Employment agents, agent fees
8
03, 2022
As borders reopen and workers return, so do the usual abuses
Borders are open and workers are coming back. So are the age-old abuses such as excessive recruitment fees and worker churn.
3
11, 2021
At last, a (temporary) scheme to retain construction workers — more dirigiste allocation than real choice
MOM announced a temporary retention scheme to keep laid-off construction workers in Singapore. Six workers kept us informed of their experience while waiting for new jobs.
24
07, 2021
Rule change: domestic workers to enjoy one compulsory day off a month
Multiple measures to try to deal with abusive confinement of maids. How well will they work? Are there better, less-costly solutions?
19
06, 2021
Paid $5,000 to get job, worked 5 months, in limbo with no income for 18 months
"Who do you think profitted from the $5,000 you paid to get the job?" we ask Abjal. He's pretty sure the boss got half of it. The other half?
28
05, 2021
The budget you’ll need for buying a job
Volunteer Nicole asks migrant worker Sadek to tally up how much he paid to secure this third job in Singapore. He also mentions who profitted.
9
04, 2021
US Customs issues seizure order on Top Glove products over labour standards
Recruitment debt, excessive overtime, abusive working and living conditions, and retention of identity documents lead to ban and seizure of company products.
19
03, 2021
Switching jobs: Bravely into the minefield
A deep study of the hazards encountered by migrant workers in their attempts to switch jobs. Rules are complex, costs are high and plans easily derailed.
11
03, 2021
Scaffolder’s story surfaces many issues: overtime, injury, salary and kickbacks
Filing an injury claim sometimes precipitates a salary problem as well. Arzu's case shows why. He also tells us about the supervisor and employer taking kickbacks.
28
02, 2021
Straits Times’ Migrant Burden: background and commentary
A good video highlighting one of the critical issues in the exploitation of migrant workers -- recruitment costs This article adds more information surrounding it.
5
02, 2021
What else can be done but live a life of quiet resignation?
A profile of a worker with so many problems we hardly know where to begin. Monzurul may not be the luckiest guy, but his situation is not uncommon either.