“For the 5 years that I have been with MWC, I have never encountered such an unscrupulous employer.” exclaimed Reshma, a native Indian who has moved to Singapore since 2008 with her husband.

Reshma Basu joined Migrant Workers’ Centre since its startup in 2009. A polyglot of Indian languages, her ability to converse in Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi and Marathi is instrumental when it comes to handling different Indian workers who come to the centre for help. However, this case story not only tapped on her language expertise, but more. 

On 15 April, the MWC team made their way to Sungei Kadut industrial estate to ensure that the three workers who came forth to the Serangoon centre 2 days ago are not subjected to forceful retaliation from their employer.

“These three workers, led by Bangladeshi Rahman* came to MWC on 13 April to report that they have not received salary for three months. After questioning, it came to light that a staggering 50 workers were affected too.” Reshma said. “Out of fear of repatriation, only 20 workers would like to receive help as they don’t wish to get into trouble with their employer.”

Not only did the company owed the workers salary arrears ranging from one to six months. The workers were also “silenced” by their boss who promised them that their salaries will be given out in July. While in the interim, the company will support them by providing transport and food monies.

“We immediately sprang to action by mobilizing a team down to the workers’ dormitory by reassuring them that they don’t need to be frightened by their employer and to fight for their hard-earned salary and what is rightfully theirs.”

Executive Directors, Bernard Menon and Hans Goh addressed the group of workers by informing them about their rights and assured them that they will receive their salaries. The group of workers that came forward were the ones that are not afraid of help. Their particulars were logged down and escalated to Ministry of Manpower for next course of actions.

“Someone must have informed the boss that the informants have gone to the authorities for help.” Reshma added, “If not, the boss wouldn’t be threatening to send these three workers back home. This is just not right! We are talking about six month worth of unpaid hard work, sweat and the workers’ inability to send money back home for their family!”

“The morning of 15 April, when I received the call from Rahman seeking MWC’s help, I know this boss is up to something. He is just pushing his luck by scaring these three workers via forceful repatriation.”

“I have never witnessed a grown man cry before, Rahman called me in a sobbing tone and asked if we could come back them up while their boss talk to them. We immediately drove to their worksite.”

Rahman and his two colleagues were called to their boss’s office and was told off harshly for approaching the authorities for help.

When the MWC team reached Sungei Kadut industrial estate, the team decided to stay low and let the three workers sort things out with the boss to avoid unnecessary conflict.

After a long wait, the boss decided to return the workers’ work permits and not force them back home.

The team accompanied the 3 workers to MOM to officially lodge their case. Reshma was on site to help with translation while the workers’ cases were filed.

The employer was called up for investigation and till date, all 60 workers from the company has been paid their January and February salaries. Their March salary will be paid in May as promised by employer.

“My wife was worried that I haven’t been sending money back home for the past three months. I don’t want her to worry, so I kept telling her money will come next month. Sometimes, I even avoid her calls as I don’t know what to tell her. Now I can finally send money back and not feel ashamed to talk to her,” Rahman recounted.

“I am thankful that MWC held my hand all the way. From the day I walked into the centre, to the day I got my salary back. It took only 8 days for the case to settle. They even gave me the courage to demand what is mine and I am very happy.” Rahman said cheerfully.

The stark contrast of a weary and fearful man who came into our doors to the now jubilantly smiling Rahman Chandran, is akin to witnessing the morning sun rising brightly from behind dark brooding mountains.

*Name kept anonymous to protect the worker.