Maternity-related Disputes and Complaints

Debated in Parliament on 16 Sep 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

From 2008 to June 2013, the Ministry of Manpower received 617 maternity-related claims and appeals, with most resolved through mediation and a small number referred to the Minister for a decision.
About half of the cases referred to the Minister were decided in favor of the employee, but no reinstatements were ordered; compensation was provided instead, as employees often preferred not to continue with the same employer.
The Ministry enhanced maternity protection from May 2013 to cover the full pregnancy period, making employers liable for full maternity benefits if they dismiss pregnant employees without sufficient cause.
The majority of disputes involved complex issues beyond straightforward unfair treatment, often linked to alleged poor performance or misconduct by the employee.
The Ministry continues to ensure legal protections against unfair dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave, with mediation remaining the primary resolution method.

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Full Transcript

Mary Liew

Ms Mary Liew asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number of maternity-related disputes and complaints that the Ministry has received in the last five years; (b) beyond payment of maternity benefits imposed by the Ministry during mediation, how many women have been reinstated to their jobs after intervention by the Ministry; and (c) whether the Ministry is planning further initiatives to protect the employment of pregnant women from exploitation by ignorant or errant employers.

Tan Chuan-Jin

From 2008 to June 2013, MOM received a total of 617 maternity-related claims and appeals. A large majority of the maternity-related disputes were resolved through mediation and only a small handful of cases

Page: 147

were referred to the Minister for a decision. The remaining cases were withdrawn by appellants after they have had the opportunity to assess the merits of their case.

About half of the cases that go to the Minister for a decision were ruled in favour of the employee. To date, the Minister has not ordered reinstatement in any case. For such cases, compensation is a more practicable option for the employees as they would prefer not to continue employment with the same employer following their dismissal.

The very large majority of disputes referred to the Ministry are not straightforward cases of unfair treatment. In these cases, dismissal was also related to alleged employees' poor performance or misconduct. Notwithstanding this, our laws ensure that female employees are protected against unfair dismissal during their pregnancy or when they are on maternity leave. From 1 May 2013, the maternity protection period has been enhanced to cover the full period of pregnancy. Employers who retrench or dismiss their pregnant employees without sufficient cause at any stage of the pregnancy will be liable to pay for their full maternity benefits.

Page: 148

Summary written by AI (learn more)

From 2008 to June 2013, the Ministry of Manpower received 617 maternity-related claims and appeals, with most resolved through mediation and a small number referred to the Minister for a decision.
About half of the cases referred to the Minister were decided in favor of the employee, but no reinstatements were ordered; compensation was provided instead, as employees often preferred not to continue with the same employer.
The Ministry enhanced maternity protection from May 2013 to cover the full pregnancy period, making employers liable for full maternity benefits if they dismiss pregnant employees without sufficient cause.
The majority of disputes involved complex issues beyond straightforward unfair treatment, often linked to alleged poor performance or misconduct by the employee.
The Ministry continues to ensure legal protections against unfair dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave, with mediation remaining the primary resolution method.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Maternity-related Disputes and Complaints | PAPERCUTS

Maternity-related Disputes and Complaints

Debated in Parliament on 16 Sep 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

From 2008 to June 2013, the Ministry of Manpower received 617 maternity-related claims and appeals, with most resolved through mediation and a small number referred to the Minister for a decision.
About half of the cases referred to the Minister were decided in favor of the employee, but no reinstatements were ordered; compensation was provided instead, as employees often preferred not to continue with the same employer.
The Ministry enhanced maternity protection from May 2013 to cover the full pregnancy period, making employers liable for full maternity benefits if they dismiss pregnant employees without sufficient cause.
The majority of disputes involved complex issues beyond straightforward unfair treatment, often linked to alleged poor performance or misconduct by the employee.
The Ministry continues to ensure legal protections against unfair dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave, with mediation remaining the primary resolution method.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Mary Liew

Tan Chuan-Jin

Page: 147

were referred to the Minister for a decision. The remaining cases were withdrawn by appellants after they have had the opportunity to assess the merits of their case.

Page: 148

Summary written by AI (learn more)

From 2008 to June 2013, the Ministry of Manpower received 617 maternity-related claims and appeals, with most resolved through mediation and a small number referred to the Minister for a decision.
About half of the cases referred to the Minister were decided in favor of the employee, but no reinstatements were ordered; compensation was provided instead, as employees often preferred not to continue with the same employer.
The Ministry enhanced maternity protection from May 2013 to cover the full pregnancy period, making employers liable for full maternity benefits if they dismiss pregnant employees without sufficient cause.
The majority of disputes involved complex issues beyond straightforward unfair treatment, often linked to alleged poor performance or misconduct by the employee.
The Ministry continues to ensure legal protections against unfair dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave, with mediation remaining the primary resolution method.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Maternity-related Disputes and Complaints

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Mary Liew

Tan Chuan-Jin

Summary

Questions Identified

Maternity-related Disputes and Complaints

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Mary Liew

Tan Chuan-Jin

Summary

Questions Identified