When it comes to the claims process, even

“successful” outcomes can be less than desirable.

A worker’s journey in pursuing salary-related claims under the Employment Act

Salary-related dispute occurs

Worker files a claim and requests

mediation at Tripartite Alliance Dispute Management, but may face a greater

risk of repatriation.

Worker does not file a claim

Worker continues working in unsafe environment or unfair conditions, unless the situation improves due to other reasons.

Mediation

successful

Mediation

unsuccessful

Worker finds a new

employer, but this may be arduous, sometimes hingeing on the

cooperation of their

current employer.

Worker can pursue the claim

at Employment Claims

Tribunals, but is disadvantaged in navigating court

proceedings.

A settlement agreement is drawn up. Worker might settle for payment of an amount that is lower than owed.

Claim

successful

Claim

unsuccessful

Employer may still default on payment, notwithstanding MOM warning of

enforcement action. Worker can change employers with the help of MOM and its NGO partners, though sometimes this is challenging in reality. Otherwise, they

may be repatriated.

Worker is most likely repatriated, often with exacerbated debt.

When it comes to the claims

process, even “successful”

outcomes can be less than desirable.

A worker’s journey in pursuing salary-related claims under the Employment Act

Salary-related dispute occurs

Worker files a claim and requests

mediation at

Tripartite Alliance Dispute

Management, but may face a greater risk of repatriation.

Worker does not file a claim

Worker continues working in unsafe environment or unfair conditions, unless the

situation

improves due to other reasons.

Worker finds a new employer, but this may

be arduous,

sometimes

hingeing on the

cooperation of their current

employer.

Mediation

successful

Mediation

unsuccessful

Worker can pursue the claim at Employment Claims

Tribunals, but is disadvantaged in navigating court

proceedings.

A settlement agreement is drawn up. Worker might settle for payment of an amount that is lower than owed.

Claim

successful

Claim

unsuccessful

Employer may still default on

payment, notwithstanding MOM warning of enforcement action. Worker can change employers with the help of MOM and its NGO

partners, though sometimes this is challenging in reality. Otherwise, they may be repatriated.

Worker is most likely repatriated, often with exacerbated debt.