Whether you are an employee looking for recourse or an employer looking to address a dispute filed by one of your employees, knowing the resolution options available for you within the employment law of Singapore is crucial when it comes to dispute resolution. Let us walk you through the options available for you and how getting the services of a reputed law firm can help you resolve your matter in the best way possible.
Common Types of Disputes
The table below shows some of the most common types of workplace conflicts and how to solve them.
Employment Law Singapore: Law Enforcement Bodies
1. Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM)
The Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) was set up by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) to help settle salary-related and wrongful dismissal claims through advice and mediation.
How can TADM settle disputes?
They offer advisory services to employers as well offer their services in conducting mediation.
They can help you with disputes related to
- Salary
- Wrongful dismissal
- Other disputes
2. Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT)
The ECT gives employees and employers a speedy and affordable forum to settle salary-related and wrongful termination problems that cannot be settled through mediation at TADM. Through the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS), you can submit an ECT claim online. Having a law firm that has specialized in Singapore business law can help you file a claim and arrive at a suitable solution at the earliest.
3. Tripartite Mediation for NTUC Union Members
In order to expedite the resolution of frequent employment disputes between eligible Professionals, Managers, and Executives (PMEs) who are NTUC union members and their employers, tripartite mediation was developed by MOM with the assistance of SNEF and NTUC.
They can help you resolve the following types of employment disputes.
- Non-payment of salary
- Employment statutory benefits
- Payment of retrenchment benefits
- Breach of the individual employment contract by the employer
- Re-employment issues
- Wrongful dismissal claims
4. Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
The MOM is responsible for developing and implementing labour policy pertaining to Singapore's labour force. If your dispute is related to any of the following, MOM in Singapore can help you arrive at a viable settlement in line with the employment law of Singapore.
- Work injury compensation
- Employment infringements
- Other disputes
5. Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP)
The objective of the TAFEP remains to encourage companies, employees, and the general public to adopt fair, responsible, and progressive employment practices. In addition, it offers guidance and support to employees who have experienced workplace discrimination and/or harassment. If your dispute is based on any of the following grounds, approaching the TAFEP for a resolution would be the ideal thing to do.
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Religion
- Language
- Marital status and family responsibilities
- Disability
6. Civil Courts
As with all other disputes, bringing your dispute to a formal court hearing should be the last resort. This could be both time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, the measures outlined above are designed to ensure that employment disputes are resolved as cost-effectively and amicably as possible. Instances, where you may want to consider going in for a civil hearing, would be,
- Work injury compensation
- Workplace harassment
In the rare event that you want to press charges or defend yourself, you should seek legal counsel from an attorney who would be able to advise you on Singapore business law and criminal law.
Commercial and Business Lawyers in Singapore: Chris Bridges Law Firm
Whether it is settling an employment dispute or employment contract drafting, having a well-qualified lawyer specializing in Singapore business law is of absolute importance. With the correct legal counsel and guidance, one is able to minimize the time and money spent on resolving disputes. With Chris Bridges Law Firm, you can be assured that your case receives the best representation, and they will work toward arriving at the best resolution possible for their clients. Contact them for a free consultation session today.