In recognition and appreciation of our domestic employees’ contributions especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), will present the annual NTUC May Day Domestic Employees Celebration on 13 June 2021, Sunday. This virtual celebratory show will be livestreamed on the NTUC May Day Domestic Employees Celebration’s and CDE’s Facebook pages from 12pm to 3pm.
Some 5,000 domestic employees, their employers and guests are expected to tune in to the virtual show, which is packed with pre-recorded and live performances by domestic employees in Singapore and regional artistes from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar. Domestic employees who tune in to the show can participate in interactive games, as well as take part in a lucky draw to win attractive prizes. NTUC President Mary Liew, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and NTUC Central Committee members will join the online celebration as well through Zoom.
With tightened border controls due to COVID-19, many domestic employees are unable to return to their home countries to visit or reunite with their families. The tighter Safe Management Measures as Singapore entered Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) also meant that domestic employees have to limit their outings and are unable to meet with their friends during their rest days. In view of this, the virtual show aims to spread cheer to our domestic employees and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and help uplift one another’s spirits.
Ms Wenvie Savillano Gutierez, 40 years old, has been working as a domestic employee for eight years. She was one of the participants who submitted her performance videos to CDE to be played at the virtual show. She said, “I love singing and playing the guitar! When I saw the Facebook post for this event, I decided to join because I want to show everyone there is no boundary for music. And it is important for us to find ways to relax during this challenging time.”
The celebratory virtual show will air a message from the Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State (MOS) for Manpower Gan Siow Huang. In her speech, MOS Gan gives her appreciation to domestic employees for working tirelessly to care for our families and keep our households running smoothly. She also encourages domestic employees to stay positive and to help one another during this period.
On behalf of the Labour Movement, NTUC Central Committee Members Ken Tan and Raymond Chin, who are the President of Public Utilities Board Employees’ Union and General Secretary of Union of Security Employees respectively, will also deliver pre-recorded messages to thank our domestic employees.
“We want to recognise the effort and contribution of each of our migrant domestic workers in Singapore, especially since COVID-19 hit our shores. Some of you could not return home to meet your family. Instead, you could only meet them online. Despite these changes, we know that our migrant domestic sisters have stayed strong, positive and resilient. We really appreciate you for all that you have done for Singapore as you continue to take care of our families. If you ever need help regarding your work or need someone to talk to, remember that the CDE and NTUC are always here for you,” said Brother Ken Tan.
“In leading up to our main event, we also have other ways to showcase our appreciation to all migrant workers. For example, we have prepared specially designed mask lanyards, which will be distributed later, when conditions allow. In addition, we have also run a campaign on both CDE’s and Migrant Workers’ Centre’s Facebook pages where we share the stories and aspirations of our migrant workers with the community, so that more people can get to know our migrant sisters and brothers better,” said Brother Raymond Chin.
The NTUC May Day Domestic Employees Celebration will also unveil a virtual photo mosaic wall, which was launched two months ago for the public to submit selfies together with well wishes and appreciation messages to our migrant workers. The Ministry of Manpower also supported by sharing the call for submissions on its Facebook page. The virtual mosaic wall is hosted at
https://ntucmaydaymwde.com.
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