On 20 Mar, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General, Zainal Sapari shared his thoughts on the welfare given to low-wage workers in Singapore.
In the blog post, Mr. Sapari rallied everyone to play a part in “uplifting the lives of low-wage workers.” Everyone should ensure that their own companies provide proper rest areas even for outsourced workers such as cleaners, security officers, and landscape maintenance employees working in the building premises.
Many companies provide good rest areas for their permanent employees. However, it usually isn’t the case for outsourced workers. Many times, they are not given a choice but to rest in undesirable corners and spaces.
Mr. Sapari also praised several organizations, such as the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore Staff Union (IRASSU), Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and National Environment Agency (NEA) for taking care of their cleaners, security officers and landscape maintenance workers. Pictures of the well ventilated and facilitated rest areas of the various organizations were highlighted in the blog post.
He emphasized that a proper rest area is beyond a space within a building for workers. Instead of secluded corners or staircases, rest areas should be a safe, private and conducive place for workers to have their breaks and to store their belongings securely. This will also create a greater sense of dignity and self-worth for the workers.
Mr. Sapari urged property developers to allocate some rest areas for these workers when designing new buildings. Noting that some buildings might not have designated rest areas, he suggested that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) could waive the Development Charge if building owners decide to set aside a rest area for the outsourced workers. As such, they would be more inclined to do so, he added.
Outsourced workers are also considered employees. They should deserve the very same rights and treatment as permanent employees. These outsourced workers help keep our environment clean and safe. Surely, they deserve at least a proper rest area, right? “So wherever you are, do what you can, with whatever you have, to help a low-wage worker live with dignity.”
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