All items filed under News
Worker acquitted of charges. Yet, is he barred from working in Singapore?
Prosecutors dropped charges reportedly for lack of evidence. Yet Kirpal Singh was given a stern warning, which in many cases means the worker cannot work here again. Wouldn't this be unjust?
No-consent period for job transfers “adjusted”, in effect shrunk
MOM's "adjustment" of the no-consent period makes it contingent upon employers giving consent. Circular logic?
At last, a (temporary) scheme to retain construction workers — more dirigiste allocation than real choice
MOM announced a temporary retention scheme to keep laid-off construction workers in Singapore. Six workers kept us informed of their experience while waiting for new jobs.
Covid-19 crisis at Jalan Tukang dormitory — some immediate comments from TWC2
Hundreds of mostly unvaccinated workers came down with Covid-19 at a dormitory, but the scene was set well before by government policies or neglect.
On wrongful dismissal, TADM’s conception of its role is deeply flawed
TADM's conception of its mediation role, in our view, undermines the neutrality one would expect of it and intentionally or not, creates a bias against employees.
Government announces new standards for control of virus, packaged as new dorm standards
The Ministry of Manpower announced new dormitory standards in September 2021. They're nearly all about control and surveillance, not comfort and wellbeing.
Letter in the Straits Times: TADM’s role in wrongful dismissal claims is to mediate, not adjudicate
TWC2 points out in a letter to the press that in handling wrongful dismissal claims, TADM tends to exceed its powers.
Our letter in Straits Times Forum: Ensure pilot schemes to bring migrant workers in are well thought through
Pilot programmes to bring in new batches of workers are being planned. We urge that details be thought through carefully and all workers be vaccinated.
Rule change: domestic workers to enjoy one compulsory day off a month
Multiple measures to try to deal with abusive confinement of maids. How well will they work? Are there better, less-costly solutions?
Some latest numbers on dorm population and vaccination
Triangulating from various figures published recently, the latest estimate for Singapore's dorm population is 275,000, of whom about 45% are fully vaccinated.