Dorm network, hotline to tackle workers' problems

Volunteer grassroots leaders are being appointed from among the foreign workers living in purpose-built dormitories in Singapore. They will look out for problems that their fellow workers are facing.

They are expected to pass on this information to the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) and its staff members will then step in to help. There will also be a 24-hour MWC Helpline that workers will be able to call.

The MWC is an initiative of the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation.

Its chairman, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, said on Monday that getting up-to-date information from workers will help his staff intervene before problems escalate.

The staff will also get more time to make arrangements to help the workers. For example, they can reserve bed spaces for them in dormitories if their companies are likely to go bust.

The project, named the MWC Dormitory Buddies Network, has been introduced at the Soon Lee Lodge in Jurong West, where grassroots leaders have been appointed.

By the end of the year, grassroots leaders are expected to be appointed in each of the 38 purpose- built dorms that house foreign workers.

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