Some migrant workers employed by Shanghai Chong Kee had to use their personal savings for food and transport expenses, both of which are usually provided by the company. This leads to them holding a protest on 18 October 2022 outside a building at Ang Mo Kio.
In case you forgot what happened, here is a recap.
The Protest
Nine workers held up signs that said “Shanghai Chong Kee” and “pay back the debt” in English and Mandarin, even though some of them don’t look like they are Chinese.
They allegedly blocked the entrance and exit of the NCS Hub Building while holding up signs, demanding their salaries.
After about 20 minutes, the police arrived at the scene and told them to stop their activities. They have been assisting with investigations.
The company’s safety director said the protest was a payment dispute between his company and subcontractor Zhengda Corporation.
The nine workers were from Zhengda Corporation, of whom six were engaged by Shanghai Chong Kee for renovation at the Ang Mo Kio site.
Shanghai Chong Kee Did Not Make Payment for Weeks
According to Zhengda Corporation, Shanghai Chong Kee did not make payment for weeks.
However, Shanghai Chong Kee has issued two cheques, Zhengda Corporation’s project director said.
When staff from the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) visited the S11 Dormitory @ Punggol to meet the workers, they learnt that many of them faced issues with their employment.
Some workers were even required to use their personal savings for food and transport.
Caterer Sourced to Provide for Their Daily Meals
MWC then sourced a caterer to provide for the daily meals of the roughly 200 workers from the company who reside at S11 Dormitory.
They have also checked on the workers’ physical and emotional state and also offered to help them to resolve any well-being related issues.
The management of both companies will be contacted to ensure that workers’ interests are protected.
“Workers facing workplace issues need not resolve these themselves and can instead turn to BATU and MWC for assistance as we stand ready to render our help,” said the Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU) and MWC.
MOM also said it was alerted to the incident and that the workers have been assured of the help by MOM and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management.
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