Singapore – Payday came, then another, and still no salary. Nearly 240 migrant workers in Singapore’s process sector have gone without wages for up to two months. Some of them reportedly paid as much as $12,000 in fees just to land their jobs.
According to a news report, the situation came to light through an Instagram post by NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Choo on October 23.
Who Are the Affected Workers?
Most of the workers are from Bangladesh. Some arrived in Singapore as recently as July, which means they had barely settled in before their pay stopped.
NTUC identified their employers as Process Maintenance Solutions Pte Ltd. and Jurong Technical & Construction Pte Ltd.
NTUC senior executive Jeremiah Khoo said the workers went to the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Recreation Club at Soon Lee on October 19 and 20 to ask for help. Over those two days, MWC and the Ministry of Manpower’s ACE Group met about 230 of them to assess their needs.
For many, the stakes go well beyond their own survival. “I think the immediate concern is almost all of them are breadwinners,” said Xavier Joseph, MWC’s assistant director for operations. Every missed payday is felt by families back home, a reality many OFWs know all too well.
What Support Is Being Provided?
MWC is working with government agencies to give the workers immediate relief and a path forward:
- Daily meals for nearly 90 workers who need urgent support
- Help filing salary claims, including unpaid overtime
- Job matching to help workers find new employment
- Coordination with the Ministry of Manpower to arrange centralized housing
- A token sum of financial aid from MWC’s charity arm, the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund, for those whose employers cannot pay what they owe
The centre is also making sure the affected workers can get food and medical care.
What Happens Next?
MWC is urging affected workers not to wait. “The sooner they come forward, the sooner we can provide support and provide the assurance,” the centre said.
There is a hard truth, though. Workers who cannot find new jobs may eventually have to return home.
For fellow migrant workers, including our kababayans, this case is a reminder to keep copies of your payslips and contracts. Speak up early when salaries are delayed.
If you or someone you know is facing salary issues, call MWC’s 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692. Help is available, and you don’t have to face this alone.