The Global State of Workers' Rights - Singapore
Because of its size and political influence, collective-bargaining power lies almost exclusively with the NTUC. Trade unions and nonmanagerial workers may technically participate in strikes if they obtain a majority secret-ballot vote in favor of the action. However, strikes are not common in Singapore; the last sanctioned strike took place in 1986. Unsanctioned strikes, even when peaceful, are considered illegal.
The treatment of migrant workers, especially those employed in households, has been problematic. Singapore hosts an estimated 160,000 migrant household workers, mostly from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Human Right Watch has noted that many of them face long working hours, no rest days, low wages, and effective confinement to the employer's home. Cases of household workers being abused have been frequently reported. The law stipulates harsh punishment for employers who abuse their foreign workers. The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act requires the employer to ensure that the worker is not ill-treated, exploited, willfully neglected, or endangered. Nevertheless, migrant household workers do not enjoy the full protection of the law.