Nearly 240 migrant workers in process sector unpaid for up to two months, NTUC says
NTUC's Desmond Choo said MWC and MOM are helping with daily needs, including daily meals for close to 90 workers, salary claims and job matching.
Some 240 foreign workers employed in the process sector have gone unpaid for up to two months, and a number of them are now being helped with day-to-day necessities. National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) deputy secretary-general Desmond Choo made the announcement on Friday (Oct 23).
The alleged salary problems involve Process Maintenance Solutions and Jurong Technical & Construction.
Meetings held with 230 workers
To gain a clearer picture of what the workers required, staff from the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) and the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sat down with 230 of them on Oct 19 and Oct 20, Mr Choo said. MWC and MOM are working together on assistance, which includes daily meals for close to 90 workers.
Workers will also get financial aid where necessary, along with help finding suitable jobs and assistance in pursuing salary claims, overtime pay included.
Families back home also affected
Almost all of the affected workers are the only earners in their households, Mr Choo said in a social media post, adding that the unpaid wages were also harming families back home. "Payday came and went, but no salary. Then another payday passed," he wrote.
"These workers deserve to be paid for their hard work, and we will do what we can to support them," he said.
Mr Choo also asked anyone who knows a migrant worker with salary issues to encourage that person to call MWC's 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692. "No worker should face this alone," he added.
MOM has been approached by CNA for further information.
