More than 100 workers from KPA Engineering and SK Industries are receiving support after going months without pay. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) have secured nearly 400 job vacancies from over 80 companies to assist these individuals. Additionally, affected workers are being relocated to a single lodging facility to streamline aid, while the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management is assisting them with salary claims.
Workers facing unpaid wages are eligible for S$200 in cash and vouchers for daily expenses, provided they register as members of the Migrant Workers’ Centre.
Employment prospects for affected workers
Ng Chee Meng confirmed that job placements for the affected workforce are scheduled to begin next week. While some workers like Mr. Ramasamy Ganesan have already secured new employment, others face procedural hurdles. Many are currently waiting for In-Principle Approval (IPA) letters to finalize their transitions to new construction firms.
The situation is complicated by expiring work permits. Mr. Subramanium Ajithkumar, who remains in his Tuas dormitory, reported that his employer extended his permit by a month without his knowledge, promising payment for urgent work that never materialized. With his employer now uncontactable, he and many others are relying on the 400 vacancies identified by the labour movement to remain in Singapore.
The reliance on In-Principle Approval letters suggests that the transition for these workers is not merely a matter of finding an employer, but navigating regulatory requirements that depend on their current permit status. The coordination of a single lodging site indicates an effort to prevent the workers from becoming isolated while they resolve their salary disputes and seek new documentation.
Corporate accountability and ongoing support
Public records indicate that Ramu Palani Velu, a director at KPA Engineering, also serves as a director for SK Industries and VVR Plant Engineering. Both KPA Engineering and SK Industries have left workers unpaid for months, with employers believed to be out of the country. These companies have not responded to requests for comment regarding the outstanding wages.
Authorities have emphasized that no worker will be left behind as they navigate the claims process. With the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management actively on-site, the focus remains on ensuring that salary claims are lodged correctly. For many of the 100-plus workers who initially sought help at the Ministry of Manpower’s Bendemeer service centre, the immediate priority remains securing a steady income through the new vacancies identified by the MWC and NTUC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial support is available to the workers?
Workers with unpaid wages can receive S$200 in cash and vouchers for daily expenses, provided they sign up as MWC members.
How many job opportunities have been identified?
Ng Chee Meng stated that over 80 companies have expressed interest, providing nearly 400 job vacancies for the affected individuals.
Why are some workers waiting to start new jobs?
Many workers are waiting for In-Principle Approval (IPA) letters to be processed before they can legally begin work with new employers.
What steps should be taken to ensure migrant workers are protected when their employers become uncontactable?