A Great Workforce A Great Workplace

Improving worker protection through legislation and education

20 Nov 2014

© 2013 Government of Singapore 2

Protect, educate and assist FWs

Legislation to protect FW

wellbeing and employment

rights

Education on rights and

responsibilities

Avenues to raise concerns and seek

redress

© 2013 Government of Singapore 3

Employment Act

Employment of Foreign

Manpower Act

Employment Agencies Act

Workplace Safety and Health Act

Work Injury Compensation

Act

Salary Payment

Rest days/ work hours

Workplace safety and

Health

Work Injury Compensation

Upkeep and Maintenance

Housing

© 2013 Government of Singapore 4

Regulations Max fine Max imprisonment

Employment Act $30,000 2 years

Employment of Foreign Manpower Act

$60,000 2 years

Employment Agencies Act $160,000 4 years

Workplace Safety and Health Act

$1,000,000 2 years

Work injury Compensation Act

$10,000 1 year

© 2013 Government of Singapore 5

[Sep 2013] – Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations Amendments Implemented

• Failure to obtain WPH’s written agreement or update MOM of any downward revision of (i) the basic monthly salary; or (ii) fixed monthly allowances amount conditions; or (iii) upward revision in housing/food deductions is a breach of the Work Permit conditions and subject to an administrative financial penalty of up to $10,000.

© 2013 Government of Singapore 6

[Jan 2014]

• Tripartite guidelines to employers on issuance of written itemised payslips to workers with breakdown of salary components e.g. allowances, deductions

• First step towards mandating itemised payslips eventually

© 2013 Government of Singapore 7

[Apr 2014] – Employment Act Amendments Implemented

• Expanded coverage – General provisions extended to PMEs with basic monthly salary ≤$4,500

– Working hrs related provisions extended to non-workmen with basic monthly salary ≤$2,500

• Capping of salary deductions – Employers cannot deduct more than 25% of a worker’s salary for

accommodation, amenities and services

• Higher penalties for employers who default salary payment

– Maximum fine tripled to $15,000 and $30,000 for first and subsequent offences respectively

• Management made liable for employment breaches

© 2013 Government of Singapore 8

PRE-DEPARTURE

IPA, Materials

ARRIVAL

Mandatory Training, FW Guide

STAY

Roadshows, Newsletters,

Recreation Centre & Dormitory visits

Rights & Responsibilities

Safety Singapore’s

social norms Assistance avenues

Safety Orientation

Course

Safety

pamphlets

© 2013 Government of Singapore 13 MWC

Geylang

• MOM-MWC Pre-Departure Video

• 24/7 telephone hotline

• Mobile outreach platforms

• MWC Satellite Help-Centre in every FW Recreation Centre by end-2015

Outreach to

more than 400,000 FWs since 2009

© 2013 Government of Singapore 14

• All FWs informed of assistance channels when they report to MOM for mandatory finger printing

• Telephone numbers of both NGOs and MOM are also distributed to all workers

• Workers who are forcefully repatriated by employers can approach officers at the airport for help

© 2013 Government of Singapore 15

First time

Interviews

Compulsory Employer

orientation programme

Compulsory personal

accident and medical

insurance

FDW newsletters

Compulsory Settling in

Programme for FDWs

FDW hotline

FDW Guidebook

Pre-paid mailers to

Ministry of Manpower

for FDWs in distress

© 2013 Government of Singapore 16

[Jun 2012] – Stricter rules on Window Cleaning by FDWs

• FDWs not to be allowed to clean window exteriors unless enhanced & safe working conditions are in place

[Jan 2013] – FDW Weekly Rest Day

• All foreign domestic workers (FDWs) whose work permits are issued or renewed from 1 January 2013 onwards will be entitled to a weekly rest day or compensation in-lieu.

© 2013 Government of Singapore 17

FDW Education Video

© 2013 Government of Singapore 18

• The penalty prescribed in the Penal Code for certain offences is 1.5 times higher if a domestic worker is the victim

Offence Normal penalty Enhanced penalty if domestic worker is

victim

Voluntarily causing hurt

Imprisonment of up to 2 years and/or a fine of up to $5,000

Imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or fine of up to $7,500

• Employers who are convicted of FDW abuse are also barred from employing FDWs by MOM

Penal Code

Thank you