NTUC and the Centre for Domestic Employees spread cheer to domestic employees virtually

In recognition and appreciation of our domestic employees’ contributions especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), presented the annual NTUC May Day Domestic Employees Celebration on 13 June 2021, Sunday. This virtual celebratory show was livestreamed on the NTUC May Day Domestic Employees Celebration’s and CDE’s Facebook pages from 12pm to 3pm.

Over 9,000 domestic employees, their employers and guests tuned in to the virtual show, which was packed with pre-recorded and live performances by domestic employees in Singapore and regional artistes from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar. Domestic employees who tuned in to the show also participated in interactive games, as well as taking part in a lucky draw to win attractive prizes. NTUC President Mary Liew, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and NTUC Central Committee members joined the online celebration as well. 

With tightened border controls due to COVID-19, many domestic employees are unable to return to their home countries to visit or reunite with their families. The tighter Safe Management Measures as Singapore entered Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) also meant that domestic employees have to limit their outings and are unable to meet with their friends during their rest days. In view of this, the virtual show aimed to spread cheer to our domestic employees and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and help uplift one another’s spirits.

Ms Wenvie Savillano Gutierez, 40 years old, has been working as a domestic employee for eight years. She was one of the participants who submitted her performance videos to CDE to be played at the virtual show. She said, “I love singing and playing the guitar! When I saw the Facebook post for this event, I decided to join because I want to show everyone there is no boundary for music. And it is important for us to find ways to relax during this challenging time.”

Minister of State (MOS) for Manpower Gan Siow Huang, who is also the Guest-of-Honour, delivered a message for the domestic employees during the virtual show. She gave her appreciation to domestic employees for working tirelessly to care for our families and keep our households running smoothly. She also encouraged domestic employees to stay positive and help one another during this period.  

On behalf of the Labour Movement, NTUC Central Committee Members Ken Tan and Raymond Chin, who are the President of Public Utilities Board Employees’ Union and General Secretary of Union of Security Employees respectively, delivered pre-recorded messages to thank our domestic employees as well as our migrant workers. Brother Ken acknowledged the sacrifices many of the domestic employees went through when they were unable to return home to visit their loved ones. He encouraged them to approach NTUC and CDE if they need any support. Brother Raymond highlighted the other ways the Labour Movement paid tribute to all migrant workers by running campaigns on both CDE’s and Migrant Workers’ Centre Facebook pages where the stories and aspirations of our migrant workers were shared with the community, this is so that more can get to know our migrant workers better.

For the virtual event hosted on CDE’s and NTUC May Day Domestic Employees Celebrations Facebook page, there were a total of over 7,000 views, 9,000 people reached and 16,000 engagements (Likes/shares/comments).