12 November 2024
SNEF SUPPORTS THE WORKPLACE FAIRNESS LEGISLATION TO BUILD FAIR AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) fully supports the Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL), which establishes a zero-tolerance policy for workplace discrimination in Singapore. The WFL reinforces our commitment to fostering fair and inclusive workplaces.
2 Through SNEF’s leadership in the Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness, we have successfully ensured that the WFL strikes a crucial balance. It maintains operational flexibility for employers while establishing a fair enforcement framework for breaches. This approach not only provides individuals with the necessary redress but also fosters a workplace culture that minimises litigation. SNEF understands that the vast majority of our employers are deeply committed to fair employment practices. Therefore, we advocate for a WFL that enhances workplace fairness without imposing significant administrative or compliance burdens, ultimately supporting employers in their pursuit of a positive and equitable work environment.
3 Workplace disputes can sometimes arise from lapses or individual breaches that contradict an organisation’s values and policies. In these situations, SNEF will work closely with tripartite partners and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) to assist employers in rectifying these issues. Our goal is to enhance employment practices, ensuring that organisations not only address disputes effectively but also cultivate a culture of fairness and inclusiveness within the workplace.
4 To assist employers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in meeting the standards of the WFL, SNEF will collaborate closely with our tripartite partners to provide comprehensive guidelines, resources, and advisory services. The implementation lead time, along with the exemption for smaller companies with fewer than 25 employees, ensures that employers have the necessary opportunity to review and strengthen their employment practices effectively. Through our regular series of workshops and briefings, SNEF has been proactively engaging and preparing our members for legislative changes, such as the upcoming WFL and will continue to do so.
5 SNEF encourages all employers to view the WFL as more than just a compliance requirement. Embracing the principles of fairness is essential for cultivating cohesive and inclusive workplaces. An inclusive environment serves as a strategic advantage for employers – it significantly boosts employee engagement, enhances talent attraction and retention, and ultimately strengthens the competitiveness of our businesses.
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About Singapore National Employers Federation
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) is a trade union of employers. Our mission is to advance tripartism and enhance labour market flexibility to enable employers to implement responsible employment practices for sustainable growth. SNEF has a membership of more than 3,700 companies with more than 850,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.snef.org.sg.
