MOM unveils tripartite standard for term contract workers

About 10% of resident employees are on term contract arrangements.

The Ministry of Manpower launched a new tripartite standard which specifies better employment conditions for term contract employees.

According to a statement released by MOM, this is the first of a series of Tripartite Standards that will be rolled out successively in the months ahead. 

As announced by Minister for Manpower Mr Lim Swee Say during the Committee of Supply debates in March this year, these Standards fill the gap between employment laws, which require all employers to comply, and advisories, which provide a reference guide for employers on best practices. Each Tripartite
Standard specifies a set of verifiable and actionable employment practices, which employers can publicly commit to adopt. Jobseekers and employees can identify progressive employers and the specific progressive employment practices implemented by these employers.

MOM estimated that about 10% of resident employees, or about 170,000 workers, are on term contract arrangements.

"These term contract employees may have their leave entitlements reset to the statutory minimum by the employer each time their contracts are renewed. They may also have less access to training compared with their counterparts on permanent contracts. This Tripartite Standard will ensure better employment conditions for term contract employees," MOM said.