Photo Screengrab from Singapore Incidents Facebook
Story by Shukry Rashid
The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) and the Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU) have rendered assistance to affected migrant workers employed by Zhengda Corporation.
The help comes after nine migrant workers allegedly blocked the entrance and exit of a building in Ang Mo Kio on 18 October 2022 over unpaid wages.
The incident was brought to light after a video of the workers was posted on Facebook.
MWC also learnt that more migrant workers employed by Shanghai Chong Kee (SCK) had grievances over employment and unpaid wages after visiting them at the S11 Dormitory @ Punggol.
SCK is the main contractor of Zhengda Corporation.
The workers said they had to use their savings for food and transport expenses, according to MWC.
To alleviate the circumstance of about 200 workers residing at S11 Dormitory @ Punggol, MWC has provided temporary relief such as food to the affected workers.
MWC said that they will notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of their findings following their investigations and interactions with affected migrant workers.
It will also assist MOM in reaching a speedy resolution of all outstanding employment issues faced by the migrant workers of both companies, added MWC.
Both MWC and BATU will continue to reach out to affect migrant workers and check on their well-being.
The union will also engage the management of SCK and Zhengda Corporation to ensure that workers’ interests are protected.
“It is in companies’ interests to take good care of their workers … We call on companies to reach out to MWC and BATU should they require any advice or support on managing workplace and employment-related issues,” said MWC and BATU.
Both the NGO and the union also urged all employers to act responsibly towards their workers and comply with governing regulations on workers’ employment, care and protection.
NTUC members working in the built environment industry can contact BATU at 6220 1233 or through email.
They can also contact the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM)@NTUC at 6213 8008, or submit their queries to NTUC, or walk-in to TADM@NTUC located at Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability.
All workers in the built environment industry can also submit their queries to TADM or make an appointment.
For migrant workers, they can contact MWC via 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692 or through email.
