TEMPORARY, CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORKERS (Protection and welfare)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Thomas Thomas -

Mr Thomas Thomas: To ask the Minister for Manpower what steps, if any, are being taken to increase protection and welfare for temporary, casual and contract workers.

Mr Hawazi Daipi (Sembawang): Question No. 25, Sir.

Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe (for the Minister for Manpower): Sir, the Nominated Member of Parliament has asked about protection available for temporary, casual and contract workers. Let me clarify that temporary, casual and contract workers are covered by the CPF Act, Employment Act, Factories Act and Workmen's Compensation Act - as long as they are employees engaged under a contract of service. For example, a worker who is employed by a shipyard on a temporary basis will be entitled to CPF contribution and also enjoy all the statutory benefits stipulated in the Employment Act. His health and safety at the workplace is also protected under the Factories Act. If he meets with an accident in the course of his work, his employer is liable to pay compensation in accordance with the Workmen's Compensation Act. Similarly, a worker, who is engaged by an employment agency or a labour supplier and is deployed to work in an electronics company, is also covered by these laws.

Sir, I would also like to take this opportunity to remind employers of temporary, casual and contract workers of their obligations under the various employment laws. These employers include employment agencies and labour suppliers who engage contract or temporary workers and supply them to companies that need such workers. They are required to comply with the provisions of these laws, including the contributions to be made under the CPF Act and the statutory benefits stipulated in the Employment Act.

The Ministry carries out regular inspections to ensure that companies comply with the laws under our purview. If workers are denied benefits and protection stipulated in the laws, they are advised to seek assistance at the Ministry. The Ministry will assist them to recover the benefits stipulated under the laws and also take appropriate action against the employer or agent concerned for violation of the laws.