Through the course of interviews, this study found that foreign workers visiting Taiwan for their first time were often unfamiliar with Taiwan’s environment, related laws and job content, therefore, they were especially subject to abuse or improper treatment by employer or agency. The study results indicated that the obedience of foreign workers is not absolutely accept or unconditional obedience, instead, it is under threat of obedience. Although based on emotional factors in some situations, foreign workers are willing to keep patience and accept their employer’s attitude. However, during the course of working, the occurrence of some situations may change the attitude and behavior of foreign workers from obedience to a variety of responses, which caused the demand for foreign worker shelter.[[note]]碩