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Supporting Healthcare Workers Whose Leave And Holiday Plans Have Been Cancelled

Employment practices
  1. Healthcare workers in public hospitals have been mobilised to respond to the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) situation. Their annual leave have also been frozen to help hospitals handle a higher expected volume of patients. Some healthcare workers have had to cancel leave applications that were approved previously, together with air tickets and other holiday bookings. 
  2. Working closely with partners and in the tripartite spirit, the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) raised the concern to the public healthcare institutions, SNEF, NTUC and MOM. All parties recognised and agreed to provide strong support to our healthcare workers through the following measures:

    • Public healthcare institutions will provide affected healthcare workers with a letter of proof of the employer’s cancellation of leave.This is to support their requests for refunds from travel agents and insurance companies.

    • Should the travel agent or travel insurance company be unable to refund in full, the public healthcare institutions will help defray the costs incurred by the workers.

    • Healthcare workers who face difficulties with their refund claims can approach HSEU directly for assistance
  3. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the tripartite partners stand ready to work with workers and businesses to pro-actively address any issues and to establish norms that demonstrate our appreciation and support for those at the frontline in responding to COVID-19. 
  4. The tripartite partners also urge all organisations, especially travel agents and insurance companies, to give healthcare workers more support and consideration during this period.