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Hi, I'm a 39 yr old divorced woman from Australia. After 18 months of constant troubles since my divorce and getting poorer and poorer, a friend of mine (Madame) got myself and some other women with similar issues together and we have been working for her. Along with the "getting used to the lifestyle changes" I have been getting more concerned that we are being exploited. Madame told us from the start she would be splitting the money with us 60% for her and 40% for us. Apart from this unfair pay arrangement we are also required to fullfil domestic duties. I understand the unit we use needs upkeep, but we are also working at Madame's home!! this doesn't seem fair. I don't want to upset Madame too much as she is right when she says I would have nothing without her help. But what is the normal situation? what should we be getting?

EE. Yes you are being exploited although this is normal within an industry that has no 'normal'. Many hoped that with changes in the law that this would stop, but unfortunately it has not.

A fairer split would be the reverse but when working in an unregulated industry everyone makes their own rules.

You have 3 options:
1. with the support of your co-workers, do some research, call agencies as though you are looking for a job to find out their split and work rules, then look at the business structure, expenses and total income. Then negotiate a better deal with Madame.
2. Do nothing and accept your fate
3. Leave and either work for someone else, or become independent.
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