MWC provides help to migrant workers over alleged unpaid salaries at KPA Engineering and SK Industries

The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) has stepped in to help migrant workers affected by alleged salary issues at KPA Engineering and SK Industries, moving quickly to address their immediate needs and guide them through their next steps.

 

The immediate assistance includes food and transport support, advice on salary claims, and help with employment-related concerns.

 

MWC will also support the affected workers in pursuing their salary claims through the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), while continuing to look after urgent needs such as accommodation, meals and transport.

 

More than 100 migrant workers sought help at MOM over unpaid salaries

 

On 22 June 2026, more than 100 migrant workers of the two companies turned up at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services Centre in Bendemeer to seek help over alleged unpaid salaries.

 

Thirty-six-year-old KPA Engineering Supervisor Dinesh said he is owed almost $7,000 in salary that had not been paid since April.

 

He said that there had been salary delays before, but they were always paid eventually. He has worked for the company for 11 years.

 

When asked why he did not bring up the issue to MOM earlier, he said: “We trusted our boss. Our salary was delayed before, but it was eventually settled. We thought it would be the same this time. Now our bosses are gone, and we don’t know what is going to happen.”

 

The workers’ salaries vary, with most earning between $600 and $1,300 per month.

 

Another worker said he experienced a power outage at his worksite on 18 June 2026 and was unable to operate the machinery.

 

The workers added they became more worried after they were unable to contact their employers over the weekend for the new week’s work schedule.

 

MWC provides food and transport assistance

 

MWC said it took immediate action after learning of the situation.

 

When MWC met the affected migrant workers at MOM, many had little or no money for food or transport.

 

Some workers also could not afford transport back to their dormitories. MWC made arrangements to ensure they could return safely.

 

MWC’s support continued beyond the group that turned up at MOM.

 

 

On the same day, MWC officers also went to various workers’ dormitories to engage affected workers who had not gone to MOM earlier.

 

At the dormitories, MWC engaged more than 300 workers, listened to their concerns, advised them on their next course of action and assured them that help was available.

 

Salary claims to be pursued through TADM

 

While the claims are being worked out, MWC will continue to support the workers through this difficult period.

 

The centre said further assistance may include temporary shelter and help with a change of employment, if needed.

 

MOM and TADM are also assisting the workers by reaching out to the employers.

 

MOM is investigating the two companies for possible breaches and has said that action will be taken, if necessary.

 

Workers should seek help early

 

MWC encouraged migrant workers who are owed salaries or facing workplace issues to seek help early.

 

NTUC Migrant Workers Segment Director Michael Lim said: “No worker should face these problems alone.

 

“Paying workers their salaries fully and on time is a responsibility of every employer.”

 

He added that MWC will stand alongside workers whose rights are not respected.

 

For NTUC and MWC, the incident underscores the importance of workers knowing where to turn when they face salary arrears or other workplace difficulties.

 

NTUC will continue to support members and workers who face challenges at work, and ensure they receive guidance, assistance and a clear path forward.

 

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