Written Answer to PQ on Employees and Workplace Discrimination

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2121 FOR THE SECOND AVAILABLE SITTING
QUESTION NO. 4907 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Dr Wan Rizal

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what steps are being taken to ensure that employees seeking help on workplace discrimination are aware of and have access to formal channels of support provided by their companies or unions; and (b) how is the Ministry addressing the common reasons for employees not seeking help, such as fear of being marginalized at work and facing repercussions in their careers.

Answer:

1. The upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation will legislate the requirement for employers to put in place proper grievance handling processes, which include protecting the confidentiality of the employee who makes a report on workplace discrimination. Employers will also be prohibited from retaliating against those who report such cases. Retaliatory behaviour includes wrongful dismissal, harassment, deprivation of contractual benefits and any other act done to victimise the individual who made the report. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices will continue to work with the unions and industry partners to explain these requirements and channels available to employees seeking help on workplace discrimination.