More than 100 migrant workers gathered at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) headquarters in Singapore on November 25, 2024, to file formal complaints regarding unpaid wages. The ministry has launched investigations into two companies linked to the claims, citing potential violations of the Employment Act and the practice of withholding salary payments.
Why did the workers gather at the MOM office?
The group of workers, primarily from the construction sector, arrived at the MOM Services Centre to seek government assistance after allegedly going months without pay. According to reports from The Straits Times, many of the affected individuals claimed their employers had failed to remit salaries on time, leaving them unable to cover basic living expenses or send money home to their families.
Under Singapore’s Employment Act, employers are legally required to pay salaries at least once a month and no later than seven days after the end of the salary period. Failure to comply can result in fines or prosecution.
What actions is the Ministry of Manpower taking?
The Ministry of Manpower confirmed it is currently investigating two specific firms identified by the workers. MOM officials provided on-site support to the affected employees, assisting them in lodging formal salary claims through the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) process.
The ministry’s intervention serves as a formal mechanism to mediate disputes between foreign workers and their employers. If mediation fails, cases are typically referred to the ECT, where adjudicators can issue binding orders for employers to pay outstanding wages.
How do these wage disputes impact foreign workers?
Wage non-payment creates significant hardship for migrant workers who rely on stable income to repay recruitment debts and sustain their stay in Singapore. Advocacy groups, such as the Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), have long highlighted that salary delays remain one of the most common issues reported by low-wage migrant labor.
Historically, the government has tightened regulations to protect these workers, including the implementation of the Security Bond system. This bond requires employers to provide a financial guarantee that they will meet their obligations to their foreign employees.
What happens next for the affected employees?
The investigation into the two firms is ongoing. MOM has stated that it will work to facilitate the recovery of owed wages while ensuring the welfare of the workers is maintained during the interim period.
Affected workers are typically advised to:
- Keep detailed records of their employment contracts and pay slips.
- Report salary non-payment to MOM as early as possible.
- Seek assistance from non-governmental organizations if they face housing or food insecurity while their cases are being processed.
The ministry indicated that employers found guilty of breaching the Employment Act may face penalties, including the suspension of their ability to hire new foreign workers.
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