Singapore High Court’s groundbreaking ruling upholds workers’ rights, requiring employers to pay for overtime work beyond the 72-hour cap and HR implications
The High Court in Singapore ruled in favor of employees’ rights, requiring an employer to pay for overtime work done even when it exceeded the 72-hour monthly cap.
The ruling emphasises the need to protect vulnerable workers and prevent employers from exploiting the overtime cap to avoid paying employees rightfully.
HR executives in Singapore need to ensure their companies adhere to overtime laws, provide fair compensation for overtime work, and avoid taking advantage of employees.
Implications for HR Executives in Singapore
Compliance with Overtime Laws: HR executives must ensure that their company’s employment contracts and policies comply with Singapore’s overtime laws, allowing eligible workers to claim overtime pay for additional hours worked beyond the prescribed cap.
Fair Compensation Practices: HR executives should review the company’s compensation practices and ensure that employees are fairly compensated for any overtime work they perform, regardless of the statutory cap.
Avoiding Exploitation: Employers should not use the overtime cap as an excuse to deny overtime pay to employees who were asked to work beyond the prescribed limit. HR executives should promote ethical practices and fair treatment of workers.
Communication and Transparency: HR executives should communicate overtime policies clearly to employees and be transparent about the circumstances under which overtime work may be required. This helps build trust and avoids misunderstandings.
Applying for Special Permission: If there is a genuine need for employees to work beyond the overtime cap, HR executives should apply for permission from the Ministry of Manpower and ensure that employees consent to such arrangements.
Protecting Workers’ Rights: HR executives play a critical role in upholding employees’ rights and ensuring they are not taken advantage of by implementing appropriate policies and following the court’s ruling.
Employee Retention and Motivation: Recognising and appreciating employees who go the extra mile can foster loyalty and motivation. HR executives should create a positive work environment that values and rewards hard work.
By taking these implications into account, HR executives can contribute to a fair and compliant work environment that respects employees’ rights and ensures that they are appropriately compensated for their efforts.
Do you have employees who work more than 72 hours of overtime?
Yes: 37.50%
No: 62.50%
Comments
Need to seek permission before allowing staff to over beyond this and approval was rejected. – K
