NTUC has championed for stronger protection against workplace discrimination
NTUC has been championing for stronger protection to ensure fairer workplaces and opportunities for all workers. For more than a decade, we have been advocating for measures to ensure fairness for all workers, especially our PMEs and older workers, at the workplace.
The introduction of the Workplace Fairness Bill in Parliament strengthens protection for workers against workplace discrimination, which aligns with NTUC’s advocacy. If passed, the Bill will enhance the deterrence of and enforcement against discriminatory practices by employers and provide remedies for victims of discrimination such as compensation.
In 2021, the joint NTUC-SNEF PME taskforce consulted over 10,000 workers and union leaders to understand their address concerns such as job security and support for employment and training. Based on their views and suggestions, the taskforce proposed nine key recommendations to address these challenges. One of the taskforce's recommendations was to enhance workplace fairness, to level the playing field for our local PMEs and stronger levers to tackle unfair practices by errant companies. NTUC’s #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations campaign has also further highlighted the need to level the playing field for PMEs and called for fairer treatment of older workers, including equal training opportunities, job redesign, and fair evaluation in retrenchments, alongside proposals to support mature PMEs in securing employment.
NTUC cares for all workers and has been pushing for stronger workplace fairness measures. Together with tripartite partners, NTUC has worked to enhance ground practices and improved levers to tackle unfair practices. Based on MOM Fair Employment Practices 2023 report. discrimination among employees fell from 24% in 2018 to 6% in 2023. For jobseekers, it dropped from 43% to 23%. These results showcased the success of tripartite partners’ efforts to improve workplace fairness standards over the years. Despite improvements, we need to do better for our workers.
NTUC will support members to resolve discrimination issues at their workplace
The legislation, if passed, will strengthen processes for resolving grievances of workplace discrimination and harassment at the firm level. It will require employers to establish a clear process that ensures a fair outcome and keeps the worker informed. Throughout the process, the employer is also required to retain the worker’s confidentiality.
For union members facing discrimination, they can turn to NTUC and our unions for guidance, assistance with mediation involving employers, and support in pursuing their claims. Members in unionised companies may also approach their unions to bring their matter to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for conciliation. Union members can also file a claim for up to $30,000 at the Employment Claims Tribunal, compared to $20,000 for non-union members.
NTUC will continue to champion fair treatment for workers
NTUC will continue to champion fair treatment for all workers. We are committed to listening to their concerns and advocating for them as their work challenges evolve. Together with our unions, we stand ready to assist any worker facing discrimination at work.
