Labour law changes likely at next Budget debate

By Janice Heng, The Straits Times, 22 Nov 2012

THE changes to Singapore's main labour law will likely be announced during next year's Budget debate, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday.

After public consultation and further discussions with tripartite partners, "we'll work towards, probably, the COS next year to make the announcements", he said, referring to the Committee of Supply debate in March.

Mr Tan was speaking to reporters at a town hall session held at the Manpower Ministry building, on the Employment Act review.

This phase of the review - the first of two - will look at extending coverage of the Act, improving workers' employment standards and benefits as well as increasing flexibility for employers.

Public consultation began on Monday and continues until Jan 11. Proposals include raising the salary limits of workers who are covered by a special part of the Act relating to working hours and leave.

At last night's closed-door event were about 70 employer representatives, unionists and members of the public who had given feedback when the review was announced in April.

In the opening address, covered by the media , Mr Tan said such sessions are useful for different groups to understand one another and realise that they "are not enemies".

The shared goal is for "things to be better for Singaporeans" and this includes both workers and bosses, he added.

So while it is important to protect employees, it is also important "that we look after employers and companies, because as they do well, in turn they provide jobs and good working conditions for our people as well".

He hoped participants would listen to the views of others and "try to empathise".

As for the Government's role at the town hall meeting, it "is also to listen quite intently to the sentiments they feel, the ideas that they have" and consider what adjustments might have to be made, Mr Tan told reporters later.

After his address, participants broke into smaller groups to discuss specific aspects of the Act before regrouping to share the results.

For unionist Yeo Hock Hin, last night's sharing of views did produce some pleasant surprises. "There were some very kind HR (human resources) people whom I met today," he said.

"I think they also understand our concerns."