Would MOM be on the side of Ssangyong Engineering and Construction that invests $$$$$$$ in Singapore or really helping workers' plight?
All the talk about integrating workers in our midst
China workers seek MOM’s help
Neo Chai Chin
[email protected]
ABOUT 180 workers descended on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) yesterday afternoon to lodge complaints against their employer, Ssangyong Engineering and Construction.
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The workers, all China nationals, claimed that they arrived in Singapore in May and June on a monthly salary of about $1,700. But the Korean construction giant, they maintained, attempted to end their one year contracts early after another contractor offered cheaper labour.
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Ssangyong was awarded a 26-month contract to build the 2,600-room Marina Bay Sands Bay Hotel last September.
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The workers contend that problems began last month when Shanghai Jiangong came on board with about 200 of its own workers, who were paid between $1,100 and $1,200 each monthly. Ssangyong then tried to repatriate them, the workers charged.
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They said they had a meeting with the company’s human resource staff yesterday morning and were presented with three options: Work for Shanghai Jiangong at the lower rates, be sent home with $1,000 each in compensation, or find alternative employment on their own here within two weeks.
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An MOM spokesperson confirmed that the workers, employed by Ssangyong, had approached the ministry “for assistance with regard to their employment grievances”.
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“Their complaints included salary deduction and non-payment of salary. The ministry is investigating their complaints,” the spokesperson told Today.
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Ssangyong staff were not present when the workers met ministry officials. They arrived later in the evening, but avoided the press.
All the talk about integrating workers in our midst
China workers seek MOM’s help
Neo Chai Chin
[email protected]
ABOUT 180 workers descended on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) yesterday afternoon to lodge complaints against their employer, Ssangyong Engineering and Construction.
.
The workers, all China nationals, claimed that they arrived in Singapore in May and June on a monthly salary of about $1,700. But the Korean construction giant, they maintained, attempted to end their one year contracts early after another contractor offered cheaper labour.
.
Ssangyong was awarded a 26-month contract to build the 2,600-room Marina Bay Sands Bay Hotel last September.
.
The workers contend that problems began last month when Shanghai Jiangong came on board with about 200 of its own workers, who were paid between $1,100 and $1,200 each monthly. Ssangyong then tried to repatriate them, the workers charged.
.
They said they had a meeting with the company’s human resource staff yesterday morning and were presented with three options: Work for Shanghai Jiangong at the lower rates, be sent home with $1,000 each in compensation, or find alternative employment on their own here within two weeks.
.
An MOM spokesperson confirmed that the workers, employed by Ssangyong, had approached the ministry “for assistance with regard to their employment grievances”.
.
“Their complaints included salary deduction and non-payment of salary. The ministry is investigating their complaints,” the spokesperson told Today.
.
Ssangyong staff were not present when the workers met ministry officials. They arrived later in the evening, but avoided the press.
