Tan See Leng on Workplace Fairness (Dispute Resolution) Bill

If parties are still unable to come to a resolution amongst themselves after mediation, an individual can commence a workplace discrimination claim at the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) or the High Court. The ECT will be the main forum to hear workplace discrimination claims, providing more workers with access to an affordable and expeditious forum to seek redress. This is a far more outcome-oriented and expeditious process, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng as he outlined the key features of the Workplace Fairness (Dispute Resolution) Bill in parliament on Tuesday (Nov 4). To make the process accessible to more workers, the government will expand its jurisdiction to hear workplace discrimination claims up to and including S$250,000. For higher-value claims above S$250,000, these are better heard by senior judges on the High Court bench, with legal representation. All workplace discrimination claims will be heard in private. Dr Tan said the Ministry of Manpower recognises that ample preparation is critical and currently targets to implement the Workplace Fairness Act in end-2027. It will continue to monitor the readiness of all parties and adjust the timeline as necessary, as well as step up its education and outreach efforts.