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More complaints of unfair dismissal
Posted: 24 February 2010 0852 hrs
The financial banking district in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: There was a spike in the number of complaints to the authorities about unfair dismissals last year - particularly from pregnant women and executives.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) received 56 complaints involving pregnant employees, up from 26 cases in 2008 and 16 in 2007. Twelve of last year's cases involved pregnant executives, up from just one the year before.
Minister Gan Kim Yong attributed the increase to various factors "including greater awareness of maternity protection" after the heightened publicity and enhancement of maternity leave benefits.
In all, 149 complaints of unfair dismissal were lodged, up from 101 the previous year and 118 in 2007, Mr Gan revealed in a written response to a question from Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah.
Under the Employment Act, employees who feel they have been unfairly dismissed can appeal to MOM. Most cases were mediated and "amicably resolved", sometimes with a settlement payment, said Mr Gan. But 3 per cent of cases were found to be dismissals without just cause, and the companies had to compensate the employee.
As for executives, those dismissed on grounds related to pregnancy can appeal to MOM. For non-pregnancy related disputes, the Ministry provides mediation; about 270 executives seek its help each year.
"Close to half of such disputes were resolved amicably. The rest of the cases were withdrawn, or the employee sought settlement with their employer directly or through the civil courts, after consultation with the Ministry," said Mr Gan.
With the executive ranks in the workforce swelling, MOM recently announced plans for a dispute resolution process to help junior- and mid-level professionals, managers and executives resolve common employment tiffs.
- TODAY/sc
Posted: 24 February 2010 0852 hrs
The financial banking district in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: There was a spike in the number of complaints to the authorities about unfair dismissals last year - particularly from pregnant women and executives.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) received 56 complaints involving pregnant employees, up from 26 cases in 2008 and 16 in 2007. Twelve of last year's cases involved pregnant executives, up from just one the year before.
Minister Gan Kim Yong attributed the increase to various factors "including greater awareness of maternity protection" after the heightened publicity and enhancement of maternity leave benefits.
In all, 149 complaints of unfair dismissal were lodged, up from 101 the previous year and 118 in 2007, Mr Gan revealed in a written response to a question from Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah.
Under the Employment Act, employees who feel they have been unfairly dismissed can appeal to MOM. Most cases were mediated and "amicably resolved", sometimes with a settlement payment, said Mr Gan. But 3 per cent of cases were found to be dismissals without just cause, and the companies had to compensate the employee.
As for executives, those dismissed on grounds related to pregnancy can appeal to MOM. For non-pregnancy related disputes, the Ministry provides mediation; about 270 executives seek its help each year.
"Close to half of such disputes were resolved amicably. The rest of the cases were withdrawn, or the employee sought settlement with their employer directly or through the civil courts, after consultation with the Ministry," said Mr Gan.
With the executive ranks in the workforce swelling, MOM recently announced plans for a dispute resolution process to help junior- and mid-level professionals, managers and executives resolve common employment tiffs.
- TODAY/sc
