Model ID: 09d3beec-bc9a-441b-a358-e268229c8e4d
Sitecore Context Id: 09d3beec-bc9a-441b-a358-e268229c8e4d;
The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) was set up in 2009 to champion fair employment practices and ensure the well-being of the migrant workers in Singapore. To-date, MWC has implemented different initiatives to better look after the needs and safeguard the welfare of migrant workers. One such initiative is its “Fair” Network Grassroots Movement (Grassroots Network) ambassadors initiative which was launched in 2013.
Living and working alone in a foreign country, migrant workers might not have the necessary family and peer support as compared to those working in their home countries. They too, might not be as aware of the local laws and regulations. As such, the MWC saw value in creating a social and grassroots network support for them to provide them with community support as well as timely and relevant information to help them better navigate their stay in Singapore. Through the Grassroots Network, the MWC shares useful migrant-related information such as employment rights, legislative amendments, and any celebratory events with the migrant community through online and social media channels.
MWC Grassroots Network in Purpose-Built Dormitories
Currently, the Grassroots Network is close to 5,000-strong and it comprises migrant workers from 45 purpose-built dormitories. Based on a recent exercise, the Centre found that each Grassroot Network ambassador has an average reach of 25 persons. This means a larger potential reach of close to 125,000 migrant workers, representing almost 20 per cent of migrant workers in Singapore.
Not only does this enables MWC to gather real-time ground sensing, the Grassroots Network also provides migrant workers a channel to escalate ground concerns and provide quick feedback on matters. This will enhance MWC’s ability to proactively respond to disputes and provide early assistance before potential issues jeopardise workers’ well-being or employment tenure in Singapore, resulting in a win-win situation for both the migrant community and for MWC.
Expand MWC Grassroots Network to Help Migrant Workers in Non-Purpose-Built Dormitories
Recognising the importance and benefits of having a strong Grassroots Network, MWC will be moving into non-purpose-built dormitories to reach out to new groups of migrant workers. As these non-purpose-built dormitories may lack the necessary amenities and are often smaller in size, community and peer support might be lacking, especially for newer migrant workers or migrant workers facing disputes.
As such, MWC hopes to expand its Grassroots Network to the 1,000 non-purpose-built dormitories across Singapore. The Centre also aims to groom 1,000 more Grassroot Network ambassadors to provide the necessary support and assistance to these migrant workers.
MWC Chairman Mr Yeo Guat Kwang said, “Over the years, the MWC has managed to offer timely assistance to our migrant community by leveraging the Grassroots Network. Our ambassadors as well as their migrant friends have also given feedback that the network is useful for them to get help, be educated on their rights and resolve issues quickly. With the network’s expansion into non-purpose-built dormitories, more migrant workers will be able to benefit and we hope that this upstream approach will help reduce the number of disputes concerning migrant workers.”
Deepen Engagement with MWC Grassroots Network Ambassadors
While MWC’s Grassroots Network has grown in numbers, it has also grown in quality – with more experienced migrant workers joining the network to help fellow migrant workers. They also double up as mentors within the network, helping to integrate new migrant workers and advising them on local norms.
The MWC will continue to expand and deepen its engagement with the Grassroots Network ambassadors. In addition to the existing ambassador induction programme, which focuses on basic employment protection and identifying scams, MWC aims to empower them with knowledge in other areas such as workplace safety.
In line with it being their 10th anniversary, the MWC has also put together a report card for the year. It highlights the key statistics of MWC’s assistance and engagement efforts. For the full report card, please refer to Annex A.
MWC’s International Migrants’ Day Celebrations
To enable migrant workers across Singapore to be a part of the International Migrants’ Day (IMD) celebrations, MWC has been holding multiple IMD celebrations at various locations in the month of December (refer to Annex B for the list of IMD celebrations). These celebrations will then culminate at a MWC IMD celebration in Little India this Sunday evening, which will be graced by Guest-of-Honour Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad.
At MWC’s IMD celebration, it will be working with 90 of its Grassroots Network ambassadors to present a flash mob-style performance across three different locations – namely, City Square Mall, the field along Race Course Road and Farrer Park MRT. The three groups will then congregate at the main event area at Birch Road.
At the celebration, MWC will also be appreciating some 5,000 migrant workers with an evening of fun and relaxation. There will be stage activities and games at various activity booths. MWC will also be presenting their annual recognition award to 10 Grassroot Network ambassadors. These ambassadors are recognised not only for their active participation in MWC’s organised events and initiatives, but also their contributions in helping fellow migrant workers.
# # #
