In celebration of May Day 2013, MWC reveals plans to extend help to more rank-and-file migrant workers through:
• Expansion of its capacity with a new head office and an additional branch office; and
• Opening of the first Welfare-cum-Help Centre specifically targeted at distressed migrant fishermen.
As part of the Labour Movement’s May Day celebrations, Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) revealed plans to ensure that all rank-and-file migrant workers have access to help that they need. Through two new developments – firstly, the strategic move of its head office and the setting up of a new help-centre; and secondly, the setting up of the first welfare-cum-help-centre for migrant fishermen – MWC will double its capacity to be better able to help and reach out to more migrant workers.
By the end of 2013, MWC’s head office will move to larger premises on Serangoon Road to enhance services to migrant workers, which will maintain its proximity to the regular congregation areas of Indian and Bangladeshi workers so that distressed workers are able to access and receive proper assistance easily and quickly. Following this, MWC also plans to set up a new Centre in Geylang early next year, to bring it closer to the large number of mainland Chinese workers living and congregating there. The new Centre will provide humanitarian assistance like emergency housing and care, as well as services like case advice and assistance, and representation in claims lodged with Ministry of Manpower.
Strategic collaborations ensure specialised care
Over the last year, MWC has collaborated with the seafarers’ unions, religious seafarers’ missions, as well as relevant government agencies to realise the set-up of a Seafarer’s Welfare Centre (SWC) at the Jurong Fishery Port, directed specifically at assisting and protecting the welfare of migrant fishermen who currently do not have readily available access to help in the case they experience employment-related issues. SWC is slated for launch in the third quarter of 2013.
Other collaborations the promotion of the Penjuru Recreation Centre (Penjuru RC) with partners as a key venue for the leisure of the large community of migrant workers living within the area. The success of this can be seen through the increased number of migrant workers visiting Penjuru RC.
Buoyed by the success of MWC’s collaborations at the Jurong Fishery Port and Penjuru RC, MWC has engaged with fellow migrant NGO and existing partner, HealthServe, with which it currently collaborates on a soup-kitchen catering to needy migrant workers, to look into areas like migrant healthcare, legal advice, counselling and emergency housing for homeless or destitute workers.
“Previous successful collaborations have prompted MWC to adopt more as it allows us to pool resources and expertise with other organisations to ensure every distressed migrant worker has access to expert attention and care. At the same time, it collectively enlarges the blanket of care for migrant workers.
We are glad to work even more closely with HealthServe and are looking forward to make greater inroads in providing healthcare services to migrant workers. MWC will widen the kinds of services we can render to workers, and at the same time, increase the number of touch-points. Through opening up these help channels, every worker can and will receive help, whether they seek workplace advice, healthcare or lodging. Together we will be able to effectively extend a helping hand to them and be their voice,” said MWC Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang.
Crowning the first MWC Idol
Held at Downtown East on 12 May 2013, the battle to find the MWC Idol saw 10 contestants competing through song and dancer for the crown. 5,000 migrant-worker guests gathered at the MWC May Day Talent Showcase 2013 to cheer on their fellow dormitory mates and enjoy an evening concert featuring a talent contest and performances by specially flown-in Bangladeshi and Thai artistes and local television personalities.
The newly crowned champion will clinch the grand prize of $3,000 while the first and second runners-up will receive $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. The remaining seven contestants will leave with consolation prizes of $350. Winners were selected after careful deliberation by a panel of three judges who representing each tripartite party.
Others present comprised members of NTUC Central Committee and the Singapore National Employers Federation, and various dormitories who watched on as the winners were presented with their prizes by Guest-of-Honour and MWC Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang.
Explaining the message behind the MWC May Day Talent Showcase, Mr Yeo said: “Labour Day is about honouring the workers’ contributions to building a strong economy and helping the country grow and progress. As a migrant worker NGO, we are fully supportive of NTUC’s message to Value every Worker. We believe that it is important that Singapore values and shows our appreciation for these migrant workers who diligently contribute to our economy, and have helped make Singapore the strong and prosperous country that it now is.”
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