MOM Response to TWC2 Article “Wrongful dismissal, first of two July 2024 cases”

On 27 August 2024, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) published an article titled “Wrongful dismissal, first of two July 2024 cases”. The article contains several inaccurate claims and assertions regarding the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM). We are addressing these inaccuracies below.   

TWC2 claimed that MOM’s customer service officer informed "Tan" (not his real name) that he had no case against his employer. Our records show that our customer service officer had discussed the case with Tan, and advised him that it would be challenging to proceed with a wrongful dismissal claim without evidence.  

Additionally, TWC2 claimed that Tan was directed to use an online terminal to file his complaint at MOM and did not receive any further assistance. In fact, Tan was attended to by a customer service officer.  

TWC2 also asserted that TADM was not neutral by dismissing Tan’s claim without investigating the circumstances of his dismissal. According to the article, TADM told Tan he had no case because employers are not required to provide a reason for dismissal. This assertion is inaccurate, as TADM did not discourage him from pursuing the case. In fact, TADM engaged Tan on more than one occasion, and specifically offered to lodge his wrongful dismissal claims for him. However, Tan decided not to pursue the matter as he preferred to return home.

TWC2’s inaccurate claims risk undermining public trust and confidence in the dispute resolution process, which is a balanced and effective framework that protects both workers and employers.