Reddit user alleges labour exploitation, appeals for help for migrant worker

SINGAPORE: A Reddit user has taken to the r/aksSingapore forum to express concerns about a friend’s alleged mistreatment by her boss, who they claim is exploiting employees and damaging Singapore’s reputation.

In a post titled “Need Advice: New Immigrant Boss Exploiting and Destroying Singapore’s Reputation,” shared on Sunday (1 Dec), the user detailed troubling practices at a Vietnamese restaurant run by a Vietnamese-Singaporean boss.

The boss, described as a “new convert” citizen, allegedly operates several restaurants that primarily employ foreign workers, with most “locals” on the payroll functioning as shadow workers.

According to the post, the user’s friend, a worker from China, has been subjected to gruelling work conditions.

She reportedly worked 12-hour shifts from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with only two days off per month.

Additionally, the employer allegedly imposed severe penalties, deducting S$100 for minor mistakes, such as failing to greet customers promptly or missing a phone call.

These experiences have reportedly led the user’s friend to develop a negative impression of Singapore.

“Now, her impression of Singapore is very bad, and [she] thinks the reputation online is just a facade,” the user wrote.

Expressing concern about the broader implications of such practices, the user asked for advice on how to help their friend and curb abuses that could harm Singapore’s standing among foreigners.

“What can I do to help both my friend, and to prevent such abuses of [the] system from destroying our country’s reputation among foreigners?”

Calls to report to MoM

Following the Reddit post, many users encouraged the original poster to report the matter to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM).

Several commenters highlighted the importance of gathering evidence before making a report.

One user suggested collecting as much information as possible and submitting an anonymous tip to MoM, or even the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), to ensure that the boss’s alleged abuses are addressed.

Another commenter recommended reporting the use of phantom local workers and other unfair practices.

However, they cautioned that the worker might need to act as a witness and provide factual details during the investigation, which could pose a risk to her job security.

Others pointed out that the worker’s employment status could affect how labour regulations apply.

One user noted that if the worker is a temporary hire paid hourly rather than a contract worker, certain protections like CPF contributions, off days, medical benefits, and overtime pay may not apply.

They added that MoM takes a firm stance against employers who fail to comply with these regulations, particularly regarding delayed CPF payments, and encouraged providing detailed information for MoM to investigate.

Under Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM) regulations for Work Permit holders, employers must adhere to several key requirements.

These include employing only workers with valid Work Permits, paying fixed monthly salaries as declared to MoM, ensuring timely payment of salaries, and covering workers’ upkeep, including medical treatment costs.

Employers are also obligated to provide proper housing and medical insurance, as well as pay the monthly foreign worker levy.

Additionally, they must secure a bond for non-Malaysian workers and ensure that no sums or benefits are demanded or received from employment agencies or third parties in connection with the workers’ employment.

Scepticism over reporting’s effectiveness

Some Reddit users expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of reporting labour exploitation to authorities, pointing to systemic issues and entrenched practices within certain industries.

One commenter downplayed Singapore’s perceived reputation among foreign workers, arguing that gruelling conditions, such as six-day workweeks and 12-hour shifts, are the norm in the food and beverage (F&B) sector.

They doubted that involving the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) would lead to meaningful change and instead advised the affected worker to prioritise finding alternative employment.

Another user, reflecting on decades of experience, observed that the exploitation of migrant workers has persisted for over 30 years.

They attributed this ongoing problem to the steady supply of vulnerable immigrant workers and suggested that while authorities are likely aware of these issues, systemic reform remains difficult to achieve.

Recommendations to seek support from migrant worker organisations

Some Reddit users advised the original poster to seek guidance from organisations that specialise in assisting migrant workers.

One commenter empathised with the difficult situation, noting that Reddit might not provide the most effective solutions.

They recommended reaching out to charities and organisations experienced in handling such cases, providing a list of resources, including Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), It’s Raining Raincoats, and the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC).

Another user echoed this advice, suggesting that involving a third-party organisation or community that supports migrant workers could lead to better outcomes.

A further commenter pointed out that involving such organisations could pressure MoM to act, as many of these groups have significant social media presence and use their platforms to advocate for change.

Drawing from their experience as a volunteer at a non-profit, they noted that public attention generated by these groups can hold authorities accountable and amplify the worker’s plight.