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Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International Fined $8,000 For Employment Act Offences

Employment practices

25 April 2013

  1. In the Subordinate Courts today, Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International Pte Ltd (“Zhong Jiang”) pleaded guilty to 8 charges of failing to pay its workers’ salaries on time. The company had employed the two workers who staged a dangerous sit-in atop construction cranes in December 2012. (Refer to Annex A for clarifications on the December 2012 incident.)
  2. The company pleaded guilty to 8 charges under Section 34 of the Employment Act (EA) for failing to pay its workers their salaries within seven days after the last day of the salary period, which is an offence under Section 34 of the Employment Act. Another 17 charges were taken into consideration for sentencing. The company was fined a total of $8,000.

    Facts of the Case
  3. MOM investigated Zhong Jiang after the two workers, PRC nationals Zhu Guilei and Wu Xiaolin, climbed onto two tower cranes at their worksite and alleged that their employer had withheld their salaries. The two workers refused to come down until their claims were resolved. Zhu and Wu were subsequently found guilty of criminal trespass last month and jailed four weeks each. In respect of Zhu’s and Wu’s November salary payments, MOM’s findings showed that their salaries were not yet due for payment at the time of the incident and there was no statutory breach of the Employment Act. (Refer to Annex A for more details on the incident.)
  4. At the same time, as part of MOM’s due process, MOM officers initiated a broader investigation into Zhong Jiang’s employment practices. An audit of the company’s salary payment records showed that between September and November 2012, Zhong Jiang had failed to make timely salary payments.
  5. Under the EA, employers are required to pay salaries within seven days after the end of a salary period. Zhong Jiang had delayed the salary payments by periods ranging from about one to three weeks. Such salary payment delays are offences under Section 34 read with Section 21(1) of the EA, and punishable under Section 112 of the same Act.

    MOM will not hesitate to prosecute employers for violations of employment laws
  6. MOM reminds all employers that they have the responsibility to pay workers’ salaries on time. While MOM and its tripartite partners will continue to help employers improve their employment practices, the Ministry will not hesitate to take stern action against employers who flout our employment laws.

    Workers should approach MOM if they have salary issues and not take matters into their own hands
  7. Workers facing employment issues should approach MOM for advice and assistance. Workers can lodge their salary claims directly with MOM’s Labour Relations & Workplaces Division by calling 6438 5122 or email mom_lrwd@mom.gov.sg. Workers should not take matters into their own hands or break the law.

    Know your rights, do it right
  8. Employers should ensure that they are familiar with their obligations under Singapore’s employment laws, including the Employment Act and CPF Act. Workers or members of the public can call 1800-221-9922 or email workright@mom.gov.sg to report any non-compliance of the Employment Act or CPF Act. Calls and emails will be kept strictly confidential.

Annex A - Factsheet on Crane Incident Involving Zhong Jiang (Singapore) International on 6 December 2012