FOREIGN WORKERS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

FOREIGN WORKERS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

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(Measures to prevent exploitation and abuse): **

7.

Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Manpower in light of a recent incident where a foreign worker threatened to jump from a crane because of unpaid wages, whether the Ministry will provide an update on the measures that have been taken to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, especially those working in the construction sector.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Labour-management relations in Singapore are generally harmonious. While salary disputes may arise, the incidence has remained low. Most foreign workers in Singapore are paid according to their contracts with their employers and do not face employment problems.

For the small number of workers who have salary disputes, these are usually resolved through internal grievance procedure. If the disputes cannot be resolved at the company level, parties are advised to seek MOM's assistance.

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On the recent incident involving a foreign worker who threatened to jump from a crane because of unpaid wages, MOM's investigations revealed that the dispute involved disagreement with the deployment of the worker to a new worksite and discrepency in pay for two days' work. The proper way to resolve this issue was for the worker to discuss this issue with his management's attention or to seek MOM's assistance. As a result of the worker's actions, significant public resources were used to attend to the incident instead.

Employers are advised to pay workers' salary promptly and in accordance to the law. To ensure that workers are treated fairly, my Ministry has put in place several measures. We have enhanced our legislative framework to better protect foreign workers. We have also stepped up enforcement, education and mediation efforts to ensure that employers understand and fulfil their obligations to their workers. MOM also works closely with embassies of foreign workers working in Singapore, and the Migrant Workers Centre under the NTUC, to reach out to foreign workers and provide assistance where needed.

While MOM will continue to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to deter any errant employers and protect the interests of foreign workers, we need all employers and workers to play their part in acting responsibly to minimise disputes at the workplaces and allow foreign workers to contribute to their companies and at the same time earn a fair income.

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