NTUC & MWC roll out financial aid, job support for around 400 migrant workers affected by alleged unpaid wages

Affected workers linked to an alleged wage dispute involving KPA Engineering and SK Industries will receive cash assistance, vouchers, accommodation support, and help securing new employment while salary claims are being addressed.

NTUC and the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) have rolled out financial assistance and job support measures for migrant workers affected by an alleged wage dispute involving engineering firms KPA Engineering and SK Industries.

The latest measures come after at least 100 migrant workers lodged complaints over unpaid salaries at the two firms. The workers had raised concerns about delayed wage payments and uncertainty over their employment and living arrangements.

MWC said it has been supporting the affected workers since the dispute surfaced on 22 June 2026, providing food, accommodation, and medical assistance while helping them navigate concerns about their salaries, employment status, and housing arrangements. The organisation is also working with relevant agencies to facilitate employment opportunities for workers seeking new jobs.

On 24 June 2026 (Wednesday), Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General, NTUC and Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower visited affected workers at Tuas View Dormitory to hear their concerns and provide updates on the support available.

Immediate financial support for affected workers

Speaking to the media after meeting the workers, SG Ng acknowledged the anxiety many are facing.

"The migrant workers are understandably very anxious about the employment situation and their own salaries,” he said.

To help workers cope with their immediate needs, NTUC and MWC will provide a cash allowance to cover daily expenses.

Affected migrant workers who are MWC members will also receive NTUC vouchers for necessities. SG Ng noted that the support is important as many workers have limited funds on hand while continuing to meet financial obligations such as family expenses, debts, and agency fees.

Workers who are not MWC members can also receive the vouchers if they sign up immediately.

Around 400 workers affected

According to NTUC and MWC, around 400 migrant workers have been affected by the alleged unpaid salary dispute involving KPA Engineering and SK Industries.

Many of the workers shared that they hope to continue working in Singapore to support their families and repay outstanding debts. MOS Dinesh said some workers had spoken about the financial pressures they face at home, including concerns about supporting family members. Based on the workers' accounts, they are allegedly owed between one and four months' worth of salary.

150 job vacancies identified across 40 firms

Beyond immediate assistance, NTUC and MWC are focusing on helping affected workers secure new employment as quickly as possible.

SG Ng said job placement is a key priority given that many workers continue to have financial commitments and require a stable source of income. As of the morning of 24 June 2026, 40 firms had stepped forward with 150 construction-sector vacancies for affected workers.

"We are working very hard with employer partners," he said.

NTUC and MWC hope to begin the job-matching process as early as next week. Both organisations are continuing discussions with employer partners to secure more vacancies, with the aim of matching all affected workers to suitable jobs.

SG Ng added that NTUC and MWC will seek to work directly with employers so that workers do not need to go through agents or incur fresh debt in order to secure new employment.

Support for salary claims, accommodation, and work passes

At the same time, NTUC is working with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to help workers recover any salaries owed to them.

SG Ng said NTUC will do its best to support workers through the process, adding that employers must be held accountable.

Meanwhile, MOM, MWC, and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) are coordinating efforts to support workers while salary claims and investigations are ongoing.

For workers whose accommodation arrangements may be affected, MOM will facilitate temporary housing at its onboarding centre in Sengkang while MWC will continue providing food support until workers are able to regain stability.

MOS Dinesh also said workers whose work passes may expire will be placed on special passes in the interim while they are being connected to new employment opportunities.

He added that affected workers do not need to worry about their employment status while job-matching efforts are underway.

MOM investigating employers involved

Separately, MOM is investigating the employers involved in the case.

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

While investigations remain at an early stage, he said MOM will take the necessary action once they are completed.

Reaffirming NTUC and MWC's commitment to supporting the workers, Ng said every case involving workers' livelihoods would be treated seriously, regardless of the number of individuals affected.

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Lead image / Migrant Workers' Centre