More assistance, free legal clinics for low-wage workers: NTUC

SINGAPORE — The National Trade and Union Congress’s (NTUC) U Care Centre, a one-stop centre dedicated to promoting the welfare of low-wage workers in Singapore, is looking to have a greater presence in the heartlands, and will provide free monthly legal clinics expected to commence in the first quarter next year.

The announcement was made at a media briefing today (Dec 26) by Mr Zainal Sapari, NTUC’s assistant secretary-general and director of NTUC U Care Centre. Since its opening in November last year, U Care Centre Care Centre assisted 5,500 individuals on a range of work-related issues after reaching out to 50,000 low-wage workers through outreach events such as roadshows and employment seminars.

Several common issues faced by low-wage workers were highlighted by NTUC. In general, a majority of workers are ill-informed of their rights at work while there are still some who still do not understand their payslips, which gives rise to ignorance on what they are entitled to. Other problems faced include non-payment of salaries, miscalculations in Central Provident Fund contributions and unauthorised salary deductions.

Speaking at the media briefing, Mr Zainal said that U Care Centre centre will continue to “push for better jobs, better pay and better respect” for low-wage workers.

“Through our outreach initiatives and efforts to be accessible to more low-wage workers, we hope more will be made aware of their employment rights so that they can work and live with peace of mind,” he said.