Model ID: 1e6479bc-d6ef-4fb0-8f7d-9d788a925d10
Sitecore Context Id: 1e6479bc-d6ef-4fb0-8f7d-9d788a925d10;
The Labour Movement wrapped up its month-long May Day celebrations today with an event to thank migrant workers for their contributions towards our nation’s growth and development.
Held at the newest and largest purpose-built migrant workers’ dormitory in Singapore – the Sungei Tengah Lodge, this year’s May Day Migrant Workers Celebration saw some 10,000 migrant workers coming together for an afternoon of fun and interaction. Besides taking part in carnival games and enjoying stage performances, they also had the opportunity to learn about the dos’ and don’ts while working and living in Singapore from roadshow booths setup by various government agencies.
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State (MOS) for Manpower, accompanied by Mr Abdul Samad Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab, NTUC Central Committee member, Mr Bennett Neo, Chairman of Board of Trustees for Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund, and Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), joined some 150 students and corporate volunteers in interacting with the migrant workers and serving them “Bento Dinner”. Volunteers and guests also distributed over 150 'Thank You' cards to the migrant workers. The cards were made by primary and secondary students in appreciation of the migrant workers' contributions.
MWC Buddies Network
At the event, MWC Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang also shared that the MWC has been championing for the welfare and social integration of migrant workers into our community. Over the years, it has built up a grassroots network – the MWC Buddies Network – to help in the following areas:
a) Dissemination of vital information to the migrant worker community;
b) Surface grievance cases to MWC for case management and assistance; and
c) Provide feedback and checks from the ground on unfair employment practices and potential incidents so that MWC can quickly engage the workers and if necessary, government agency partners, to diffuse any tension or mitigate any risks that might arise.
To date, MWC has successfully recruited over 700 MWC Buddies and a further 60 business contacts into its grassroots network. MWC aims to strengthen this network and recruit 2,000 MWC Buddies by the end of 2018 to further deepen its influence and connection with the migrant worker community. Over the past two years, MWC has also successfully intervened and resolved various cases before they were escalated beyond control through this grassroots network.
Advocacy for Housing Standards
Additionally, Mr Yeo shared that having observed the disparity in housing standards for migrant workers across different dormitory types, MWC has been urging the authorities to unify the housing standards. MWC is thankful that MOS Teo has played an instrumental role in championing for better and more uniform housing standards for migrant workers during his time with the Ministry of Manpower. This year, MWC was heartened and encouraged when the authorities, heeding MWC’s calls and feedback, strengthened the regulatory regime for factory-converted dormitories by introducing four new housing standards to be more in line with the higher standards required of purpose-built dormitories.
Lastly, MWC would like to thank MOS Teo for his leadership in championing migrant workers’ cause and his friendship with MWC and our migrant workers over the years. We hope that MOS Teo’s successor will continue to value and enhance the close partnership with MWC, so that we can continue to care for, protect and value our migrant workforce.
******
