Articles

20 08, 2014

Cost implications of government policies crucial to question of foreign worker accommodation

alex2019-08-30T16:33:05+08:00August 20th, 2014|Articles, Facts, research, analysis, Media Coverage, News, News Flash, Our Stand|

The Straits Times recently carried a story about foreign worker accommodation. Unfortunately, it didn't get to the heart of the matter: the way government policies affect cost and affordability considerations. The newspaper's 19 August 2014 story spoke about the rising number of vacancies at purpose-built dormitories. There are about 5,000 vacancies, said the story, though

17 08, 2014

In three months: Three scams and one hantam

alex2019-08-30T16:33:05+08:00August 17th, 2014|Articles, Stories|

With additional reporting by Mohd Ridhwan Saju kept reminding his boss for the rest of his May 2014 salary. He had received only $300 compared to something over $1,000 he considered was rightly due. He had put in a lot of overtime work in May. "Ah Soon, he say later, later," reports Saju of his

13 08, 2014

They’re going on holiday together

Volunteer Writing Team2019-08-30T16:33:05+08:00August 13th, 2014|Articles, Stories|

By Keith Wong I asked four friends when we were having a Friday night out whether they'd prefer to use a moving company that employed Bangladeshi workers or one that employed ex-convicts. There was no contest. All made it exceedingly clear they would choose the company that had Bangladeshi workers. "They're very hardworking," one said. "And

8 08, 2014

Roof and rail for injured workers

webmaster2019-08-30T16:33:05+08:00August 8th, 2014|Articles, Happenings|

Tuesday, 29 July 2014, a delegation from the Indian Women's Association presented TWC2 with a donation of $4,000. Above, IWA president Pui Lahiri (second from right) presents the cheque to TWC2 president Russell Heng. Other leaders of the IWA who came to our office were Seema Chatterjee (left), Viji Ramakrishna (second from left) and Devika

5 08, 2014

Saudi versus Singapore: Different spaces, different lives

Volunteer Writing Team2019-08-30T16:33:28+08:00August 5th, 2014|Articles, Stories|

By Danielle Hong Mohammed Gafur is here at the TWC2 office with a friend to deal with his injury compensation. He has kept all his bills and time cards, a practice of storing evidence learnt in the eleven years he has been living in Singapore. Though calm and rational, he is anxious, having witnessed too many

1 08, 2014

After eight loyal years, fired when he fell ill, part 2

alex2019-08-30T16:33:28+08:00August 1st, 2014|Articles, Stories|

With additional reporting by Debbie Fordyce Part 1 described how Mollah Jahangir lost his job as soon as he asked his employer to pay for medical treatment. This, even though he had loyally worked for the company for eight years. And even though he continued working for five months since the start of 2014 when

29 07, 2014

After eight loyal years, fired when he fell ill, part 1

alex2019-08-30T16:33:28+08:00July 29th, 2014|Articles, Stories|

"So many years, I not sick," says Mollah Jahangir, 35. "One time have problem only, boss quickly want to send me home." This employer enjoyed loyalty from his worker for eight years, but showed none in return. Mollah Jahangir worked as a grass cutter and occasional water pipe fixer for CPK Contractor Pte Ltd, one

27 07, 2014

Volunteers ‘lightering’ up at Outreach

GuestContributor2019-08-30T16:33:28+08:00July 27th, 2014|Articles, Stories|

We asked new volunteers who helped out at our July Outreach to contribute some reflection and feedback. Here is one: By Ying Zhen It was my first time participating in a TWC2 outreach activity. I was a little nervous at first because I did not know if I could do what was expected of me.

23 07, 2014

Falling 3 metres, Homun feels he’s a marked target, part 2

Volunteer Writing Team2019-08-30T16:33:28+08:00July 23rd, 2014|Articles, Stories|

By Elizabeth Zhou Continued from Part 1. That night, Homun went out for a walk to clear his head. And as it was with Kamal’s plot, someone was following him – once again, he was Indian. He recognized him as the building’s security. Would he be told he would be sent home as soon as

22 07, 2014

Direct Services Report for 2013

webmaster2019-08-30T16:33:29+08:00July 22nd, 2014|Articles, Facts, research, analysis|

Periodically, Transient Workers Count Too produces a Direct Services Report, summarising the help we render to migrant workers. Help takes various forms, including advice through a toll-free helpline, intervention and case management, medical care, transit cards and of course the free meals programme in the Cuff Road Project. The report for the year 2013 can