Singapore minister vows to protect foreign workers

Singapore's Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin has said that his Ministry can and will do more to protect foreign workers.

Tan said in a blogpost to mark International Migrants Day late on Tuesday that there "have been various criticisms" directed at the government's handling of the migrant worker matters.

"Indeed, as with all issues, I do believe we can do more. Our various systems, including those dealing with employment issues for workers, can be improved and we will continue to work on them, " he wrote.

He said that the ministry cannot do it alone to protect the foreign workers and that the employers should play a key role too.

"Employers who bring in foreign workers must be responsible for them and treat them fairly. They must not simply look at the bottomline without caring for workers' welfare and well-being -- this applies for local and migrant workers alike," he wrote.

Tan's comments came weeks after five Chinese bus drivers were charged with inciting an illegal strike and 29 others were deported to China. They were among some 180 Chinese bus drivers taking medical leave at the same time last month in protest against inequitable pay rises and discriminatory practices at local public transport operator SMRT.

However, the tough actions against the drivers did not seem to deter foreign workers from voicing their concerns in what is widely regarded as improper or even illegal ways. Two other Chinese workers were charged recently with demanding their pay by climbing onto the top of crane.

Most recently, some 30 foreign workers from China as well as other countries reportedly refused to go to work at a construction site on Tuesday to demand their pay the employer owed them.

The incidents were hot topics of the local media and online forums. While most said the drivers should be dealt with according to the law, many of them also voiced sympathy for the drivers.

Tan wrote local residents should pause to recognize the contributions of migrant workers in Singapore -- "whether they are construction workers who help build the infrastructure we enjoy and the homes we live in, whether they are service or professional staff, or foreign domestic workers who help to care for our children and parents while we are at work."

He also compared the foreign workers to the forefathers who had come to Singapore many years ago to seek better opportunities in the city state.

"We are grateful for all their contributions and I would like to say thank you for their hard work and for helping to sustain our way of life," he said.

The minister said his ministry has reviewed its legislation and will continue to do so to ensure protection for workers.

He stressed that the Ministry of Manpower is neither pro- employer nor pro-worker, but strives to balance the employer- worker relationship while ensuring vulnerable workers are not disadvantaged.

There are about one million foreign workers in Singapore, including many working on construction sites, in restaurants and as domestic helpers to take care of the young and the elderly.

Tan said Singapore's economy and businesses will continue to tap on foreign workers to supplement specific sectors.

"These workers, who may not be familiar with the laws and avenues for help here, are vulnerable. Their rights should and must be protected," he wrote.

Some of the stakeholders are moving. Eight dormitory operators, which provide two-thirds of the about 150,000 bed spaces for foreign workers in Singapore, formed an association and was expected to roll out accreditation schemes to help improve the living conditions.

The Association of Employment Agencies Singapore told local broadcaster Channel NewsAsia on Wednesday that it is embarking on several initiatives to transform the industry.