Foreign domestic workers (FDWs) embroiled in disputes will soon have a new shelter to turn to while their case is being dealt with by the authorities.
The Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) will launch the new shelter in the second quarter of 2017.
In a statement issued on 18 December 2016, CDE said the shelter will be in the east and come equipped with basic amenities to house 100 FDWs.
Expanding Capabilities
CDE explained that as employer-employee relationships can be delicate, FDW-related conflicts might still occur.
Given the rising number of FDWs in Singapore, CDE said it is expanding its capabilities to better manage such conflicts should they arise.
One good example is the mobile CDE that is regularly deployed to the community to provide on-the-spot advice and mediation services to FDWs and employers.
The CDE Shelter
Currently CDE is providing shelter to some 50 distressed FDWs. Many of them are often embroiled in disputes, be they with the authorities, employment agencies or even their own employers.
CDE added that its proposed shelter will also provide targeted counselling and mediation services to the affected FDWs so as to improve their mental health.
Also on the cards –opportunities for the FDWs to learn new skills as the time spent in the shelter may be indefinite.
For this, CDE has plans to partner like-minded organisations to conduct training at the shelter. This would help keep them physically and mentally active, while ensuring they stay relevant to the needs of the employers.
Showing Appreciation
Separately, CDE also launched a month-long campaign in November 2016 to appreciate the work of FDWs.
Called “Hearts from the Heart”, the campaign rallies employers and their families, employment agencies and the larger community to demonstrate their heartfelt appreciation by giving 3D folded hearts to FDWs.
Executive Director (Strategy) of CDE Shamsul Kamar said: “This simple act can be a stepping stone for employers to engage their domestic employees, and lay the ground for the growth of a healthy employer-employee relationship.”
Source: NTUC This Week
