NTUC’s CDE urges employers to recognise migrant domestic workers’ contributions amidst the pandemic

As part of its International Migrants’ Day (IMD) celebration this year, the NTUC’s Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) is organising a series of online activities for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to encourage them to unwind and destress to improve their mental well-being. CDE also calls on employers of MDWs to recognise the latter’s contributions and hard work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and join the online activities together with their MDWs to continue to foster a stronger employment relationship and take good care of their MDWs.

First CDE International Migrants’ Day Virtual Walk

Among these online activities, CDE is organising its first International Migrants’ Day Virtual Walk with the theme “Happy Mind, Healthy Body”. Registration and instructions for this free virtual walk is opened from 1 December till 15 December 2021 at https://web.42race.com/race-bundle/cde-imd2021. MDWs and employers of MDWs are encouraged to register and accumulate as many steps as possible during the official walk period from 12 to 26 December 2021.

Online Workshops for MDWs and their employers

Other activities throughout this December include online workshops jointly organised by CDE together with partners from private organisations and student volunteers. These include hands-on activities from scrapbooking or making tote bags, to relaxing activities that focus on mental wellness, which will take place on 12 and 19 December at various timeslots (Refer to Annex A for details). There will also be a series of mental wellness and health related advisories posted on CDE’s Facebook page to guide MDWs on how to attain a healthier body and positive mindset.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman, CDE said, “CDE encourages MDWs to spend some time recharging their minds and bodies especially during stressful times amidst the pandemic. The MDWs have worked hard to take care of their employers’ needs, and many of them have not been able to visit their families back home due to border restrictions. At the MDWs’ home away from home, we hope employers can see the MDWs as part of their family and engage in activities together with their MDWs, just as they would with their own family members. By taking part in our online activities and virtual walk, we believe it will help both employers and MDWs to learn more about and support each other, to better appreciate each other and foster a harmonious employment relationship.”

Minister of State for Manpower, Gan Siow Huang said, “It is heartening to see CDE organise these meaningful activities for our migrant domestic workers. MDWs support many families in their daily household and caregiving needs. To remain healthy physically and mentally, it is important for MDWs to have some time to relax and recharge.” MOS Gan will also be doing a virtual flag-off for the IMD Virtual Walk via a video on CDE’s Facebook page.

For more updates on the upcoming activities organised by CDE for International Migrants’ Day, check out CDE’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cde.singapore