Model ID: 828b9d7d-6c00-4978-a8bd-431ada54e240
Sitecore Context Id: 828b9d7d-6c00-4978-a8bd-431ada54e240;
A team of staff from the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), accompanied by representatives from the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union (SMEEU) was given approval by the authorities to conduct an engagement visit to Westlite Jalan Tukang Dormitory last Friday 15 Oct 2021. The visit was conducted for the team to confirm that issues raised by residents on 13 Oct were being addressed, as well as to check on their physical and emotional state, and where necessary, to assist them to resolve any other lingering or new employment or well-being related issues that they may have. Despite the fact that a large number of residents had been moved from the dormitory during the previous 2 days, and many of the remaining residents had not returned from work at the time of the visit, the team were still able to engage with nearly 200 migrant workers (MWs) during the visit.
Delays in Transfers of Covid Cases
From our conversations with the MWs we spoke to, we were able to learn that most of their concerns regarding newly implemented Safe Management Measures (SMM) and Covid-19 testing and isolation protocols had been resolved within a day after their plight was covered on local media (Oct 14). Up till the day before, we learnt there was some disorder over the rollout of new testing and isolation protocols, and together with logistics and resource challenges faced with the transfer process to care facilities, as well as an unexpected spike in infections among residents, there were delays in moving Covid positive cases to off-site care and recovery facilities. The MWs confirmed that the authorities were promptly resolve the situation by working with the dormitory operator and employers to rectify the delays and bring order and stability back to the dormitory. They also told us that since the improvements were made, the transfer process for Covid positive cases had become more timely, and they hoped that the smoother process would continue.
In our conversations with the workers, we also detected that some amongst them did not understand the reasons and strategy behind the new SMM, testing and isolation protocols, which might have contributed to the confusion and disorder prior to 13 Oct. We have fed this back to MOM and are working urgently with them to strengthen the communications and engagement, push out newly developed educational materials, in video and print, and translated to the native languages, through our MWC Ambassador Network (made up of senior MWs within the same workplaces and living places) and social media channels. Through the Ambassadors and our various communication channels with MWs, including our 24-hour Helpline, we will also be monitoring the situation on the implementation of the new protocols and will surface any other irregularities or delays immediately for MOM’s attention.
Quantity, Preference, and Timeliness of Catered Meals
From our engagement with the MWs during our visit, we were unable to meet anyone who claimed that the food was spoilt or contained insects as circulated online. Nevertheless, we understand that the authorities are still in the process of investigating into the matter. What many of the MWs we spoke to did reflect to us, was that there were sometimes issues with the timeliness and quantity of the meals provided to them prior to 13 Oct, and new controls put in by the authorities and employers ensured that these issues were rectified since then.
In particular, we also heard from the MWs we spoke to that more could be done to suit the food catered to the tastes and dietary preferences of the workers, especially those from PRC China. As MWs from China have a wide range of dietary preferences based on where they are from, it can sometimes take time to reach the optimal catering arrangements for them, and while we explained this to the workers, we told them categorically, that it is an endeavour that the employer must do right. We repeated to the Chinese MWs that their employer had committed to put more attention and resources into working out the most optimal dietary preference solutions as soon as possible and reassured them that we too would continue to monitor the progress of this aspect.
Our conversations also raised an important related aspect to food provision to the Chinese MWs. We were told that up until the week before 13 Oct, they had been able make online purchases of more familiar Chinese sundries, groceries and rations unobtainable from the dormitory’s on-site minimart, which would be delivered to them in the dormitory. As a result, many of them were able to self-help to supplement their catered food with more familiar dietary options. The MWs explained that these deliveries to the dormitory were stopped a week earlier, ceasing this self-help option, and accentuating the less than optimal catering situation. As a means to providing these MWs with quick and easy relief, we reflected to the employers and dormitory management to restart the deliveries into the dormitory, and we understand that the dormitory residents appreciate the return of this additional service.
Additional Concerns Raised
Our engagement also raised certain concerns some MWs had regarding the workplace environment. We recorded these concerns and together with SMEEU colleagues, fed them back to the employers so that steps may be taken to create a safer and more conducive work environment for all workers. We understand that the employers are implementing some measures in response to our feedback. As with the other feedback we have given to the various stakeholders, we will also continue to monitor these new measures, as well as the sentiment and condition of the MWs in response.
Donations from Well-Wishers
MWC would like to thank all welfare and corporate organisations that have stepped forward to donate sundries and provisions to the MWs at Jalan Tukang Dormitory through our coordination, as well as members of the public for their care and concern for this group of MWs. Having visited the dormitory to observe the mood and situation amongst the residents, as well as engage with them directly, we can update that the situation has been stabilised, with the key concerns of the workers having also been addressed or in the process of being rectified. Well-wishers who wish still to contribute towards supporting the needy or distressed migrant workers in general, are invited to continue doing so via the following link on Giving.sg -
Conclusion
While our entire community continues to cope with the fluid situation in response to the pandemic in our daily routines and at work, the MWC wishes to reiterate that the care, well-being and dignity we afford to all MWs should not be allowed to be compromised. We would like to remind all stakeholders that they should give their utmost attention to looking after the needs of all MWs, especially since they play a critical role in helping our community and economy through this challenging period. We will continue to work with SMEEU, employers, the dormitory operator and the MWs to continue to resolve any lingering issues at Jalan Tukang Dormitory in the coming days. We will also continue our sensing and monitoring effort on the ground for emerging issues amongst other MW communities, and work with MOM and stakeholders to provide prompt and responsive assistance. In this regard, we urge all MWs who have any concerns or issues, or who require any kind of assistance, to not hesitate, and reach out to us via our 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.
Yeo Guat Kwang
Chairman
Migrant Workers’ Centre
