Unionists, employer representatives discuss proposed Employment Act changes

SINGAPORE : Over 70 unionists and employer representatives came together to discuss proposed changes to the Employment Act (EA) on Wednesday evening.

It is part of the Manpower Ministry’s public consultation exercise that started in April.

The townhall meeting also saw members of the public join in.

Changes to the EA are likely to be tabled in Parliament in March next year.

Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan—Jin said the review is necessary to ensure the Act stays relevant to evolving employment norms and practices.

One of the proposed changes will see more protection for professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) against unfair dismissal, for instance.

Mr Tan said: "Extending the space for PMEs (is) quite critical, because the profile of the workforce is changing. That is something we do need to grapple with. I think that is probably an important piece amongst the many important pieces in the review of the EA."

He said such meetings allow stakeholders on both the employee and employer side to present their views and more importantly, listen to one another, so both sides understand the trade—offs in the decision—making process.

— CNA/ms