The Labour Movement (LM) is holding its first ever month-long celebrations to honour the contributions of all migrant workers in Singapore, kicking off with the May Day Domestic Employees Celebration 2018 event held today at Kovan Hub.
Inclusive of today’s event, our LM will be reaching out to over 35,000 migrant workers through mass outreach and union engagement activities, culminating at the May Day Migrant Workers Celebration 2018 on 27 May, Sunday. This closing event will showcase a record-breaking message board that carries notes of appreciation dedicated to our migrant workforce, written by union leaders, students, volunteers, members of public and fellow migrant workers.
Celebrating the heart and passion of foreign domestic workers
Earlier today, more than 2,000 foreign domestic workers (FDWs) were treated to on-stage entertainment and fringe activities specially arranged for them to enjoy and bond with fellow FDWs. Highlights include free beauty and wellness services such as nail and glitter art, henna painting, massages and haircuts.
Partners of LM’s Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) joined the celebrations, offering services that truly matter to FDWs. Community and industry partners also participated in the festivities, showcasing their role in maintaining a harmonious environment for FDWs.
The event was graced by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Low Yen Ling, who personally penned a note of appreciation in honour of all FDWs at the event.
NTUC Central Committee Member and May Day Domestic Employees Celebration 2018 Co-Organising Chairman K. Thanaletchimi said, “The invaluable contributions and personal sacrifices made by foreign domestic workers have given our local workforce, especially the ladies amongst us, the peace of mind to work knowing that our homes, as well as young and elderly dependents, are well taken care of. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all FDWs who work tirelessly behind the scenes, indirectly contributing to our nation’s growth.”
LM: More representative of and relevant to needs of FDWs
Today’s event symbolises CDE’s increased outreach and strengthened relevance to FDWs in Singapore, built upon two key thrusts of:
• Increased and more effective outreach: Via three satellite offices, grassroots network and ambassador programme
• Expansive membership offering: In key areas of telecommunications, remittance, training and social benefits
Centre for Domestic Employees Chairman and May Day Domestic Employees Celebration 2018 Organising Vice-Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang shared, “Over the past year, CDE has significantly ramped up our outreach efforts, enabling us to provide timely assistance to domestic employees across the island whenever they need assistance on work or welfare matters. Beyond that, our value add is also built upon our expansive suite of membership benefits that go a long way in ensuring domestic employees can work with peace of mind and make meaningful use of their rest days. Collectively, these efforts better safeguard the welfare of domestic employees, maintain industrial peace and business continuity.”
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