SINGAPORE: Human resource experts say it is important for employers to engage with their foreign workers in light of the two labour disputes that have taken place in the past weeks.
They said more can be done to ensure employees have and are aware of the right avenues to air their grievances.
The two labour disputes involving foreign workers have been in the limelight.
And it has been called a "wake-up call" for employers.
So what steps should employers take next?
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) had earlier urged employers to put in place or re-look their grievance handling procedures. And in light of the current climate, human resource experts say it is timely for companies to reassure and communicate with their workers.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI), said: "What I think companies should do is really to call a briefing or call a communication session with the foreign workers to explain to them that this thing has taken place, why it has taken place and what is wrong in the course of the action that has been taken by this group of people.
"And explain to them that if you do have an issue, and you do have a problem, bring it up to your supervisor. And to some extent, communicating in the language which the workers can best understand will be key to making sure the message goes down."
The Association of Employment Agencies said most foreign workers are aware of the channels to air their problems.
But more can be done.
K Jayaprema, President of the Association of Employment Agencies, said: "What the Ministry of Manpower, maybe what they can do is to include these information they're handing to their workers, a little bit more about the policies, the rules, the regulations of the laws against strikes in Singapore. I think that's what they should include.
"Apart from sounding out to employees about their rights, I think we are looking at the roles and responsibilities of employees also."
Employers also have a part to play.
Experts said clear terms and conditions for workers should be set out in black and white by companies who engage employment agencies.
Mr Ang added: "The bigger companies would certainly have this. But again, down at the ground level, during the course of the recruitment process itself, there could be cases of misrepresentation and so on. So a company must be aware, and be constantly checking on the accuracy of the information given to the workers."
Mr Jayaprema added: "Employers are being informed, it's really whether the employer wants to pass this message down to the employee. So I think it's really the responsibility on the employer now. You can only do so much to educate people, but I think it's the employers who should be more serious about how they are going to manage their workforce."
And experts say it will take two hands to clap to ensure the welfare of foreign workers are looked after.
- CNA/de
Employers urged to engage with foreign workers on grievance channels
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Employers urged to engage with foreign workers on grievance channels
