29 May 2006
The Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers had recommended setting up a Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) to shift mindsets among employers, employees and the general public towards fair and responsible employment practices for all workers.
2. The Government is pleased to announce the formation of the Alliance, which is co-chaired by Mr Bob Tan, Vice President, Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) / Council Member, Singapore Business Federation (SBF), and Mdm Halimah Yacob, Assistant Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The full composition of the Alliance is set out in the Annex. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State for Manpower and Education; Mr Stephen Lee, Chairman, SBF/President, SNEF; and Mr John De Payva, President, NTUC will serve as advisors to the Alliance.
3. The Alliance held its first meeting on 22 May 06 and has adopted the following terms of reference:
a. Formulate guidelines for fair employment practices towards workers of all ages, genders, races and religion;
b. Initiate a fair employment movement through national and sectoral programmes to facilitate broad and effective adoption of fair employment practices;
c. Partner relevant agencies to develop industry capability and training programmes for managers, supervisors and union leaders on fair employment practices;
d. Profile case studies and best practices to create greater awareness and to facilitate sharing of experiences among employers, unions and the public; and
e. Give recognition to employers that are exemplary in implementing fair employment practices.
4. The Alliance will focus on the following key areas:
a. Understanding the needs and concerns of employers and employees in relation to prevailing employment practices, in our rapidly changing business environment;
b. Eliminating discriminatory practices in hiring and in-employment, in particular, on grounds of age, gender, race, religion and marital status;
c. Promoting practices which bring about an inclusive workforce.
5. Over the next 2 years, the Alliance will adopt a concerted, promotional and educational approach to raise awareness and share knowledge on fair employment practices. The Alliance looks forward to the support of all employers, unions and employees in making Singapore a fair and inclusive place to work, contributing to a resilient and dynamic economy. More details about the Alliance's initiatives will be released at a later date.
Quotes from Chairpersons:
Mr Bob Tan:
"In the face of increasingly competitive global environment and changes in our demographic profile, companies need to introduce and implement progressive policies and practices to better attract and retain employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Fair employment practices are a competitive edge. Companies which do not have them need to be more aware and be given help and support to introduce such practices."
Mdm Halimah Yacob:
"The labour movement urges employers to implement and uphold fair and good employment practices which recognize and reward employees solely on the basis of their merits and provide equal opportunities in recruitment and career progression. This is a win-win strategy to help develop and motivate employees who can make strong contributions to the company for the benefit of both parties."
