Employers acting in self-interest couldn't care less if they hurt the national interest. Singapore unfortunately jealously protects employers' self-interest. It's a dogma thing.
Ten years of loyal service counted for nothing when Arsad got injured. The law that requires employers to support injured workers doesn't mean much either.
Mohosin had to edure the months-long lockdown in a dorm. Besides mind-numbing boredom, he was also afflicted with constant pain from an arm injury.
Work permit holder went to Spain, says wasn't paid his allowances for 82-day cruise. Nor basic and overtime pay for three months.
By tying workers to their employers, workers stand to lose their jobs should they complain about anything. Rendered powerless, they have to put up with bad housing.
A 17-year-old had to choose between furthering his education or becoming a migrant worker. After five years, has it turned out well?
Recruitment debt, excessive overtime, abusive working and living conditions, and retention of identity documents lead to ban and seizure of company products.
In the second half fo 2020, Singapore could have lost 10,000 - 20,000 construction workers who would actually have wanted to stay on and work.
In September 2020, we had 801 Covid-19 cases from the dorms. From October, there has been a dramatic improvement.
We speak to two migrant workers frm India and asked them about their first training course. How things have changed... and perhaps for the worse.
