Extent of Protection with Move to Limit Proposed Legislation against Workplace Discrimination to Five Characteristics

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry is concerned that limiting the proposed legislation against workplace discrimination to five characteristics may create unequal protection and tolerance within Government and society towards other forms of discrimination.

Our national policy and stance on discrimination is clear – all forms of workplace discrimination are not tolerated. This does not change with the introduction of legislation. The Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP) set out the principles of fair and merit-based employment. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) takes every discrimination complaint seriously and will provide assistance to those affected. Enforcement action will be taken against errant employers.

Introducing workplace fairness legislation is a major step for Singapore. We cannot legislate broad principles. The legal obligations and responsibilities that are placed on all parties need to be clear. Many other countries with discrimination legislation also specify a list of protected characteristics in their workplace anti-discrimination laws, even if the list may vary.

The Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness has proposed for legislation to provide protection against the common and familiar forms of workplace discrimination. This approach will cover most of the discrimination complaints received by TAFEP and MOM.

Legislation will work in tandem with the TGFEP, which will continue to cover all forms of workplace discrimination, and strengthen our framework for workplace fairness. Anyone who has faced any form of workplace discrimination can approach TAFEP for advice and assistance. TAFEP will be able to look into issues covered under the workplace fairness legislation and the TGFEP.