By Shukry Rashid and Ryan Chan
Some 30 key union officials and Executive Committee (Exco) members of Singapore Port Workers Union (SPWU) along with senior management of PSA Corporation Ltd sprang into action on 25 September 2015 as the haze took a turn for the worse, with Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entering the hazardous range of more than 300.
Armed with N95 masks and bottled water, they went to the Pasir Panjang, Tanjong Pagar and Keppel terminals to distribute the items to the frontline workers most susceptible to the haze, giving them assurance that the situation is under control.
President of SPWU Joseph Wang said: “The purpose of today’s initiative was to show our support to the workers and tell them that we are there for them as we share their concerns working in the hazy environment.”
Proactive Measures
PSA Corporation does not only render assistance to its permanent staff but also its contract workers.
Since the haze deteriorated rapidly on 24 September 2015, the management implemented a temporary cessation of non-critical outdoor work.
More workers were also deployed per shift so that they can do more rotations and have more breaks in between, minimising their exposure to the outdoor elements.
PSA Corporation and SPWU have been monitoring the situation closely since this year’s seasonal haze started a few weeks ago, and will take precautionary measures accordingly as per guidelines set by the Government.
Other LM Efforts
Other entities affiliated to the Labour Movement have also stepped up their efforts to ensure the safety of workers.
On 14 September 2015, the National Taxi Association (NTA) distributed N95 masks and antiseptic hand wipes to approximately 2,500 taxi drivers at Changi Airport. The move was well received by the drivers. NTA expanded their efforts to more drivers on 25 September 2015 by distributing the items at Changi Airport and Resorts World Sentosa.
The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) has been consistently deploying people to work sites whenever the PSI enters the unhealthy range to distribute N95 masks to migrant workers who spend long hours working outdoors as well as teach them the proper ways to protect themselves. To date, more than 1,000 masks have been distributed.
Source: NTUC This Week
