Jollibean Workers Get Help with Unpaid Salaries
unpaid Salaries: What Singaporean Workers Should Know Amidst Ownership Transitions
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singapore – Reports of sporadic unpaid salaries and late payments as December 2024 have prompted action from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP). These agencies are actively investigating the situation, which has left many employees in a state of uncertainty.
The complexities of ownership transitions can often cast a shadow over employee welfare, particularly concerning timely salary payments. Employment lawyer Goh Seow Hui,a partner at Bird & Bird ATMD,offers crucial advice for workers finding themselves in such a predicament.
The Risks of Staying Put
Ms. Goh highlights that workers who choose to remain in their jobs despite accumulating salary arrears,while the company promises resolution post-ownership change,are taking a meaningful risk. “The employer’s promises do not improve the worker’s legal position,” she explains. “If there are better option opportunities available, the worker is better off resigning and making a legal claim for the salary arrears.”
She further emphasizes that an ongoing ownership transition is not a justifiable reason for salary arrears. This means that nonetheless of internal company restructuring or changes in management, the fundamental obligation to pay employees on time remains.
Your Legal Standing and Options
for employees facing delayed or unpaid salaries, understanding their legal recourse is paramount.The Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) provide a platform for employees to seek redress for salary-related disputes. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also plays a vital role in enforcing employment laws and ensuring fair treatment of workers.
If you are experiencing salary arrears, it is advisable to:
Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all communications regarding your salary, including pay stubs, employment contracts, and any correspondence about payment delays.
Seek Professional advice: Consult with an employment lawyer or seek guidance from MOM or TAFEP to understand your rights and the best course of action.
* Consider Resignation and Claim: as Ms. Goh suggests, if alternative employment is available, resigning and pursuing a legal claim for unpaid wages might be the most prudent step to secure your financial well-being.
The stability of employment and the assurance of timely remuneration are fundamental rights for all workers. by staying informed and proactive, employees can better navigate the challenges that may arise during periods of corporate change.
The agencies were responding to reports of unpaid salaries and late payments that have occurred sporadically since December 2024.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG