Swee Say thanks migrant workers for contributions
Migrant workers celebrate May Day with stage performance at the Migrant Workers Centre with MWC president Mr Yeo Guat Kwang attending the event. Photo: Ernest Chua/TODAY
SINGAPORE — In his final May Day as labour chief, Mr Lim Swee Say took the opportunity to thank migrant workers for their contributions via a pre-recorded video, which was screened at celebrations organised for this group of workers today (May 1).
“Much credit must go to workers in Singapore and workers from all over the world. Thank you for your years of contribution to the economy and society of Singapore,” said Mr Lim.
Celebrations were held at four recreation centres in Penjuru, Soon Lee, Kaki Bukit and Woodlands simulataneously today, in recognition of their efforts in building up Singapore.
The revelry, organised by the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) and the National Trades Union Congress, involved about 31,000 migrant workers from various industries. They were treated to performances, such as a Michael Jackson impersonator, magic show, dance performance and various games.
Many of them, decked in traditional clothing, such as the dhoti for Indian men, soaked in the atmosphere, using the towels they got as door gifts to wrap around their heads like turbans, as they watched the shows.
Speaking on the sidelines of the celebrations, MWC chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said its next area of focus is on increasing awareness among workers on their rights, especially relating to workplace injury compensation procedures.
The MWC wants to partner employers and trade unions to reach out to the workers at their workplace.
“In the past, most of our efforts were concentrated on reaching out to them where they live, or where they congregate. However, many workers still do not know what to do if they are injured at the workplace, and are not fully aware of their rights,” he said.
The migrant workers at the celebrations TODAY spoke to said they are happy working in Singapore.
Bangladeshi Sahin Mohammad, 30, who has been working as a repairman in a shipyard for nine years, said he earns enough to fund his younger brother’s studies to become a lawyer.
“Every month I send home about S$500. With the money I support my elderly parents and help my brother achieve his dream to be a lawyer,” he said. Mr Sahin’s brother is reading law at a local college in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Mr Akand Israfil, 30, who is also from Dhaka, said his working and living conditions here are good, but the high cost of living in Singapore means he is unable to send as much money home as he would like.
While he has never been injured at work, Mr Akand said he knows what to do if he does. “First, I inform my employer, then see a doctor, and then claim. No need lawyer,” he said.
