Non-TWC2 activity: media interest
An engineer floated the concept of building mega-dormitories over the sea, each with a "small-town centre", to minimise migrant workers' entry into our downtown and Singaporean spaces. What do we say to that?
Workers tell us of their experiences during the lock-down. Here is a miscellaneous collection of their direct experiences -- about getting fever, the long wait for test results and not getting wifi.
Twenty roommates of a migrant worker were locked inside a room after the worker fell ill with Covid-19. The room was locked from the outside. The employer was unhappy we went public with the problem on Facebook. MOM also said we had not informed them.
Twenty roommates of a migrant worker were locked inside a room after the worker fell ill with Covid-19. The room was locked from the outside. TodayOnline confirms the story in a report the next day but also quotes dorm operator saying it was necessary.
Twenty roommates of a migrant worker were locked inside a room after the worker fell ill with Covid-19. The room was locked from the outside. The story (parts 1 to 3) recounts our efforts to free them from criminal confinement, and the battles we had to fight even after we succeeded.
Why are worker dormitories said to be so dirty? Who is responsible? What connection with Covid-19?
The Straits Times reported on a survey that found that households with maids use 20% more water than those without. On the face of it, it seems to put blame on domestic workers' behaviour when many other factors should be taken into account.
A Chinese worker showed us videos of the bakery where he was employed. We were mortified. He was determined to bring the matter to light. Thank goodness for his courage.
TWC2 responds to a letter in the Straits Times calling for KPIs for domestic workers.
The ILO is running a Global Media Competition for work related to labour migration. Open to professional and student journalists. Closing date 31 October 2019.