Taiwanese Merman Performer Demands Justice: Alleges Singapore Bar Owes 3 Months’ Wages Despite Exhausting All Resources

Unpaid Wages at The Mermaid: A Cautionary Tale for Performers

When a merman performer from Taiwan joined the underwater-themed bar, The Mermaid, in West Coast last November, things seemed promising. However, just three months later, the 24-year-old performer, known as Wu, found himself in a troubling situation. Along with two other Taiwanese female performers, Wu has accused the bar of withholding their salaries from February to April.

Struggles for Fair Pay

In an Instagram post on May 1, Wu expressed his frustration: “Despite seeking help from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Taiwan representative office in Singapore, we have not found a solution.” The trio is currently in discussions with the bar to reclaim their wages, but progress has been slow. They are left waiting for updates after exhausting all avenues.

Wu revealed to Shin Min Daily News that The Mermaid, which opened in June last year, owes him and the other performers about $10,000 each. Despite raising concerns with the bar manager and owner multiple times, they were told the establishment was facing financial difficulties. In hopes of receiving their wages, Wu continued working at the bar.

A former employee also shared that The Mermaid owes him approximately $4,000 in unpaid wages, stating that several employees are owed at least a month’s salary. “The owner is trying to find funds to pay the owed wages,” he mentioned, acknowledging the challenges the business is facing.

Work Permit Woes

Wu further claimed that he and his colleagues unknowingly became illegal workers after their work permits were cancelled in February. They began to suspect something was amiss in late March when the bar owner advised them not to leave the premises. After seeking help from MOM in mid-April, they discovered their work permits had been cancelled, ruining their plans to visit Thailand for the Songkran Festival.

According to MOM’s website, work permits can be cancelled if an employer fails to pay the full levy on time. A former employee noted that the bar owner learned about the cancellation in mid-March and quickly paid the outstanding levies to reinstate the permits. Wu’s work permit was reinstated on April 19, but by then, the three performers had already returned to Taiwan, as their six-month contract with the bar had ended.

Wu did receive a $1,000 transfer from The Mermaid on April 24, but he is still owed about $9,000. “I didn’t expect this during my first work experience in Singapore. I thought Singapore was a safe and fair place,” he lamented.

Raising Awareness on Employment Rights

The performers’ salary issues have garnered attention in Taiwanese media. The owner of The Mermaid told Taiwan’s EBC News that he did not intend to withhold wages and is actively addressing the situation. However, he could not provide a timeline for when the wages would be paid. Attempts to contact the bar via phone and WhatsApp revealed that The Mermaid has reportedly closed down.

This situation underscores the importance of understanding employment rights and contracts. It’s a wake-up call for Singaporeans to educate themselves on labor laws and seek help from relevant authorities if they encounter similar issues.

Improving Access to Labor Law Information

One way to enhance the situation is by making information on labor laws and employment rights more accessible. Workshops, online guides, and hotlines could be invaluable resources for Singaporeans. Additionally, awareness campaigns can educate the public on where to seek help and how to navigate employment contract issues.

How can we ensure that all workers in Singapore are informed about their rights? By providing accessible resources and increasing awareness, we can empower individuals to protect themselves and advocate for fair treatment in the workplace.

For more information on employment rights in Singapore, visit the Ministry of Manpower’s official website at mom.gov.sg.