Body screams “rest”; boss says “work”

Migrant workers often find themselves vulnerable to exploitation by companies focused on maximizing output at any cost. Haqqan (a pseudonym) shared his experience with TWC2, shedding light on the harsh realities of his work life.

“It’s a very hard job. My body can’t  tahan,” he says, using the colloquial word to mean his body cannot take it anymore. “It’s painful. 60 kg, many many,” Haqqan adds, describing the physically demanding nature of his work, which involves repeatedly carrying heavy aluminum components used in building structures.

While many workers would be happy for extra work, because it means extra income for their families, the gruelling nature of their work makes rest days necessary. This sadly was not a regular thing for Haqqan.

“He doesn’t give rest either,” Haqqan explains, referring to his employer who often removes his rest days with little notice. He tells us that when work is paused because of rain, all workers must return to work on Sunday so that project deadlines are met. He was also frequently told on Saturday evenings that he must work on Sundays, upsetting his rest day plans. When he does work on a Sunday, his wage is paid at the basic rate, not the required double-time.

There was a day when he became seriously fatigued and needed to take a sick day, but his employer threatened to revoke his work permit. In the end, Haqqan says his lack of rest led to a severe sunburn that became infected.

Under Singaporean law, migrant workers should not be required to work more than 72 hours of overtime per month. They are entitled to one rest day each week, with pay, and if they work on a rest day, they must be compensated at a rate double their usual daily wage. Every month, Haqqan racks up about 104 hours of overtime — well above the legal limit of 72 hours. This is not a new issue, nor is it uncommon. TWC2 regularly hears from workers who are unable to turn down overtime work for fear of losing their jobs (see here and here).

Employers who get away with paying the basic rate instead of double rate on Sundays are also less reticent about ordering their employees to work on their rest days. The absent labour inspector gives rise to a sense of impunity among employers.

Many migrant workers come to Singapore with the goal of sending money back to their families, making them easy targets for predatory employers. Their desire to earn a living and their inability to assert their legal rights leave them vulnerable to exploitation. No matter how many educational campaigns we run to educate workers on their rights, it is only through addressing these systemic vulnerabilities and taking the enforcement of laws more seriously, that migrant workers can begin to be protected.

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