Employment & labour — Topics

26 Feb 2024

Reasons for Stalemate After Conciliation or Arbitration Where Unionised Companies and Unions Could Not Enter Into Collective Agreements

The Minister for Manpower noted that Collective Agreements are voluntary and depend on mutual agreement between unions and employers
A common reason for stalemate is a small unionised workforce, which may make formal agreements less practical
Some unions and employers prefer less-formal arrangements focusing on specific areas like training and grievance handling before committing to a full Collective Agreement
These initial arrangements can help build mutual understanding and stronger relationships before parties are ready for a formal agreement
The decision to proceed with a Collective Agreement ultimately rests with both parties based on their readiness and mutual consent

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26 Feb 2024

Cases Referred for Conciliation due to Refusal of Unionised Companies to Enter into Collective Agreement

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry of Manpower about cases where unionised companies refused to enter into Collective Agreements over the past five years, including numbers referred for conciliation, escalated to arbitration, or resolved with agreement.
Tan See Leng responded that eight cases were referred for conciliation, with four companies agreeing to continue bilateral discussions after MOM's mediation and four cases withdrawn before conciliation.
None of the eight cases were escalated to the Industrial Arbitration Court for arbitration, and parties could seek further assistance from MOM if needed.

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26 Feb 2024

Students Enrolled in Nursing Programmes in ITE, Polytechnics and Universities Who Joined Nursing Profession after Graduation

The Ministry of Health reported that the total intake for nursing programmes in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) was about 2,100 in Academic Year (AY)2022, with 1,300 from polytechnics, 500 from ITE, and 300 from NUS, increasing by about 100 students in AY2023.
Approximately 90% of nursing graduates from IHLs who were in full-time permanent employment within six months of graduation in 2022 practised nursing, according to the Graduate Employment Survey.
The 2023 data on the employment of nursing graduates is not yet available, as noted by the Minister for Health.

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26 Feb 2024

Factors Leading to Decline in Real Income Growth for Bottom 10% of Income Earners and Additional Help Initiatives Being Considered

Yip Hon Weng asked about the factors behind the decline in real income growth for the bottom 10% in 2023 and potential additional initiatives to support low-income households.
Lawrence Wong explained that uneven growth and higher prices in 2023 caused negative real income growth for the bottom 10% and top deciles, while median incomes rose and overall inequality decreased.
He noted that the bottom 10% still saw strong long-term real income growth over the past decade and highlighted ongoing efforts like Progressive Wages and Workfare to uplift lower-wage workers.
The government announced an increase in the Local Qualifying Salary and enhanced Workfare support from 2024 to 2025, alongside other measures to assist low-income households with essential costs.
Additional support will come through the enhanced Assurance Package, focusing on areas such as daily essentials, utilities, and public transport for those in need.

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26 Feb 2024

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Lim Biow Chuan supports the Budget but urges a review of rising costs, suggesting moderating land and rental prices and adjusting foreign worker ratios in sectors where locals are unwilling to work.
He commends SkillsFuture for lifelong learning and proposes mandatory retrenchment benefits for displaced workers, while also advocating property tax relief for retirees without income.
Poh Li San highlights the need for dementia and mental health support, emphasizing caregiver wellness and better integration of health and social services to improve community resilience.

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26 Feb 2024

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The Workers' Party supported the Budget but called for greater transparency in fiscal information and for the government to better accommodate diverse public views on policies, citing its own proposals that were eventually adopted.
Parliamentarians from both sides of the house emphasized investments in skills upgrading and support for mid-career workers, with debates on the effectiveness of programs like SkillsFuture and the need for more targeted measures to address retirement adequacy and cost-of-living pressures.
Concerns were raised about the sustainability of social spending, the impact of global tax changes (BEPS 2.0), and the need for structural reforms over temporary handouts, while also highlighting the importance of unity and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.

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16 Feb 2024

Clarification by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance

The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that all local employees at companies hiring foreign workers must be paid at least the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS).
He corrected that the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS) is for Singaporeans aged 55 to 70, not 55 to 75 as initially stated.
The MRSS provides dollar-for-dollar matching for cash top-ups to CPF accounts to help those with less savings save more for retirement.

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16 Feb 2024

Mechanism to Allow Employees to Provide Anonymous Reports on Workplace Discrimination

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned if the new workplace discrimination laws will allow employees to submit anonymous reports to the Ministry or TAFEP and whether studies have been conducted on such mechanisms.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower stated that TAFEP will handle anonymous reports on a best-efforts basis without disclosing the employee's identity to the employer.
The proposed legislation will require employers to implement grievance-handling processes that protect employee identity and prohibit retaliation against employees.

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16 Feb 2024

Guidance to Listed Firms on Fair Contracting of Freelancers Outlined in Tripartite Standard

The Ministry of Manpower will partner with freelancer associations to promote the Tripartite Standard on fair contracting, with over 2,600 companies already adopting it.
The government is cautious about setting growth targets for adoption, emphasizing competitive dynamics and the role of freelancers as self-employed individuals.
The Public Service aims to lead by example in adhering to the Tripartite Standard and may consider it in awarding contracts to listed firms.

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16 Feb 2024

Data on Inmates Enrolled in Employment Preparation Scheme, Granted Leave and Secured Employment upon Release

Since its launch in September 2022, 339 inmates have been enrolled in the Employment Preparation Scheme, with 71 granted weekend home leave and 35 granted long home leave as of January 31, 2024.
Of the 204 inmates released under the scheme, 196 secured permanent employment upon release.
The Ministry of State for Home Affairs highlighted encouraging support from employers and social service agencies, and is exploring further case management and holistic support to address recidivism and inmate reintegration.

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7 Feb 2024

Trend for PMET Employment among Different Age Groups

Hazel Poa asked about the decline in PMET employment for those under 30 and the rise for those aged 40-59 in 2022.
The decrease among youths is linked to more young tertiary-educated residents pursuing further education and entering the workforce later.
The increase for older workers was driven by a tight labour market as companies expanded during post-pandemic recovery.
PMET employment fell from 222,000 to 191,400 for under-30s and rose from 620,100 to 725,300 for 40-59-year-olds between 2021 and 2022.

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7 Feb 2024

Penalties for Employers Who Do Not Send Mandatory Retrenchment Notice

Christopher de Souza inquired about penalties for employers failing to inform unions about retrenchment as required.
The Minister for Manpower confirmed the question was addressed in a prior parliamentary session on 6 February 2024.
Officials directed members to the official report for the detailed reply on penalties and employee protections.

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7 Feb 2024

Measures to Safeguard Employees' Interests when Employers Consider Cost-cutting

Christopher de Souza inquired how the Ministry for Manpower ensures employers act responsibly to protect employee interests during cost-cutting.
Tan See Leng stated the question had already been addressed in a prior oral reply on 6 February 2024.
He directed members to the official report for the transcript on protection against unfair retrenchment and exploitative contracts.

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7 Feb 2024

Career Guidance for IHL Students and Advice for Students Who Take on Freelance Assignments

Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Ministry of Education to expand education and career guidance to cater to the interests and needs of students and recent alumni from Institutes of Higher Learning who are freelancing or exploring freelancing as a form of employment.
She also asked the Ministry to work with relevant stakeholders like the National Trades Union Congress and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices to provide contact points for guidance on contract or payment issues when freelancing.
The Ministry responded that Institutes of Higher Learning already provide Education and Career Guidance support, including workshops and talks on freelancing and self-employment, often in collaboration with NTUC and professional freelancers, to help students understand their rights and weigh the pros and cons of freelancing.
For students and graduates facing contract or payment disputes while freelancing, the Ministry noted that they may seek help from the Small Claims Tribunal or the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management.

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7 Feb 2024

Review of Teachers' Workloads

Louis Ng asked about the results of the Ministry’s most recent review of teachers’ workloads and when a new review might occur.
The Second Minister for Education stated that the Ministry continually monitors workloads through surveys and staff engagement, with reported work hours remaining stable in recent years.
Louis Ng expressed concern that while the Ministry claims to reduce administrative work, teachers are increasingly tasked with additional roles like counselling and wellness ambassadorship due to shortages in other support staff.
The Minister clarified that counselling and mentoring are integral to the holistic role of teaching, not separate administrative burdens, and emphasized efforts to spread responsibilities and use technology to reduce workload.
The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about whether teachers can focus on core teaching duties given the expansion of non-administrative responsibilities.

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7 Feb 2024

Inclusion of Tripartite Standard for Contracting with Self-Employed Persons in Sustainability Reporting by SGX-listed Firms

Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Government to work with SGX to include Tripartite Standards, such as for contracting with self-employed persons, as material ESG factors in sustainability reporting for listed firms.
Minister Alvin Tan responded that SGX’s listing rules require disclosure of material ESG matters, but companies voluntarily assess and disclose factors like Tripartite Standards based on their specific business context.
Ms See pressed for affirmative plans to make Tripartite Standards part of mandatory SGX requirements, citing their recognition as good employment practices.
The Minister reiterated that SGX promotes quality disclosure without prescriptive rules, and the Government encourages adoption of Tripartite Standards voluntarily, noting reputational benefits for companies that do so.

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7 Feb 2024

Salary Data for Child Protection Officers

Louis Ng asked for the mean and median salaries of Child Protection Officers (CPOs) over the past five years to assess salary trends, and raised concerns about high caseloads, administrative workload reviews, and recent recruitment numbers.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that CPO salaries follow a civil service scheme with an additional social work allowance, and emphasized ongoing support measures like training, wellness services, and technology to reduce administrative tasks, though specific salary data was not provided.
Louis Ng reiterated the need for salary data on starting CPOs and a concrete plan to increase manpower, highlighting reports of caseloads exceeding 40, which both parties agree is too high.
Eric Chua confirmed efforts to recruit more CPOs and lower caseloads, noting that the average caseload is now 40 or less, with supervisors ensuring new officers are gradually eased into complex cases.

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7 Feb 2024

Persons with Disabilities who Applied for Jobs through Employment and Employability Institute

The Ministry of Manpower outlined that while Workforce Singapore and NTUC’s e2i do not track disability-specific data, the Open Door Programme assisted about 900 jobseekers with disabilities annually from 2018 to 2022, with around 500 placed each year and over 80% remaining employed for at least six months.
The government’s strategy under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 aims for a 40% employment rate for persons with disabilities by 2030, supported by skills training, grants, and partnerships with disability agencies and inclusive employers.
In response to a suggestion for a dedicated department, the Minister highlighted the Enabling Business Hub as a new one-stop structure that brings together tripartite partners, employers, and support agencies to enhance job placement and retention for persons with disabilities.

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6 Feb 2024

Possibility of Using CPF MediSave for Migrant Domestic Workers' Medical or Hospitalisation Expenses

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked whether employers can use their CPF MediSave to pay for their foreign domestic helpers’ medical or hospitalisation expenses if they cannot afford them, and what measures exist to raise awareness among potential employers about comprehensive medical insurance for their helpers.
Tan See Leng stated that CPF MediSave is meant for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents’ healthcare needs and cannot be used for Migrant Domestic Workers’ expenses.
Employers of MDWs must purchase medical insurance with an annual claim limit of at least $60,000, which covers about 99% of hospital bills for MDWs, and they can buy more comprehensive coverage if needed.
The Ministry of Manpower informs prospective employers about insurance requirements during work permit applications and the mandatory Employer’s Orientation Programme, and reminds current employers through media, the website, employment agencies, and direct mailers.

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6 Feb 2024

Career Transition Programme Take-up Rate by Full-time Platform Workers Aged 35 and Below

Ms See Jinli Jean asked for the take-up rate and success rate of career transition programmes among full-time platform workers aged 35 and below over the past three years, along with reasons for unsuccessful transitions.
Minister Tan See Leng stated that various government programmes exist to support job switching, including those by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore.
The Minister clarified that the government does not track whether participants in these programmes were formerly full-time platform workers, implying the specific data requested is unavailable.

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