Controversy in China over job offer seeking “old-fashioned maid” for more than 18,000 euros per month

A job ad in which a lady from Shanghai applies for «old fashioned girl» caused astonishment in China, both because of the questionable requirements of the position, and because of the high salary, which is around 20,000 dollars per month (about 18,500 euros at the current exchange rate).

The employer is looking for a “personal carer” who is able to “know it’s time for a lady to put on her shoes when she stretches her legsand to take her off when she shakes her shoulders,” according to this Wednesday’s newspaper. South China Morning Post.

This is also indicated in the press release Candidates must be “obedient and without strong self-esteem”have a height of more than 165 centimeters, weigh less than 55 kilograms, have at least a secondary education, have a neat appearance and “be able to sing and dance well”.

The recruitment agency that posted the offer confirmed to Hongxing News that the position has already been filled, and that the employer has hired two “maids” to work 12-hour day and night shifts for a monthly salary of 140,000 yuan. each (15,790 euros). Among her tasks, the “night maid” will include washing and massaging the employer’s feet, as well as preparing fruit and water for her. at any time, according to the agency.

The average monthly salary in Shanghai in 2021 was 11,396 yuan (1,500 euros), according to the human resources and social security bureau of the megalopolis.

The chairman of Chengdu’s Domestic Workers Association, Wang Xiaobing, said draconian job demands were not illegal as long as both parties agreed in advance and did not violate laws or people’s rights.

Despite this, the post went viral on Chinese social media, where reactions were mixed, including people interested in the position because of the high salary offered, but others outraged by the other-era working conditions that undermine workers’ dignity.