Four drivers had rather alarming stories to tell. Mostly, they felt they were working against their will and a danger to others on the road and themselves. But what could they do about it?
Ponmugan spoke no English. His only experience of work was as a casual day labourer. What happens when he's thrown into our bureaucratic workstyle.
We were glad that MOM re-affirmed ministers' statements that workers with valid salary claims will get permission to transfer to new jobs, but how does it work in practice?
We came across an interesting comment on the website of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It sounded stern even if shrouded in diplomatic language.
Why is bad food for migrant workers such an intractable issue? Because it is a complex one that requires policy overhaul from the top, but policy overhaul requires an admission that current policy is failing.
In April 2023, the Straits Times reported on the leaving of food packets beside roadways and in open fields – food meant for migrant workers; we say the catering system will never work.
TWC2 asks workers what they think about being transported on the back of lorries. And do they think anything will improve?
Mithon's story is one of overcharging and deception, with clear indications of human trafficking. MOM's response is one of helping him get back a little bit of money. That's all.
Mother's Day may be a commercialised Western concept, but everybody has a mother, inclduing the migrant workers here. We speak to them about this key person in their lives.
Alex Au was the lead on the client (TWC2) side for the development of our second case-management system. We ask him about some of the key learnings in the course of this project.
