Category: Newsletter

When one of our members faced sudden dismissal, it wasn’t just a job at stake, it was a question of dignity and due process. The employer first cited poor performance, but later shifted to vague accusations of “speculative activities” in the workplace.

 

Union Intervention

Recognising the inconsistencies, the union immediately took action. We stood by our member and invoked Section 35(3) of the Industrial Relations Act, which empowers trade unions to represent individuals in disputes over dismissals. Despite repeated requests, the employer failed to produce evidence to support its claims.

 

Outcome Secured

Through firm and focused negotiations, the union successfully secured a settlement of two months’ salary for our member—restoring some measure of justice and protecting their reputation.

 

Why This Case Matters

This outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to stand up for our members in times of need. No one should face dismissal without accountability and transparency.

 

Union Action in Motion

• Advocacy backed by the Industrial

 

Relations Act

• Demand for fair treatment and evidence-based claims.
• A resolution that restored our member’s rights.

 

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About ESU

The Education Services Union (ESU) represents professionals in Singapore’s private education sector. Since its founding in 2006, ESU has championed fair workplace practices, supported members with training and development opportunities, and provided financial assistance such as bursaries and scholarships. Through NTUC partnerships and member benefits, ESU continues to empower educators and uplift its community.

A new mother, juggling full-time work and caregiving responsibilities, reached a breaking point when her child fell seriously ill. With no available childcare options and her leave fully exhausted, she applied for unpaid leave, backed by a medical certificate, to care for her child.

Throughout her absence, she remained contactable and kept her reporting officer informed. Yet, her unpaid leave request was rejected, and her absence was deemed unauthorised. Eventually, she tendered her resignation with the intention to serve her notice period.

Union Intervention

Recognising her sincere efforts to balance work and family, the union stood firmly by her. We submitted an appeal to the relevant authorities, citing her continued communication and caregiving responsibilities.

The Outcome

A successful waiver of salary in lieu of notice, protecting her finances and dignity.

Policy Spotlight: Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests

This case strongly reinforces the recent Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, which encourage employers to assess such requests fairly and reasonably, especially in caregiving contexts.

What This Case Highlights

• Compassionate practices aren’t just ideal—they’re necessary.
• Transparent communication deserves recognition, not penalty.
• Unions play a vital role in ensuring fair employment outcomes.

Union Action in Motion

• Timely advocacy and appeal support
• Policy-aligned representation for caregiving challenges
• Ongoing commitment to workplace compassion and fairness 

• Access your copy of our newsletter here:

 

About ESU

The Education Services Union (ESU) represents professionals in Singapore’s private education sector. Since its founding in 2006, ESU has championed fair workplace practices, supported members with training and development opportunities, and provided financial assistance such as bursaries and scholarships. Through NTUC partnerships and member benefits, ESU continues to empower educators and uplift its community.

Singapore’s upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation marks a watershed moment in protecting workers’ rights. For the first time, key principles from the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP) will be legally enforceable. This means that workplace discrimination will now carry legal repercussions.

 

The WFL prohibits discrimination based on age, nationality, sex, marital status, pregnancy, caregiving duties, race, religion, language, disability, and mental health conditions. These areas make up over 95% of the complaints received by the Ministry of Manpower and TAFEP.

 

Developed by MOM, NTUC, and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) since 2021, the legislation will be introduced in two phases. The first bill outlines protection principles, enforcement powers, and the dispute resolution process. The second bill, expected in 2025, will detail the claims process and amend the Employment Claims Act. The full legislation is expected to take effect by 2026 or 2027.

 

The timing of this legislation is significant. In 2023, age-based discrimination rose, particularly among jobseekers aged 50 and above, who made up nearly 38% of age discrimination cases. The number of workers seeking government help for discrimination more than doubled from 5.4% in 2022 to 13.1% in 2023, highlighting the need for stronger protections.

 

The WFL will also require employers to have proper grievance procedures. If an employee faces discrimination, they must raise it internally first. Unresolved cases can then proceed to TADM for mediation, and finally to the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT). At the ECT, compensation or reinstatement may be ordered. Union members are entitled to a higher compensation cap of $30,000, compared to $20,000 for non-members.

 

This is a big win for workers. ESU stands ready to support members through the process and ensure that every worker is treated with fairness.

 

Facing workplace discrimination? Reach out to us — we’re here to help.

 

• Access your copy of our newsletter here:

 

About ESU

The Education Services Union (ESU) represents professionals in Singapore’s private education sector. Since its founding in 2006, ESU has championed fair workplace practices, supported members with training and development opportunities, and provided financial assistance such as bursaries and scholarships. Through NTUC partnerships and member benefits, ESU continues to empower educators and uplift its community.