By Gwen Sin

Migrant workers together with local members from four unions – Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU), Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union (FDAWU), Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union (SMEEU) and Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) – celebrated Deepavali up in the air, literally, as they were treated to complimentary or discounted flights on the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel on 26 October 2011.

The Deepavali celebration event organised by the Singapore Flyer and supported by the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) marked the festive holiday with a difference. It was the first time that the iconic attraction partnered MWC to offer complimentary flights to over 100 migrant workers and local special guests as well as discounted rides to local union members and their families. The event also served as an interactive platform for workers of all nationalities to come together, fostering a harmonious coexistence.

The 30-minute scenic flight gave the migrant workers and union members a spectacular bird’s eye view of the nation’s scenic landscape. They were joined by NTUC Director, Casual & Contract, Low Wage Workers and BATU Executive Secretary Mr Zainal Sapari who was the event’s Guest-of-Honour.

Mr Zainal said: “We thank Singapore Flyer for giving these foreign workers the opportunity to enjoy the sights of our nation that they have worked hard to build. On this festive holiday, some of them will miss out on celebrations taking place back home, so the trip on the Flyer will give them the chance to relax and have some fun with their friends and fellow workers. As a union, we strive to provide better welfare for all our workers, regardless of nationality. Events such as these reaffirm the LM’s all-inclusive vision, where working people of all collars, ages and nationalities can work, live and play together in Singapore.”

Added Singapore Flyer’s Director of Sales and Marketing Jeff Tan: “It is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and to bring our migrant workers friends some festive cheer despite being away from home. As an iconic lifestyle destination, Singapore Flyer strongly believes in showing our appreciation to the workforce who plays an important part in further developing Singapore into what it is today. 
Prior to their scenic flights, our migrant worker friends also entered the Journey of Dreams interactive gallery to learn more about Singapore, their second home,”. MWC’s Executive Director Edwin Pang remarked: “We are appreciative of the Singapore Flyer, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programme, choosing to collaborate with the MWC to invite migrant workers to enjoy complimentary rides that they might otherwise not be able to afford. We are also thankful that to help the MWC promote integration and a harmonious relationship between migrant workers and locals in the workplace and in the community, the Singapore Flyer agreed to our request to extend heavily discounted rides to local union members and their families on this festive occasion too.”

The Singapore Flyer continues to extend its appreciation to all foreign workers working in Singapore with the launch of a $15 Special Migrant Workers’ Flight (usual price at $29.50). Workers just have to show their Work Permits or S-Passes to enjoy the exclusive deal from October to December 2011.