MOM probing TV company for unpaid salaries: 'My debt is neck deep, my property seized by bank,' says employee
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating a Singapore-based company called TechTV Network after five employees claimed they were not paid their salaries for months.
Two employees, Stompers M and Anonymous, alerted Stomp to the situation.
"Imagine I was employed by an employer who did not have a budget at all," said M.
"I am the one whose life is ruined. My debt is neck deep. My son is always in danger of not going to school.
"My property was seized by the bank. I cannot afford a home and medical maintenance. All our emergency funds have already been exhausted.
"All of this would never have happened if we were only paid on time."
In response to a Stomp query, MOM and Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) issued a joint statement that they are assisting five employees from TechTV Network on their claims for unpaid salaries.
The statement added: "MOM is investigating the company for possible offences under the Employment Act and will continue to extend help to affected employees."
TechTV Network owns TechStorm, which describes itself as "Asia's largest and fastest growing 24/7 media distribution platform".
Founded by Singaporean Debbie Lee in 2019, TechStorm was removed from Singtel TV on Nov 29, 2024.
Anonymous told Stomp that the employees had not been paid their salaries since September 2024.
"This has left many of us struggling to meet basic needs, including utilities, taxes, medical expenses, and necessities," said Anonymous.
"We have made numerous attempts to address this issue through official complaints, direct employer meetings, and legal channels, but our employer continues to ignore our pleas, and we are expected to work regardless. The financial and emotional toll on us has been severe, and we are now at a breaking point.
"It is unacceptable that hardworking employees are left to suffer while those responsible show no concern for our well-being. Many of us have families to support, debts piling up, and no alternative means of survival. We are being forced to deal with our own problems while those in power refuse to take responsibility."
He added that the employees' Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions have not been made since June 2024.
"Since July 2024, we have been informed that the company is in the process of securing funding, and the company issued a letter stating that loyal employees who remain with the organisation during challenging times will be rewarded once new financial stability is achieved," said Anonymous.
"However, month after month, misleading statements have been made, creating false hope that salaries will be paid...
"Meanwhile, we are still expected to fulfill our professional responsibilities without pay. Many of us face mounting debts, mortgage obligations and unpaid taxes for 2024, leaving us in severe financial distress."
He added: "I understand the individual who is suffering the most - a former colleague, M - has already reached out to you. His courage in speaking up deserves support, not isolation. I am adding my voice now because it's time the truth come out."
Stomp has reached out to TechStorm and Ms Lee for more info.
MOM and TADM also said: "We would like to remind employers to pay salaries and CPF contributions on time to their employees.
"Employees in Singapore who are not paid salaries on time can file their claims with TADM, which will assist workers in recovering their salaries either through mediation or referring the case to the Employment Claims Tribunals for determination."
Employees who require assistance can contact TADM at tal.sg/tadm/contact-us.
