Written Answer to PQ on ECT Representation for Non-unionised Employees

NOTICE PAPER NO. 563 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 02 MARCH 2026
QUESTION NO.1138 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Ms He Ting Ru

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry can provide an update on whether it will consider allowing non-unionised employees to be represented by non-legal non-governmental organisations at the Employment Claims Tribunal, in order to level the playing field with employers, who may be represented by legally-trained staff or staff acting on legal advice.

Answer:

The Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) adopts a simplified and guided process that is accessible to parties even without legal representation. Workers, including non-unionised employees, may also apply for a Community Courts Tribunals (CCT) Friend, which will allow a third party to be present during tribunal proceedings to provide support. This third party can be a person from a non-governmental organisation.