By Esther Ng, TODAY columnist
When I read the contracts of these foreign workers, the terms seemed so ridiculous I felt like laughing.
For instance, a fine of $100 if a worker raises his voice against his boss. Failure to surrender one’s passport to the employer cops a $500 penalty and, purportedly, a trip to the police station.
And if a worker should so much as complain to the authorities about his employer, he will have to pay all the latter’s legal, transport and administrative costs, which the contracts stated to be some $300 per day.
But these contracts are not enforceable. Anything that is less favourable than the Employment Act is null and void – which I did not know until I was working on this story. I suspect many people don’t, either, much less foreign workers.
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Headline photo courtesy of Lianain Films
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Hope MOM can blacklist the companies for unfair employment practises towards foreign workers.
Such conditions are rampant. They even exist on some local contracts or letter of offer —- especially those for security guards. Go check them out !
@andrew leung
Wishful thinking. MOM doesn’t even do anything about unfair employment practises towards CITIZENS. The Employment Act doesn’t cover certain types of part-time work, as I once found out. I’m sure there are other loopholes local employers have found to exploit.
In Singapore it seems that the laws are slated in favour of the employers and the less well off you are, the more it seems that it’s fair game to screw you. Remember, as a worker, you have to become more productive – give more for less.
Not wishing to stand on any one’s side. But Foreign Workers aren’t exactly angels as well. Furthermore, many of such unfair practices are incorporated by foreign bosses (e.g. non singaporeans in charge of the company). Agree, MOM is powerless, on the other side of the coin, will you like to be the one to enforce rules?
To the issue of security guards, I feel sorry for them, and really, i fear for all singaporeans (males esp.) when they have to be bullied and slaved just to make a living for himself and family. I do detest the unfair employment practicess set by the affluent ppl in Singapore. Honestly, all our talk about fair practices and being generous to our fellow mates, how much have you done for this campaign?