230 migrant workers in S’pore unpaid for up to 2 months, will get support with meals & job-matching

The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) has engaged 230 migrant workers from two companies over alleged unpaid salaries, according to a media statement dated Oct. 23.

The workers are from Process Maintenance Solutions Pte. Ltd. and Jurong Technical & Construction Pte. Ltd.

Close to 240 migrant workers went without pay for up to 2 months

Member of Parliament Desmond Choo shared in an Instagram post that close to 240 migrant workers in the process sector have gone without pay for up to two months.

In the statement, NTUC's Director of Migrant Workers Segment, Michael Lim, said it is aware of the unpaid salary claims and met the workers at its recreation centres on Oct. 19 and 20.

The aim was to understand their concerns and needs, including those relating to salary claims, food, housing and employment.

"We recognise that unpaid salaries can cause significant hardship for migrant workers, affecting their daily essentials and the families who depend on their income."

Lim said the MWC is helping the workers file claims for unpaid salaries, including overtime pay, with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM).

It will also support them through the Migrant Workers' Assistance Fund and is working with employment agency partners to explore suitable employment and transition assistance.

Job matching assistance and help with salary claims being provided

In his Instagram post, Choo said that along with MWC, the 230 workers also met the Ministry of Manpower's ACE Group on Oct. 19 and 20.

Close to 90 workers are receiving daily meals, and MWC is working with the Ministry of Manpower to arrange centralised accommodation.

Job matching assistance is also being conducted to help the workers find suitable employment, and help is being provided with salary claims, including overtime pay, and financial assistance where needed.

Some workers paid up to S$12,000 to work in Singapore

Choo said almost all of the workers are sole breadwinners, and that every missed payday affects their families back home as well.

In a reel accompanying the post, an NTUC representative said many of the workers are from Bangladesh and came to work in Singapore's process sector.

Some arrived only in July. They paid as much as S$12,000 to come to Singapore and are still waiting to receive their salaries.

Workers who cannot find new jobs may have to return home, and they will receive more support in the coming weeks.

Employers urged to make timely salary payments

Lim urged employers to fulfil their obligations by making timely salary payments.

It encouraged migrant workers who are owed salaries or facing workplace issues to come forward early for guidance and assistance.

They can approach MWC via its 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692. The statement was attributed to Michael Lim, Director of the Migrant Workers Segment at NTUC.

Choo's post said workers deserve to be paid for their hard work, and urged people who know of a migrant worker facing salary issues to encourage them to call the helpline.