More than 100 migrant workers showed up at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services Centre in Bendemeer on Monday (22 June), seeking help for unpaid salaries and housing arrangements.
Two local firms are under investigation over the matter, said Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) General Manager Ng Hwei Min.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower
Two of the migrant workers interviewed by Channel NewsAsia (CNA) said their company had not paid them for about three months.
One of them, 38-year-old Mr Zakir Hossin, said he started working for the company last September and it owes him more than S$4,000.
The S$200 he received two weeks ago is not enough for him to live on, he added.
He claimed they resorted to seeking help from MOM as they could not get in touch with any of the bosses of the company.
Ms Ng, who spoke to the media on the same day, said she understands that the migrant workers are facing a “difficult and uncertain” period.
TADM’s immediate priority is to ensure they have appropriate housing and meals, she added, according to a transcript sent to MS News.
MOM and TADM are providing them with the necessary assistance, and working very closely with the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) to provide support for them.
This includes helping them with their salary claims and reaching out to the employers to find out more about their current situation.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower
Ms Ng also identified the companies involved as KPA Engineering and SK Industries.
MOM is investigating the companies for any breaches of employment laws, she said, adding:
MOM will take the necessary and appropriate enforcement action against the companies should they be found to have breached any of the employment laws.
The migrant workers are also allowed to look for new employment so they can change employers, should they wish to continue working in Singapore while their current situation is addressed, she noted.
In a Facebook post on Monday, MWC said it took immediate action the same morning to help the affected workers.
When it met them at MOM, many had little or no money for food or transportation.
Source: Migrant Workers’ Centre on Facebook
Thus, MWC arranged for food and transportation assistance, as well as temporary shelter and a change of employment, should any of them need it.
Source: Migrant Workers’ Centre on Facebook
Additionally, MWC visited the workers’ dormitory that evening and engaged more than 300 of them.
Source: Migrant Workers’ Centre on Facebook
MWC pledged to help them with their salary claims through TADM and take care of their more immediate needs while their claims are being worked out.
It encouraged migrant workers facing issues to seek help early from MWC or MOM, and urged all employers to uphold their obligations to their workers.
Also read: Migrant workers seen holding signs outside worksite in Dakota, MOM says they weren’t owed salary
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Ministry of Manpower.