Grassroots-type network for migrant workers set to expand in next 2 years
More than 10,000 migrant workers attended the May Day Migrant Workers Celebration yesterday. Photo: Wee Teck Hian
SINGAPORE — Migrant workers in Singapore can increasingly turn to their own grassroots network as the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) grows its pool of volunteers who can reach out to them.
The MWC Buddies Network was officially set up in 2013 and has since recruited over 700 volunteers, mostly made up of migrant workers here.
The aim is to have 1,000 buddies by year end and 2,000 buddies by the end of next year.
MWC chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said yesterday: “We’re proposing to build up something like a grassroots network, so that we’re able to constantly connect with the migrant workers.”
These buddies will be able to refer certain cases to MWC for assistance, as well as provide feedback on unfair employment practices and potential incidents so that MWC can intervene quickly.
Mr Yeo told reporters during the May Day Migrant Workers Celebration at the Sungei Tengah Lodge workers’ dormitory that the MWC was able to resolve some disputes in the past two years after its volunteers alerted them to these cases.
With this network, which includes 60 business contacts, such as stall operators within the dormitories, Mr Yeo hopes these buddies will also be able to help assure migrant workers and calm the ground in times of crisis, for instance.
One such buddy is Indian national John Britto, 33, a supervisor and driver at a construction and landscaping firm who has been working here for 17 years.
While he acknowledged that he was not able to personally help his peers with employment issues, he did refer them to the MWC when they ran into other problems, such as not receiving their salaries or not having proper accommodation.
“I like to help people,” he added.
More than 10,000 migrant workers attended yesterday’s event organised by the labour movement.
It included carnival games and performances by various singers and dancers. About 150 volunteers from Victoria Junior College and DBS Bank were also present.
Minister of State (Manpower) Teo Ser Luck, who was the guest of honour, said such activities were a way to help migrant workers integrate into society.
“We have students volunteering to help these migrant workers, to have more interaction with them and forge more friendships,” he said. The MWC has also been organising events to integrate these workers and help them resolve their issues, he noted.
