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Letters to the editor from MOM, employers and NTUC (May 2026)
Following Straits Times' Op-ed of 19 May 2026, the newspaper published several letters. We comment on a few of them.
Despite not receiving his correct salary, “machine operator” decides not to file a claim. Why?
A worker applied for a restaurant kitchen job and was happy to get one. Not only was he not paid properly, his documentation said this was not his job.
Singapore government’s 2026 UPR report glosses over the real issues
TWC2's comments on the points made by the government in its UPR report. Notice how the narrative avoids the real issues faced by migrant workers.
Straits Times: Singapore’s building boom is forcing a reckoning on migrant labour
A longish commentary on migrant workers appeared in the Straits Times on 19 May 2026. TWC2 responded with a letter to the editor.
Workers agreed to a $1,000 salary; employer tells MOM $520
Three workers tell us that during the recruitment phase, they had been offered (and they accepted) a salary of $1,000 a month. But the IPA only showed $520. Any way to resolve this?
Overcharged for recruitment – cook has proof
With conversations on WhatsApp and bank transfer confirmations, a cook could prove that he was charged more than what the agent declared to MOM
Very much needed: a centralised jobs portal
Eradicating the cancer of recruitment fees requires systemic change, not just tougher laws. What should that systemic change look like?
Two injured workers with experiences as different as night and day
Contrasting experiences by two injured workers. One, injured nearly 2 years ago was unhappy with the process; the other, newly injured, had a boss who seemed to be doing things right.
Employer lowers overtime rate without worker’s consent, new rate accepted by TADM
Midway through a mediation session over a worker's claim for unpaid overtime, he was informed that the employer had "corrected" the overtime rate downwards.
Employment passes as work-around for manual labour needs
Two university graduates from India holding Employment Passes hint at manpower problems at Changi Airport. Is our work pass system keeping pace with needs?