Being a union which represents a high number of migrant workers, the Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU) has been continuing its efforts to ensure that the well-being of its migrant members is well taken are of.
Since 2007, the union has been organising tea sessions for its foreign members and even meeting them in their dormitories in the evening, in efforts to keep in close touch with them. As most of the foreign members work at different work sites and they often reach their dorm in the evening, it is hard for them to visit the union office. As such, BATU feels that it is important to visit and meet members in their places of living to stay connected to them.
Besides helping members when they have issues and grievances, such as when their salaries or overtime wages were not paid on time, or when they need help to claim NTUC Gift, BATU also hold recreation programmes for its migrant members.
Migrant workers enjoyed games and outings organised by BATU to give them a strong sense belonging to Singapore and the union. The yearly cricket tournament also gives them a sense of pride when they compete against other teams from BATU branches. The latest one was held on 6 January 2013 where members from six unionised companies participated.
BATU member Sujeewa Chandrasiri, 32 said: “Apart from work advice, BATU engages the migrant workers with the annual cricket competition which gives an opportunity to bond with fellow workers and also a day off usual work.”
The union believes it is beneficial for migrant workers to be union members because they can benefit from yearly activities, work advice from union, NTUC Gift coverage and hardship grant for those who qualify.
BATU President Nasordin Mohamed Hashim said: “It is important for BATU to reach out to migrant workers so that they understand their basic employment rights, proper way to address the problems and also know the avenues to seek assistance.”
