NTUC, SISEU supply help to affected workers, MOM to research Agoda allegations
The Nationwide Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore Industrial and Providers Workers’ Union (SISEU) are “appalled” at allegations that Agoda warned retrenched workers to not report points to commerce unions or authorities authorities.
The net journey company has lower employees throughout its world operations, with about 50 roles affected in Singapore. In response to paperwork circulating on-line, workers have been allegedly threatened towards reporting the layoffs, with the chance of shedding their severance entitlements. Employees have been additionally reportedly warned towards submitting mediation requests or pursuing claims or proceedings associated to their employment or termination.
The 2 unions have expressed their dismay in a joint assertion on Wednesday (Sep 17), stating that the transfer, if true, is “irresponsible and regrettable.”
The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Tripartite Alliance for Truthful and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) have additionally confirmed they’re investigating the case.
NTUC and SISEU’s response
Of their joint assertion, NTUC and SISEU emphasised that if the allegations are true, Agoda’s actions would deny workers entry to grievance dealing with and dispute decision assist at a time when they’re most weak.
“Employees mustn’t ever be made to really feel threatened or silenced when exercising their rights,” the unions stated. “It additionally runs counter to the ideas of truthful and progressive employment practices anticipated of all accountable employers in Singapore.”
NTUC and SISEU each oppose the net journey company’s transfer, and can assist affected employees. Whereas Agoda isn’t unionised, its employees who’re members of NTUC’s affiliated union, SISEU, might be assisted.
“NTUC and SISEU stand prepared to supply help and assets to assist our members and employees transition to new job alternatives and supply monetary assist, if wanted,” stated the unions.
“This consists of connecting them to the Labour Motion’s community, akin to NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute).”
Affected members and employees are additionally inspired to contact SISEU for help through e-mail at siseu@ntuc.org.sg or by telephone at 6220 3345 (throughout working hours).
MOM is trying into Agoda’s “inappropriate” severance settlement
In a separate assertion, MOM has confirmed that it’ll examine the layoffs along with TAFEP.
The ministry stated it takes the allegations severely, noting that any provisions in employment or severance agreements that discourage or forestall workers from approaching authorities are “inappropriate.”
It’s inappropriate for employers to incorporate provisions that discourage or inhibit workers from approaching the authorities for all conditions and this runs counter to the spirit of truthful and accountable employment practices.
MOM added that it’ll not hesitate to take motion the place obligatory.
Agoda has refuted allegations
Amid investigations by MOM and considerations raised by NTUC and SISEU, Agoda has denied the allegations, stating that it has not threatened workers over reporting layoffs or accessing assist from unions or authorities authorities.
The corporate’s spokesperson informed Vulcan Submit on Sep 17 that it “stays dedicated to retaining a powerful native presence in Singapore and continues to comply with related native legal guidelines.”
“Impacted workers got each assist all through the transition course of in keeping with business requirements. Throughout this time workers have been free to hunt different authorized choices or interact with native authorities in the event that they so wished. We categorically refute the allegation that any warnings have been issued.”
The corporate added that it’s not capable of remark additional on particular person settlement agreements to respect worker privateness.
Additionally Learn: Agoda lays off 50 employees in S’pore, denies threatening severance if circumstances reported to MOM or unions
Featured Picture Credit score: Ayden
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