Daily Lessons from Life 02 September 2013 - Foreign workers to be grassroots leaders in dorms to help detect problems early

"Foreign workers to be grassroots leaders in dorms to help detect problems early - The Straits Times Sep 02, 2013 NGO Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC's) chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said on Monday night that getting up-to-date information from workers will help his staff intervene before problems escalate. The staff will also get more time to make arrangements to help the workers. For example, they can reserve bed spaces for them in dormitories if their companies are likely to go bust. Mr Yeo announced at a press conference that foreign workers will be appointed grassroots leaders at all 40 purpose built dormitories by the end of the year." I am glad that the NGO MWC is so keen to advocate for the rights of foreign workers in Singapore. Hopefully their work is not overly in demand as Singaporean companies and employers are behaving themselves and treat the foreign workers in a fair and just manner without any laws enforcement agencies having to follow up with them closely. Lessons for me are: 1. foreign workers need to be organized but 'appointing' and calling some of them as 'grass-root leaders' is a bit intimidating for me. I, rightly or wrongly, associate the word 'grass-root leaders' with Singaporeans; 2. not sure how much authority is given or vested in MWC's appointed foreign workers 'grass-root leaders' vs. those appointed by the People's Association; 3. whatever name the 'grass-root leader' is called, it suffices to say that: the voices of the foreign workers need to be heard. But should it not be done via the NTUC where the workers can be unionized and have their union leaders to speak for them and fight for their rights IF they were ever mistreated by their employers in Singapore? Maybe this is why MWC comes in since being a NGO it is MUCH LESS intimidating in 'appearance' and 'form'? Anyway, I am a bit confused with NGO that fights for foreign workers as it CLEARLY shows that Singapore employers are NOT exhibiting the Singapore Brand that we are so proud to declare to any investors to our tiny Red Dot that we are a nation of people with Integrity, Can Do, and Fair and Just nature. Maybe not all? Or even the majority??