Nik


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Thursday, December 20, 2012 @ 1:04 PM PERMALINK

Seeing that Christmas is just round the corner, I thought I'd just share a little about a cause I've been volunteering with.

Sorry everyone but this is a post full of text and no pictures.

Volunteering has always been something that I've wanted to do but felt that I didn't have the time to pursue. When I was in school, it always seemed that working two part time jobs and studying didn't leave much time for anything else. Once I got this full time job and finally have two full days to myself (in theory) I decided to take the leap and just do it.

I've heard of Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) for quite awhile, they are often in the papers and they represent a cause that (sadly) many Singaporeans find hard to identify with. TWC2 helps migrant workers with many of the issues they face while working in Singapore.

I know that migrant workers are a group that many find hard to sympathize with. I've received alot of strange looks while explaining to my friends why I'm choosing to help out with this particular cause. Let's face it, alot of people rather help cute animals or donate to children. In fact, many Singaporeans are quick to blame many of the problems we face on migrant workers.

When you've worked part time in the F&B and logistics industry for as long as I have, you realise that these workers are really integral to the industry. Without them, these industries would fall apart and we'd be stuck with rising costs and jobs that Singaporeans don't want. Yet instead of being recognised for their efforts, these people are treated like lesser human beings. 28 day work months (if they are 'lucky', 14 hour days standing on their feet, no medical coverage, no public holidays/leave days and the list really goes on. What I've mentioned are only things that I have noticed and repesent what some of my ex-colleagues have come to think of as 'unfair inconveniences'. Singaporean employees wouldn't even put up with a portion of this kind of treatment so I don't see why they have to.

Unfortunately, the problems I've personally heard about and seen pales in comparison so some of the problems I've heard about since starting at TWC2.

Having started working with TWC2 and listening to the workers who come to Debbie with problems, you'd be disgusted at how much these workers have to put up with. Employers unwilling to pay them injury claims, employers running away with their salary, employers hiring gangsters to intimidate workers to give up compensation or salary claims.... Some workers have been in Singapore for long periods of time, with no income trying to get the compensation they rightfully deserve.

It is very obvious that while our professional (both local and foreign) workpool is protected in their cushy offices and well paying jobs these stereotyped and marginalised workers are suffering in an environment that obviously needs tighter guidelines.

I haven't helped out as much as I'd like but hopefully as time goes by, there'll be more I can do to help. In the short time that I've started volunteering with TWC2, I've actually learnt a lot - both about the plight of our workers face and about myself. I'll keep this all for another lengthy post without photos.

In any case, if anyone who is reading this would like to find out more about the organization and what it does. Their website is : http://twc2.org.sg/.

While you don't have to rush out to support TWC2, I'd just like to remind everyone this holiday season that we are truly lucky to have what we have and while many of us all fall prey to complaining about our many first world problems (Personally guilty too, OF COURSE), it'd be fantastic if you can put aside some time or money to help a cause that is close to your heart.

If wildlife conservation is what you are interested in, my friend Ale has a post that would interest you: HERE

5 days to Christmas everyone. Let's spread some love! :)

Labels: TWC2, volunteering

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