Workers’ rights have always been a contentious issue in Singapore, with violation and mistreatment of employees being an all too common occurence. In a rare move, a foreign migrant worker successfully took one of his former employers to court and won the case.
In March of last year, Bangladeshi national Abu Bakar Siddique filed a lawsuit against his former employers for unpaid wages and the illegal termination of his contract.
The lawsuit was a remarkable move on Siddique’s part due to the difficulties foreign workers sometimes face in Singapore. Singapore is well-known for having rigid labor laws that can make it difficult for foreign nationals to seek legal recourse against their employers.
Siddique alleged that his former employer, mining giant ProOperator, had not paid him for 5 months of work, and had illegally terminated his employment. Siddique also alleged that the company had falsely accused him of stealing work equipment and had withheld his salary in order to rectify the supposed theft.
The case was heard in the Employment Claims Tribunal, and the tribunal found in Siddique’s favor. The tribunal awarded him a total of S$16,918.50 in compensation, and the mining company was ordered to pay the amount.
The outcome of this case demonstrates that even foreign workers in Singapore have the right to seek redress if they are unjustly treated by their employers. The case serves as a reminder to employers that they will be held to account if they violate labor laws or mistreat their employees.
Siddique’s situation also highlights the importance of following Singapore’s labor laws and having proper employment contracts. His employers failed to adhere to Singapore’s labor laws, and paid the price.
In a country known for its strict labor laws, it is heartening to see the justice system take a stand and recognize the rights of migrant workers. For all foreign employees in Singapore, this case serves as an uplifting reminder that justice is within reach even in seemingly daunting situations.
