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Jail for bosses who mistreat workers, says judge
This article was first published on Yawning Bread and republished here with permission (slightly edited). In a landmark judgement from the High Court, Justice V K Rajah not only dismissed the appeal of an employer who caused great suffering to over 600 foreign workers, but stated for the record that
Of life and debt
By Spiegel Ramachandran arrived six years ago. Leaving his parents and two siblings in Tamil Nadu, he found in Singapore a new life, steady employment, and a shot at lifting his family into a better existence. He earned his keep as a fitter at Jurong Shipyard, where his amiability and
Donate your older cameras and laptops to TWC2
Stay green, at least a little longer. Don't be so quick to throw away your older cameras and laptops when you've bought a newer model. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) has use for them. As a charity organisation, we depend entirely on donations. Rather than spend precious cash donations on
Not like a fridge or washing machine
It's been 33 years, said Isaac Tan, since foreign domestic workers started moving into Singaporean households. A generation of young people has grown up with them. How have their presence impacted our lives? Together with his friends, Abhiroop Basu, Dawn Toh and others – "creative types", according to TWC2 president
Banned for being broke
"I no money, I no job," said Kesar (real name withheld on request), explaining why he worked illegally for a short spell. After he complained to his employer about deductions from his salary, he was threatened. "Boss angry and he say 'I send you back to Bangladesh'." Fearing capture and
Salaries should be paid in full within 7 days — the legal basis
In a booklet distributed by the Ministry of Manpower to Work Permit holders, titled 'A Guide for Foreign Workers', there is a brief mention of when employers are supposed to pay their workers. It says: Payment of Salary You should receive your salary at least once a month and within
Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations
Section 29 of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) empowers the Minister (in this case, the Minister of Manpower) to make additional regulations governing the employment of foreign manpower. These additional Regulations have the status of subsidiary legislation (also known as by-laws). That is, they have the force of
Midnight rescue
The midnight air was humid and still. Russell slid his car into the driveway fronting the block of flats marked for the rendezvous, turned off his headlights, and rolled down his window glass to listen intently to the sounds emanating from the block. Nothing unusual so far -- a bit
Workers asked to choose between pay cut or repatriation
Without work, Abubakar (right, above) was not getting any money and had to depend on free meals served by TWC2, but it wasn't because the scaffolder wasn't willing to work. It was simply because his boss was penalising him for refusing to take a pay cut. The boss had not
Marathoners push themselves for TWC2
The annual Standard Chartered marathon is around the corner. Scheduled for December 4, 2011, Pui Kwan Lee, Shuxia and Aseem Thakur are motivating themselves by the thought of TWC2's worthy cause. These three runners have created donation pages on Give.sg where you can support their efforts by making a contribution.