SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating Course of Upkeep Options and Jurong Technical & Development over unpaid salaries owed to migrant staff, it mentioned on Saturday (Oct 24).
Nationwide Trades Union Congress (NTUC) deputy secretary-general Desmond Choo mentioned on Friday that near 240 migrant staff within the course of sector have gone with out pay for as much as two months.
MOM mentioned in an announcement on Saturday that it was conscious of wage arrears involving migrant staff employed by the 2 corporations.
“MOM is working intently with the Migrant Staff’ Centre (MWC) and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Administration (TADM) to help the affected staff with their wage claims and rapid wants, together with lodging and various employment preparations,” it mentioned.
The ministry warned that it takes a critical view of non-payment of salaries and that invesgitations into the businesses have been ongoing.
“Acceptable enforcement motion shall be taken if breaches of employment legal guidelines are established,” it added.
In a social media put up on Friday, Mr Choo mentioned that MWC and MOM have been offering help, together with every day meals for near 90 staff.
Representatives from the centre and MOM’s Assurance, Care and Engagement Group additionally met 230 staff on Oct 19 and Oct 20 to raised perceive their wants, he added.
Different types of help embrace job matching help to assist staff discover appropriate employment, help with wage claims – together with time beyond regulation pay – and monetary help the place wanted.
Nearly all of the affected staff have been sole breadwinners, with the missed wage funds taking a toll on their households again house as effectively, mentioned Mr Choo
He urged anybody who is aware of a migrant employee dealing with wage points to encourage them to contact MWC’s 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.
“No employee ought to face this alone,” he added.