Articles > Facts, Research, Analysis
Stern warning – punishment without due process
Although a stern warning is not supposed to affect "legal rights, interests, or liabilities" we found that it's not quite true when issued to migrant workers. The effects therefore constitute punishment without due process.
Labour crunch during pandemic reveals hopeful possibilities for recruitment cost
When the construction industry faced a severe manpower shortage due to Covid-19 border closures, a funny thing happened to recruitment costs. Knowing the phenomenon would be ephemeral, a snapshot study was conducted.
The long lockdown, part 6: Stopping distance
On 24 June 2022, MOM retired the Exit Pass system and workers could go out freely. And still workers were calling TWC2 saying they were confined. What does this say about policy effectiveness?
The long lockdown, part 5: Hear the silence
Months into 2022, Special Pass holders remained stuck in dorms even as more and more Work Permit holders were allowed to go out. What about getting the press to highlight this injustice?
The long lockdown, part 4: Hear the men speak
We ask two workers to describe what exactly were the barriers they faced when they needed to leave their dorms. A third worker shares a screenshot of a WhatsApp exchange.
The long lockdown, part 3: The forbidden photocopy shop
Through her two months with us, our intern spoke with many workers complaining about being confined in their dorms. She shares her reflections here.
The long lockdown, part 1: Timeline
Over 300,000 migrant workers were locked down in their dormitories in April 2020. They would not be allowed to go out for leisure until 17 months later, when a tiny trickle were allowed out.
Segmentation by nationality in Singapore’s construction industry – a comparison of Thais and Bangladeshis
Singapore's construction labour force is characterised by a noticeable stratification by nationality. A study by a former TWC2 volunteer throws light on one reason why.
Job restrictions, dorm restrictions, tasteless food – migrant workers’ priority concerns
Many Singaporeans, even though well meaning, think that migrant worker issues would be solved if only we "integrated" them better into Singapore society. Is that really a priority for migrant workers themselves?
About 36,000 construction workers came into Singapore in November and December 2021
Some updates to keep up with the rapidly evolving situation regarding manpower shortages in the construction industry.