Parliament passes bill providing workplace dispute platform

The bill, which ensures that disputes between workers and employers are tackled fairly, will take effect in end-2027.

Individuals who experience workplace discrimination now have a platform to redress cases fairly with employers with the Workplace Fairness or Dispute Resolution bill that was recently passed in Parliament and set to take effect in end-2027.

The bill emphasises resolving disputes amicably between the worker and employer. Employers are required to implement grievance handling processes that facilitate dispute resolution, whilst workers are encouraged to raise disputes through these processes, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) announced.

In case both parties fail to do so, the worker and employer must attempt mediation via a third-party mediator before any workplace discrimination claim can proceed to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) or the High Court for adjudication, it added.

The ECT was designated by MoM to be the forum to hear workplace discrimination claims up to and including $250,000.

The bill places more safeguards to deter frivolous claims from employers and employees, such as the option for employers to strike out frivolous claims whilst individuals who make the claims can be investigated by the police for abusing court processes, amongst others.  

The 2027 implementation of the Workplace Fairness bill aims to give employers and workers time to familiarise with and prepare themselves for the implementation, MoM said.

MoM, together with TAFEP and Tripartite Partners from the National Trades Union Congress, and Singapore National Employers Federation will educate participants of the bill, it added.