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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 2: Regulation 2C
What are the legal provisions that enable MOM or employers to confine workers in dorms? Is MOM even complying with its own rules?
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.
Sinkholes on the road home
The permanent night shift made Zhong literally ill, but the employer would not allow a shift change. So he resigned, but going home was one problem after another.
Highrise hell and the kindness of strangers
One domestic worker had a blistered abdomen, another had blistered hands. Both felt they could tolerate their employment no longer. But leaving was not easy.
Two men broke our laws, sent to jail
Musa and Akkas were sent to jail. They had tried to find a way to survive and this landed them in trouble.
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?
Ready, lights, camera, action!
Although he has worked many years in Singapore before, Elyas arrives in Singapore in February 2022 for a new job. He tells us two interesting things about the recruitment process.
Laws as cobwebs
MOM's directive that all dormitory-based workers must be paid their salaries through bank is nearly two years old. Yet a worker recently came to TWC2 saying he was paid in cash.