Keith Chua on Workplace Fairness Bill

The Workplace Fairness Bill is a positive first step, as well as a “work in progress”, said NMP Keith Chua. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 7), he pointed out that many employers are already providing excellent work environments and giving care to employees who fall under the protected characteristics. Noting that some employers may need time to adjust, Mr Chua stressed the need to enable every employer to ultimately embrace the intent of the Bill. “Businesses will need to do well in order to do good,” he said. On their part, employees must remain diligent, responsible and reasonable, he added. Mr Chua also stressed the need to strike a reasonable balance between employers and workers who fall under the protected characteristics. The workplace should not become a litigious environment and some degree of recourse provided in the Bill will help to minimise discrimination and unfair practices should these arise, he added.