Free Meals for Stranded Indian Workers in Singapore
Debbie Yong | 13.04.2008 16:06 | Migration | Social Struggles | World
THERE may be no such thing as a free lunch, but two non-profit groups here are adamant on handing out free breakfasts. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a research and advocacy group for migrant workers, has teamed up with One Singapore - a local campaign to end global poverty - to provide free morning nourishment to about 80 homeless and penniless Indian workers every weekday. The meals are typically made up of an uttapam - an Indian pancake - and a cup of coffee or tea.
THERE may be no such thing as a free lunch, but two non-profit groups here are adamant on handing out free breakfasts. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a research and advocacy group for migrant workers, has teamed up with One Singapore - a local campaign to end global poverty - to provide free morning nourishment to about 80 homeless and penniless Indian workers every weekday. The meals are typically made up of an uttapam - an Indian pancake - and a cup of coffee or tea.
The project, started a week ago, aims to help more than an estimated 50 workers from India who have made the walkways along Cuff Road their home, some for as long as a year. They have allegedly been deserted by their employers after being injured while working, or are waiting in Singapore until the cases pending against their former employers are heard. They are issued Special passes (S-passes) in the meantime, which forbids them to take on permanent employment.
"I let them come in to use my toilet or fill up their water bottles. I feel so sorry for them but this is the only way I can help," said Mr S Shanmuganathan, 54, manager of Sutha's Restaraunt on Cuff Road, which provides the free breakfasts.
To qualify for the free food, served from 7am to 9am, Mondays to Fridays, workers have to show their S-pass or a letter from their doctor or lawyer and have their names recorded. TWC2 and One Singapore have been footing the breakfast bill - of $2 a worker - with donations from the public. Church volunteer groups and the nearby Perumal temple also provide the workers with free dinners on weekdays, but these are given out on an ad hoc basis. "Food is a basic human need and we wanted to focus on breakfast particularly so the workers can have a positive start to each day," said TWC2 helpline manager Sha Najak. She estimates, however, that the $2,200 balance they have left in their coffers for the project will only be enough for the next two months.
Plumber Mr Ayyavoo Thuniayar, 34, is one thankful recipient of the food service. The Tamil Nadu native has been going to the restaurant every morning for
the past two weeks. At night, he sleeps outside the Singapore Gujarat Society's premises on 36 Cuff Road. He has been stationed there for the past two months after being evicted from his workers quarters by his employer, a local construction firm, following a worksite accident in January that left him with a crushed leg.
A medical certificate exempts him from work until May 12 but the full insurance payout will be made out to him after he is fully recovered, he said. He added: "My employers divert me to one another when I ask for the salary they owe me. Now I have no money for a room or food. "If this is only happening to me, it's okay, but it is the same story with many and they are scared to speak out."
The project, started a week ago, aims to help more than an estimated 50 workers from India who have made the walkways along Cuff Road their home, some for as long as a year. They have allegedly been deserted by their employers after being injured while working, or are waiting in Singapore until the cases pending against their former employers are heard. They are issued Special passes (S-passes) in the meantime, which forbids them to take on permanent employment.
"I let them come in to use my toilet or fill up their water bottles. I feel so sorry for them but this is the only way I can help," said Mr S Shanmuganathan, 54, manager of Sutha's Restaraunt on Cuff Road, which provides the free breakfasts.
To qualify for the free food, served from 7am to 9am, Mondays to Fridays, workers have to show their S-pass or a letter from their doctor or lawyer and have their names recorded. TWC2 and One Singapore have been footing the breakfast bill - of $2 a worker - with donations from the public. Church volunteer groups and the nearby Perumal temple also provide the workers with free dinners on weekdays, but these are given out on an ad hoc basis. "Food is a basic human need and we wanted to focus on breakfast particularly so the workers can have a positive start to each day," said TWC2 helpline manager Sha Najak. She estimates, however, that the $2,200 balance they have left in their coffers for the project will only be enough for the next two months.
Plumber Mr Ayyavoo Thuniayar, 34, is one thankful recipient of the food service. The Tamil Nadu native has been going to the restaurant every morning for
the past two weeks. At night, he sleeps outside the Singapore Gujarat Society's premises on 36 Cuff Road. He has been stationed there for the past two months after being evicted from his workers quarters by his employer, a local construction firm, following a worksite accident in January that left him with a crushed leg.
A medical certificate exempts him from work until May 12 but the full insurance payout will be made out to him after he is fully recovered, he said. He added: "My employers divert me to one another when I ask for the salary they owe me. Now I have no money for a room or food. "If this is only happening to me, it's okay, but it is the same story with many and they are scared to speak out."
Debbie Yong