Exemptions Granted to Allow Companies to Exceed Overtime Limit of 72 Hours Per Month for Employees

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower (a) in the past five years, how many exemptions have been granted under section 41A of the Employment Act, allowing companies to exceed the overtime limit of 72 hours per month; and (b) how many of these companies have been repeat applicants that have been granted multiple exemptions.

Over the past five years, a total of around 245 employers were granted exemptions from the overtime limit of 72 hours per month under section 41A of the Employment Act. Amongst these, around 165 employers were repeat applicants.

In granting these exemptions, the Ministry of Manpower takes into account the company's operational requirements and the workers' safety and health to make sure that they are not compromised. Companies have to satisfy several conditions. First, they have obtained the consent of employees in extending their overtime hours. Second, they have a good track record for maintaining employment standards and worker health and safety. Third, they have secured the agreement of the union if it is a unionised company. In addition, high-risk work activities, such as those which involve heavy machinery, are not eligible for overtime exemptions.