They were broken down into unfair practices and harassment
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed the breakdown of gender discrimination complaints received in Singapore for the past three years.
This was in response to member of parliament Associate Professor Walter Theseira’s query on the breakdown of complaints based on reasons such as pregnancy, sexual harassment, unequal or work opportunities.
- There were on average about 50 gender-biased recruitment complaints reported annually.
- On average, there were about 10 workplace harassment complaints each year.
- About 70 pregnancy-related dismissals were reported annually.
About half of the gender bias recruitment complaints were substantiated following MOM investigations. MOM then imposed sanctions on the employers and restricted their work pass privileges. The 50 cases made up about 12% of total number of complaints made each year.
For workplace harassment complaints which weren’t criminal offences, the Tripartite Alliance on Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) notified employers and advised them to handle the issue internally.
Employers were thus encouraged to investigate and take corrective measures to handle future complaints. MOM stated notified employers were compliant so TAFEP did not need to take further action, such as impose any sanctions.
About 50 pregnancy-related cases each year resulted in compensation to employees. The other 20 were either dropped as there wasn’t enough proof or withdrawn by employees.
“MOM takes a serious view of workplace discrimination, including discrimination on the grounds of gender,” said manpower minister Josephine Teo.
“We expect all employers to comply with our legislation, and abide by the principles of fair and merit-based employment practices outlined in the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices.”
At a recent International Women’s Day panel, minister Teo shared how firms can improve overall diversity and inclusivity standards: Can tech improve diversity outcomes?
