Investigation and Enforcement Powers for Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices

Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider (i) empowering the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices with powers of investigation and enforcement for better implementation of fair employment practices; and (ii) providing employees with free consultation to determine if there are grounds to take their employers to task in the event of genuine workplace discrimination.

The Tripartite Alliance on Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) was set up in 2006 as a promotional body. Leveraging on its unique tripartite identity, TAFEP works in partnership with employer organisations, unions and the Government to create awareness and facilitate the adoption of fair, responsible and merit-based employment practices. TAFEP has made good progress – employers are today more aware of what it means to have fair employment practices, and the number of employers who have signed the Employer's Pledge of Fair Employment has more than trebled, from about 600 in 2007 to more than 2,000 in 2012.

Any employee who feels that he/she has been discriminated against at the workplace can today already contact TAFEP for advice. This consultation is free and TAFEP will follow up to contact the employer where there is a possible case of discrimination. Most employers whom TAFEP had engaged in the past on such complaints were cooperative and took active steps to rectify their discriminatory practices. In some instances, TAFEP may also suggest relevant training for the employers to assist them in adopting fair employment practices.

At MOM's Committee of Supply debate earlier this year, my Minister also addressed Members on the issue of fair employment. He had said then that the Government expects all employers doing business in Singapore to comply with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices. While TAFEP as a promotional body does not have the powers to enforce these practices, MOM will step in and investigate complaints surfaced by TAFEP where prima facie evidence suggests that there are discriminatory hiring practices at play. Employers who run afoul of the guidelines may have their foreign manpower work pass privileges curtailed.