Updated: 06/05/2014 11:09 | By Channel NewsAsia
Five construction companies charged for breaching employment laws
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Thursday (June 5) charged five companies in the construction sector for a series of employment-related offences, including late salary payments and workers exceeding lawful overtime hours.
In a statement, the MOM said JK Integrated, Ng Brothers Scaffolding, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering (Singapore), and Straits Construction (Singapore) were charged in the State Courts for failing to comply with the Employment Act. Each firm faces between 26 and 47 charges each.
It said construction workers from three of the companies were found to have excessive working hours, while four of the companies failed to pay their workers on time, withheld salaries or made unauthorised salary deductions.
Under the Employment Act, working more than 72 hours of overtime a month is prohibited, except in certain circumstances.
The MOM said these cases were discovered through proactive checks at construction sites and feedback from workers and third-party sources.
It added: "MOM will step up engagement with the construction sector to highlight these legal obligations and common employment malpractices. We strongly urge errant companies to review and rectify illegal and unreasonable clauses in their employment contracts. We will take action against companies that flout or disregard our employment laws."
Members of the public with information on employment-related offences can call the MOM hotline at 6438 5122 or email [email protected]. All details will be kept confidential. - CNA/kk
