Don’t delay filing work claims: MOM
- The Straits Times (03 February 2010) : Don’t Delay Filing Work Claims: MOM
- The Straits Times (23 January 2010) : Don't encourage firms to flout rules
- The Straits Times Online (28 January 2010) : Fix loophole that allows exploitation of workers
Don’t Delay Filing Work Claims: MOM
- The Straits Times, 03 February 2010
I refer to the letters from Mr K. Silva Nathan’s (ST, 23 Jan 2010) and Mr Gregory D’Silva’s (ST, 28 Jan 2010).
2. We would like to provide some background on Mr Nathan’s case. On 13 January this year, Mr K. Silva Nathan first brought his daughter to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to lodge claims of outstanding salary against her daughter’s employer, for whom she had interned in December 2008. The claims were time-barred because under the Employment Act, MOM’s Labour Court has the jurisdiction to inquire into claims only if it has been filed within 12 months. The timeframe prescribed under the law is necessary as evidence into the claim might not be available over time. Employees who are covered by the Employment Act and have statutory and/or contractual claims against their employers should file their claims within a year. If the claims arise from termination of employment, they should be filed with the Ministry within 6 months from the last day of service.
3. Even though Mr Nathan’s claim is time-barred, our MOM advisory officer followed up by contacting the company. The company assured us they would resolve the matter directly with Mr Nathan's daughter. When the matter remained unresolved, Mr Nathan approached the Ministry again a week later. Our officer offered to contact the company again to follow up or to assist Mr Nathan’s daughter with her claim through mediation. These options were, however, turned down by Mr Nathan. We have since contacted Mr Nathan and he has accepted MOM’s offer to mediate as well as seek a settlement with the company.
4. Employees, whether on short-term or permanent employment, can find out more about their rights at www.mom.gov.sg. Employees may lodge their claims directly with MOM's Labour Relations Department by making an e-appointment with an MOM officer at the MOM website, by email (mom_lrd@mom.gov.sg) or call (65)6438 5122. The Ministry urges employees who have employment-related claims to come forward to MOM as soon as possible with details of their claims, so that MOM can look into their cases.
Don’t encourage firms to flout rules
- The Straits Times, 23 January 2010
Two years ago, my daughter who was then 16 joined a media agency as an intern, with the understanding that she would be paid, as stated in her letter of contract. She was not paid after a year.
Nor were her transport claims (a paltry $430) reimbursed. To restore her faith in our public offices, I took her to the Ministry of Manpower to lodge a complaint. We were told by an officer that an offence had been committed.
However, despite the ministry's offer of a grace period for the company to make good its obligations, the company did not respond.
What surprised me was the ministry's subsequent change of tack, suggesting conciliation.
The officer said the one-year statutory time bar had lapsed, and that was why the ministry had suggested conciliation. Won't this encourage more companies to flout the rules?
Fix loophole that allows exploitation of workers
- The Straits Times Online, 28 January 2010
I refer to Mr K. Silva Nathan's letter last Saturday, 'Don't encourage firms to flout rules'. It is sad to read reports of workers who are not given what is due to them for their labour. As a parent, I find it even worse to hear of a youngster taken for a ride.
Mr Nathan's account suggests a loophole that needs to be fixed by the Ministry of Manpower. Failure to rectify this state of affairs or rather turning a blind eye will only encourage more firms to take this kind of action.
The amount reportedly owed to the intern is not the only issue. At stake is the principle involved, more so when it concerns young people engaged as interns.
I hope the authorities will persuade the firm involved to do the right thing and fix this loophole in the law to deter other firms.