Years ago when I first picked up the camera to make videos, my main motivation was to use video storytelling (and my privilege) as a tool to give voice to those who have had theirs taken away. So when I was asked to make a crowdfund video for a team of former bus drivers who were in a lawsuit with the bus company over unethical work practices, I had no second thoughts about it.

The campaign was organised by a local workers’ rights advocacy group, Workers Make Possible. Besides raising funds for legal fees, the campaign also sought to highlight salient issues with regard to workers’ rights violations, not just in this particular dispute between the bus drivers and the company, but also in the broader context.

When this video was being created and eventually published, the lawsuit was still ongoing, which added more complexity to the production as we had to ensure that we were not breaching confidentiality or jeopardising the lawsuit in any ways. Thankfully, the Workers Make Possible team was very diligent and meticulous in taking care of the legal and security concerns so I could focus on the video making process.

This was a landmark case for workers’ rights in Singapore, and very much a story of David fighting Goliath. Being behind the camera and documenting the bus drivers’ experiences throughout the few months was infuriating yet simultaneously empowering - infuriating as I learnt about the blatant injustice; empowering because I saw firsthand the solidarity and courage displayed by the bus drivers. They inspire me to keep fighting for justice, even when the odds are against us. Power to the people!

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Videographer and Editor - Weilee Yap

Production - Workers Make Possible