Singapore's Ministry of Manpower says it is looking into the allegations
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is in contact with a manpower provider that allegedly deducted S$5 from a wheelchair assistant at Changi Airport for being 11 seconds late for work.
MOM told the media that it has reached out to Aventa Services, which has been responding directly to its queries, Channel News Asia (CNA) reported.
"We are aware of this case and have contacted Aventa Services, the employer of the affected employee, to establish the nature and extent of the deductions," MOM said as quoted by the CNA.
"If it is determined that the deduction is unauthorised or excessive, MOM will take appropriate enforcement actions accordingly."
'Completely DISPROPORTIONATE'
The action comes after a viral LinkedIn post from Juliet Low, CEO of Maid Without Borders, who said that the wheelchair usher who assisted her husband got deducted S$5 for being 11 seconds late to work.
This is despite the worker only earning S$7 per hour, according to the CEO.
"He actually showed me a picture of his payslip stating 11sec deduction," Low said on LinkedIn. "That's almost an hour of his pay -- For 11 secs. Completely DISPROPORTIONATE."
The CEO called the attention of SATS Ltd., saying its vendor is practicing the "very disturbing policy."
SATS, in a statement to the media, said they have also reached out to Aventa Services about the allegations.
"SATS is aware of, and concerned by, allegations in a LinkedIn post regarding the employment practices of one of our service partners, Aventa Services," the statement said as quoted by The Straits Times.
"We have sought clarification from Aventa on the matters raised."
Meanwhile, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) also said they are seeking clarification from Aventa Services on the matter.
"The allegation of an unfair salary deduction is concerning and unacceptable," said Cham Hui Fong, deputy secretary-general of the NTUC, as quoted by the CNA.
"NTUC and our unions call on Aventa Services to clarify the circumstances, and to review its policies and practices, and do right by its workers."
MOM has clarified that while employers may make salary deductions for authorised reasons under the Employment Act, they cannot impose a larger salary deduction than the period of absence by characterising it as a penalty or fine.
The practice of making unauthorised or excessive deductions from salaries may amount to a failure to pay salaries, which is an offence under the Employment Act, according to MOM.
"If an offence is established, MOM will take appropriate enforcement action, taking into account the employer's rectification measures, the severity of the offence etc. This could include issuing a stern warning, and in severe cases, prosecuting the employer for the offence," it added as quoted by the CNA.
