Workers' Party, 18 Nov 2008
By Low Thia Khiang
Mr Speaker, Sir, for some years, the Workers’ Party had highlighted that the definition of employee in the Employment Act was too restrictive. The current definition before this amendment excluded from the Act those who were holding jobs in confidential, executive or managerial positions, even if their salaries were not high and they needed protection under the Act.
We therefore welcome the broadening of the definition of employee to include those in confidential positions. We note that the Bill also includes those in executive or management role with a salary of up to $2,500 for the purpose of Part III on payment of salary. This will allow such employees to claim salary arrears or seek recourse for unfair dismissal through the Ministry of Manpower rather than to sue in court which is costly and most of them cannot afford.
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