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Rights groups offer new measures to improve well-being of migrant domestic workers in Singapore

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3 years ago

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Following the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) new measures announced last month to strengthen support for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) in Singapore, a total of 11 rights group have come forward to offer other enhanced measures to improve the well-being of MDWs, especially those who live-in as they are inherently vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, prone to isolation and may not have enough means to seek for help.

In a joint statement, the rights groups said that while they are encouraged by MOM’s recent measures, but they stressed that a “robust set of laws and strict enforcement” need to be in place to make sure MDWs have safe living and working environments.

Some of the new measures announced by MOM last month include to enhance medical examination on MDWs to spot abuse, agencies implement post-placement checks, interview MDWs twice in their first year of work, and implement at least one rest day a month.

To this, the rights groups laid out other improved measures to ensure the well-being of MDWs are well protected.

The first is to increase frequency of mandatory rest days, from at least one a month, which MOM implemented, to one every week.

“For live-in MDWs, rest days provide physical and mental respite from their work. For those in abusive situation, rest days are an avenue to seek help.

“We have observed that without mandatory rest days, MDW’s may agree to forgo most or all of their rest days during contract negotiations, due to the power imbalance that exists between employers and employment agencies on the one hand, and MDWs on the other,” the statement read.

As such, the rights groups have suggested to “see the law eventually ensuring a mandatory weekly rest day for MDWs”.

“After all, the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act requires MDWs to be given one rest day per week – we should normalise and enforce this entitlement, rather than making the payment of rest day compensation, the default practice,” it added.

Secondly, the rights group recommended to provide alternative care arrangements that are affordable and accessible so it will be easier for MDWs to enjoy their rest days. This is because families can then opt to utilise these alternative care arrangements, particularly eldercare, and give MDWs a chance to access their rest days.

Thirdly, the groups want the Government to define the duration of a rest day by law as 24 consecutive hours.

Without a proper definition, MDWs have to work to work during their rest days without compensation.

“Defining a rest days as 24 consecutive hours will entrench the notion that any work done during a rest day has to be compensated, and will provide clarity on when the MDW’s right to a mandatory rest day has been breached,” they explained.

The next recommendation is to enforce mandatory rest day by allowing MDWs to change employers if they don’t comply with the rules.

“MDWs who are not given the mandatory rest day should be allowed to change employers, and those who are assisting MOM with investigations on potential rest day breaches should be placed on the Temporary Job Scheme, which will allow them to seek alternative employment.

“There should be strict and consistent enforcement of any breach of mandatory rest days, to underscore the importance of this right,” the rights groups said.

In the joint statement, they also suggested for MDWs to be given access to mobile phones during meal times, rest times and after work hours. This is so they can seek help to report on employment breaches and abusive conditions.

Apart from that, the groups also want the six-monthly medical examination (6ME) for MDWs to check for signs of abuse be done thoroughly.

“Interviews with MDWs who are potential victims of abuse should be done in a safe and caring manner.

“Report to the authorities should be made after explaining to the MDW the investigative process (for which doctors should receive training), and after informing the MDW. Doctors can refer such MDWs to NGOs who can provide advice and counselling services,” the statement read.

The groups also went on to suggest for all interviews with MDWs to be done in a safe environment, away from their employers where they can speak freely.

They also added that MDWs who so not have employment agencies should be interviewed more frequently as they lack support that agencies provide.

“Checks by employment agencies should also be done throughout the course of their employment, as cases of severe abuse are often borne out of escalating behaviour, and employment agencies should be provided the support and resources to do so,” it noted.

Lastly, the rights groups recommended for MDWs to have the right to switch employers freely, with clearly defined notice periods that both employers and employees must abide by.

Currently, MDWs are required to obtain consent from their employers if they wish to switch employers. MDWs’ lack of labour mobility, and fear of being repatriated, may make them reluctant to report abusive situations, particularly if they still have outstanding recruitment fees.

The suggestions are made by 11 rights group which include Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME), Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), Sayur Story, Maid for More, Migrant Writers of Singapore, SG Mental Health Matters, Welcome in my Backyard (WIMBY), A Good Space, Migrant Workers Singapore, Singapore Climate Rally (SGCR) and Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2).

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Civil Society

TWC2 launches fundraising initiative for at-risk migrant workers

Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) has launched a fundraising campaign to assist those facing challenges such as work injuries, wrongful termination or financial hardship due to underpayment disputes. The campaign, hosted on Give.asia, aims to raise S$36,000 to provide crucial support during these workers’ most difficult times.

Published

4 hours ago

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11 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), an advocacy group for migrant workers, has launched a fundraising campaign to support those facing difficulties, including work injuries, termination for requesting rightful salaries, or financial hardship due to disputes over underpayment.

The campaign, hosted on the Give.asia platform, aims to raise S$36,000 to provide a lifeline for these workers during their darkest hours.

The group stated that the funds will offer support to low-wage migrant workers in distress through various means, including meal assistance, phone top-ups, travel allowances, emergency shelter, and more.

TWC2 highlighted five types of workers in distress. For example, one cook was forced to perform unpaid work late into the night and was coerced into signing blank payslips.

He received less than half of his official salary, with his employer creating false timecards and payslips.

TWC2 specified the resources needed to assist migrant workers facing financial challenges over six months, including S$1,322 per month for an online helpdesk, S$876 for meal support, S$120 for phone top-ups, and S$80 for EZ-Link credit to attend Ministry of Manpower (MOM) appointments.

Worker Left Vulnerable After Company Closure: Loss of Housing and Belongings Leads to Months of Hardship

Another worker is struggling after his company closed down, leaving him without coverage for his injury.

Furthermore, his employer allegedly failed to pay his housing rent, resulting in the worker losing all his belongings, including his passport, cash, and clothes. He was left to beg and borrow clothes for nearly a month.

TWC2 stated that the funds will help him replace his passport, which costs around S$200, as well as cover S$2,228 for his monthly rent at the TWC2 shelter, S$480 for EZ-Link credit for travel to hospital appointments, and S$240 for phone top-ups.

The third case involves a migrant worker who was denied necessary surgery after suffering a finger injury from heavy machinery. Instead of being taken to the hospital immediately, he was brought to a small clinic, leading to an infection in his open fracture.

He was also pressured to return to his home country for treatment. Urgent surgery was delayed for 33 days because his employer withheld the necessary documents.

TWC2 is appealing for S$1,322 per month for online helpdesk support for this worker, S$1,898 for meal support, S$240 for phone top-ups, and S$480 for EZ-Link credit for travel to hospital appointments.

The fourth case involves a worker who was underpaid for overtime and rest day work.

He was fired after discussing information related to the Employment Act with his colleagues. His employer later contacted a potential future employer to disparage him.

This worker will require S$1,073 monthly to fund online information campaigns, S$120 for phone top-ups, and S$80 for EZ-Link credit to attend MOM appointments.

The fifth case concerns a worker who injured his back while lifting 50kg of cement. Although he was granted 300 days of medical leave, his employer did not report the incident to MOM, and the insurance company took over a year to investigate and accept his claim. The doctor instructed him to avoid catered food for health reasons.

TWC2 is seeking S$160 monthly for his groceries, S$120 for phone top-ups, and S$80 for EZ-Link credit to attend MOM appointments.

Part of this annual fundraising campaign commemorates International Migrants Day in December, which includes a luncheon, “Lunch With Heart,” for migrant workers to thank them for their contributions to Singapore.

TWC2 Highlights Ongoing Exploitation: Employers Bypass Laws to Undermine Workers’ Earnings

TWC2 noted that, according to Singapore’s Employment Act (Section 96), all workers should receive payslips detailing how their salaries are calculated and paid.

However, some employers still find ways to circumvent these laws, cheating workers out of their already low salaries. In 2023 alone, salary disputes rose by 55% according to MOM’s Employment Standards Report.

TWC2 emphasized that migrant workers who experience workplace accidents can be denied treatment by unscrupulous employers, despite being covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act. Even with medical insurance, they often lack access to it and may be sent back home with untreated injuries. The recovery process can be long and isolating, contributing to significant stress and mental health challenges for injured workers.

For these workers, a significant source of daily stress is financial insecurity.

“They are constantly thinking about providing for their family back home, ensuring loans are paid and sick family members have money for medical treatment. Essentially they are like us in every way.”

TWC2 highlighted that workers often take on overtime and forgo days off, even on public holidays, to earn higher wages. They should not be deprived of the wages they have rightfully earned or left with untreated injuries.

“We are appealing to you to offer a helping hand to these filial sons, devoted husbands, responsible mothers and dedicated workers, in their hour of dire need. ”

“We sincerely hope you can chip in so that these workers can have a lifeline in their darkest hours.”

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Labour

19 workplace fatalities in first half of 2024, MOM reports

Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health report, issued on 9 October, revealed 19 workplace fatalities in the first half of 2024, up from 14 in 2023. Vehicular incidents were the leading cause, followed by falls from heights and equipment breakdowns. With five more deaths reported by September, the total fatalities for 2024 have reached at least 24. In comparison, 36 deaths were recorded in 2023.

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2 days ago

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9 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Nineteen workers died from workplace injuries in the first half of 2024, an increase from 14 fatalities during the same period in 2023, according to Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) performance report released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Wednesday (9 October).

Vehicular incidents were the leading cause of death, followed by falls from a height and the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment.

These causes accounted for 11 of the fatalities – 58 per cent of the total deaths.

The construction, marine, transportation and storage, and manufacturing industries were responsible for 63 per cent of the 19 fatalities.

In the construction sector alone, five workers lost their lives, down from seven fatalities in the first half of 2023 and 11 in the second half of that year.

The marine industry saw four deaths in the first six months of 2024, despite no fatalities being recorded in 2023.

The transportation and storage sector had two fatalities, down from five in the same period last year. One fatality occurred in the manufacturing sector, mirroring the number from the first half of 2023.

In the water supply, sewerage, and waste management sector, three workers died, including two who inhaled poisonous fumes while cleaning tanks at PUB’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks. There were no fatalities in this sector in 2023.

As of September 2024, five more deaths were reported, bringing the total workplace fatalities for the year to at least 24.

In comparison, 36 deaths were recorded in 2023.

The most recent workplace fatality occurred on 29 September, when a 44-year-old Bangladeshi worker tragically lost his life in an accident at a construction site within Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

The worker was fatally struck by a collapsing steel structure during lifting operations.

Two workers tragically lost their lives on 17 September following a heavy machinery accident at a North-South Corridor construction site along Lentor Avenue.

The incident occurred while a group of workers was assembling a winch drum on two concrete blocks. The winch slipped, causing injuries to four workers.

Singapore’s Workplace Fatality Rate Rises Slightly, Now Fifth Among OECD Countries

The latest WSH report noted that Singapore’s workplace fatality rate from January to June 2024 was one death per 100,000 workers, slightly up from 0.8 in the first half of 2023 and 0.99 in the latter half of that year.

Singapore ranks fifth among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, with a three-year average of 1.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.

The Netherlands and United Kingdom lead with 0.4, followed by Sweden at 0.7 and Germany at 0.8.

Major Injuries Decline

There were 293 major injuries in the first half of 2024, down from 316 in the same period of 2023.

These injuries, which include amputations, blindness, and paralysis, predominantly occurred in the construction and manufacturing industries. The main causes were slips, trips and falls; machinery incidents; and falls from a height.

The manufacturing sector saw a significant 35 per cent reduction in fatalities and major injuries, with 60 incidents recorded in the first half of 2024 compared to 92 in the same period last year.

The number of fatal and major injuries from metalworking also fell sharply, from 40 in 2023 to 22 in 2024.

In the construction sector, fatalities and major injuries from smaller-scale works, such as renovations, decreased by 22 per cent, from 59 in 2023 to 46 in 2024.

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad attributed these improvements to the expanded demerit point system and increased surveillance.

The system, introduced to the manufacturing sector in October 2023 after years of use in construction, penalises companies for safety violations, potentially barring them from hiring foreign workers for up to two years.

Minor Injuries and Occupational Diseases

In the first half of 2024, there were 10,379 minor injuries, a 4.8 per cent reduction from 10,897 in the same period of 2023.

Slips, trips, falls, and machinery incidents were the leading causes. Meanwhile, the number of occupational diseases continued to drop, with 473 cases reported, down from 653 in 2023.

MOM also reported 11 dangerous occurrences in the first half of 2024, fewer than the 12 in the same period last year. These incidents included the collapse of structures and equipment, as well as fires and explosions.

MOM conducted over 3,000 inspections in various industries and took enforcement actions against more than 7,000 breaches, issuing 717 fines totalling more than $1.4 million and 22 stop-work orders.

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