Updates on Non-unionised Employee Representation by Non-Governmental Organisations at Employment Claims Tribunal

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry can provide an update on whether it will consider allowing non-unionised employees to be represented by non-legal non-governmental organisations at the Employment Claims Tribunal, in order to level the playing field with employers, who may be represented by legally-trained staff or staff acting on legal advice.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Employment Claims Tribunals adopts a simplified and guided process that is accessible to parties even without legal representation. Workers, including non-unionised employees, may also apply for a Community Courts Tribunals Friend, which will allow a third party to be present during tribunal proceedings to provide support. This third party can be a person from a non-governmental organisation.