Statistics on Complaints Received by Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) in Areas of Wrongful Dismissal, Retrenchment and Contractual Termination

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower whether she can provide a statistical breakdown of complaints received by the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) from 1 April 2019 to 31 May 2020 in the areas of (i) wrongful dismissal (ii) retrenchment and (iii) contractual termination.

Mrs Josephine Teo: Table 1 below provides a breakdown of claims related to wrongful dismissal, retrenchment benefit and salary-in-lieu of notice received by the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) between 1 April 2019 and 30 April 2020.

In anticipation of the increase in claims since the start of the circuit breaker, MOM has strengthened the support to both employees and employers to resolve end-of-employment disputes. Where employees have filed wrongful dismissal claims, a good number have been due to the abrupt manner of termination rather than unfair terms – most employers have fulfilled their contractual obligations. With the complainants' agreement, we refer them to Workforce Singapore or e2i for employment facilitation.

We recognise that this is a period of unusual stress for employers and employees alike. Regardless of their business circumstances, all employers should carry out termination of employment contracts fairly, responsibly and sensitively. They must continue to adhere to employment laws, contractual terms, and the relevant tripartite advisories. 1 Employees are also encouraged to engage their employers to seek clarity on issues of concern. Where there are irresponsible practices by employers, MOM will investigate and take enforcement actions as necessary.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 7:

1 Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment and Advisory on Salary and Leave Arrangements during circuit breaker.