NTUC and MWC roll out financial aid and job support for migrant workers affected by alleged unpaid wages

NTUC and the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) have stepped up support for migrant workers affected by an alleged wage dispute involving engineering firms KPA Engineering and SK Industries, with financial assistance and job-matching efforts now underway.

MWC said it has been supporting the workers since the dispute surfaced on 22 June 2026, providing food, accommodation and medical assistance while helping them navigate uncertainty over their salaries, employment status and living arrangements.

MWC is also working with relevant agencies to facilitate employment opportunities for those seeking new jobs.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash met affected workers at the Tuas View Dormitory on 24 June 2026 to hear their concerns and provide updates on the assistance available.

NTUC and MWC provide immediate help for affected migrant workers

Speaking to the media after meeting the workers, Mr Ng said : “The migrant workers are understandably very anxious about the employment situation and their own salaries.”

He said NTUC and MWC are stepping forward to ensure the workers’ near-term needs are met.

To help the affected workers tide over this period, NTUC and MWC will extend a cash allowance to cover daily expenses.

Affected migrant workers who are MWC members will also receive NTUC vouchers for necessities. Mr Ng added that this immediate support is important because many workers have little money on hand and continue to face financial obligations, including debts and agency fees.

For those who were not MWC members, Mr Ng said they can still receive the vouchers if they sign up immediately.

Around 400 migrant workers affected by alleged unpaid salaries

Around 400 migrant workers are affected by alleged unpaid salaries involving KPA Engineering and SK Industries. Many said they wanted to continue working in Singapore to support their families and repay debts.

Mr Dinesh said some workers shared difficult personal stories, including worries about family expenses back home.

According to the workers, they are being owed between one and four months’ salary.

40 firms offer 150 vacancies for affected migrant workers

Beyond immediate assistance, NTUC and MWC are also working to help affected migrant workers move into new jobs as quickly as possible.

Mr Ng said job placement is critical because many workers still owe debts and need stable employment.

As of the morning of 24 June 2026, 40 firms had stepped forward with 150 vacancies in construction for the affected workers.

“We are working very hard with employer partners,” said Mr Ng.

He added that NTUC and MWC hope to start the job-matching process as early as next week.

Mr Ng said NTUC and MWC will continue working with employer partners over the next few days to secure more vacancies, with the aim of matching all affected workers to suitable jobs.

Mr Ng added that NTUC and MWC will try to work directly with employers so that workers do not need to go through agents or take on fresh debt to secure new employment.

MOM, TADM and MWC support salary claims and work pass matters

NTUC is also working with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to recover the workers’ owed salaries.

Mr Ng said NTUC will do its best to help the workers recover what they are owed, adding that employers must be responsible.

“The practice of abandoning workers and not paying salaries is not something that NTUC will stand without acting upon,” he said.

Mr Dinesh said that MOM, MWC, and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) are working together to support workers during this period.

For workers whose accommodation arrangements may be affected, MOM will help move them to its onboarding centre in Sengkang, so they do not have to worry about a roof over their heads.

MWC will also continue with food support until the workers can find their footing.

Mr Dinesh said that MOM will allow affected workers whose work passes may expire to be placed on special passes in the interim while they are connected to new jobs.

He added that the affected migrant workers do not need to worry about their employment status while job matching is being worked through.

MOM investigating employers in KPA Engineering and SK Industries case

MOM is also investigating the employers involved.

Mr Dinesh said MOM takes a serious view of employers who may have caused migrant workers to be placed in such a situation.

He added that investigations are still in their early stages, and MOM will take the necessary action once they are complete.

Mr Ng said NTUC and MWC will continue to stand by the affected workers.

He said: “Every case of such nature, we will treat very seriously. It is not the issue of the number of workers but the issue of our migrant workers brothers’, some cases sister’, lives and livelihoods.”

Migrant workers who need help can approach MWC through its 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.