PAP Women's Wing calls for stronger laws to enable pro-family measures

The People's Action Party (PAP) Women's Wing wants to see bolder government intervention in the drive for pro-family and women-friendly workplaces.

In a position paper submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Wednesday (20Feb), it called for legislation to allow employees with children who're below 12 years old to request for flexible work arrangements.

Such requests, it said, should be seriously considered by employers.

It's also proposing legislation to allow employees to take no-pay leave for up to one year to take care of their children, and have their positions guaranteed when they return to work.

To champion and implement the necessary Human Resource policy changes, the paper suggested that the government set up a one-stop centre that can also provide training and handle complains.

The Women's Wing also wants to see better protection for freelance and contract workers - to include CPF contributions, medical benefits and injury compensation.

It also suggested a Back to Work Employment credit scheme - similar to the special employment credit scheme for older workers - to offset employers' costs for on-the-job training for women and job redesign.

PAP Member of Parliament (West Coast GRC) Ms Foo Mee Har says the government needs to take bold legislative action to ensure a shift towards a pro-family work culture.