Letter about transport for foreign workers

Michael Lim Choo San
Chairman
Land Transport Authority
1, Hampshire Road
Block 8, Level 1
Singapore 219428

22nd February 2008 

Dear Mr Lim,

Transient Workers Count Too is a Singaporean society that works for the improvement of conditions for foreign workers in Singapore.

Since our society was established in 2004, we have been concerned about the conditions in which many male workers are transported to and from their workplaces. We have written to the media on the question and spoken to journalists, voicing our concerns.

We consider that the transportation of workers in the rear of trucks or other vehicles that are open to the sky is objectionable on two counts.

When it rains, it is far from unusual to see workers being drenched to the skin on the back of vehicles, or attempting to cover their heads with plastic sheets that are far from adequate for this purpose. On a sunny day, in slow moving traffic, workers must also experience discomfort. Such exposure to the elements cannot be good for their health, nor is it respectful of their human dignity.

Then there is the question of safety. We appreciate that the Land Transport Authority has tried to raise standards of safety for workers travelling in open-backed vehicles by setting limits on the numbers to be carried, the height above ground that they may be seated and a strict speed limit of 60 kilometres an hour. No doubt this has helped to prevent a number of deaths and injuries, but we suggest that greater protection is needed. Last May, two workers transported this way were killed within the space of a week; another fatality occurred on 23rd August when 13 workers were tipped out of a lorry that overturned in an accident. 53 workers were reportedly injured in two incidents on opposite sides of Pioneer Road on 18th January. Surely they would have been better protected in an enclosed vehicle, preferably fitted with seat belts?


TWC2’s Executive Committee therefore wishes to urge the Land Transport Authority to decide to call for employers to provide enclosed transport, whether buses or mini-buses, for their workers, and to set a date upon which it will become obligatory to carry workers only in such vehicles. It is unfortunately the case that this measure would impose additional costs upon employers, but, with lives, health and dignity at stake, we believe that it is necessary.

We appeal to you to consider this call and to respond positively.

Yours sincerely,

John Gee
President,
Transient Workers Count Too