SINGAPORE -

Read the original article in full: NTUC launches centre to help domestic workers | The Straits Times

Excerpt:

A new Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) was launched by the labour movement on January 24.  

This is part of the ongoing outreach by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to all workers of all nationalities, said labour chief Chan Chun Sing.

Besides employment-related advice, the CDE will provide services such as mental health counselling, legal clinics, mediation, humanitarian aid and emergency shelter.

Photo: SEAH KWANG PENG/The Straits Times (Screen capture)

"The centre will also be looking at the entire system to see where we can improve (it)... so that we can have a more positive environment for our domestic employees," said Mr Chan, who is NTUC's secretary-general, at the launch event at Goldhill Centre in Thomson Road.

On the CDE's agenda are raising awareness of employment rights and holding workshops to promote good employment practices.

It will visit some source countries with employment agency associations to understand the issues foreign domestic workers face before they arrive. It is also in discussions with embassies on what more can be done to ensure the expectations of maids and employers match.

The CDE will be open from 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, except public holidays. The toll free 24-hour helpline is 1800-CALL-CDE (1800-2255-233).