Adoption of Eight Tripartite Standards by Employers
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the adoption of the eight Tripartite Standards, as Assoc Prof Walter Theseira inquired about employer participation rates and strategies to encourage widespread implementation. Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo reported that by July 2019, around 2,700 employers covering 670,000 workers had adopted at least one standard, particularly in the infocomm, professional services, and wholesale trade sectors. The government promotes these voluntary standards through campaigns and roadshows conducted by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices to reach various Trade Associations and Chambers. Additionally, specialized clinics are organized to help companies understand and implement practices such as merit-based recruitment and flexible work arrangements before they officially adopt the standards. These concerted efforts aim to ensure more employees benefit from progressive workplace practices while helping employers attract and retain talent through public recognition.
Transcript
30 Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the current number of employers, broken down by the number of employees and industry type, who have adopted the eight Tripartite Standards, namely Age-Friendly Workplace Practices, Contracting with Self-employed Persons, Employment of Term Contract Employees, Flexible Work Arrangements, Grievance Handling, Procurement of Services from Media Freelancers, Recruitment Practices, and Unpaid Leave for Unexpected Care Needs; and (b) what plans does the Government have to encourage more widespread adoption of these Standards.
Mrs Josephine Teo: In July 2017, MOM launched the Tripartite Standards to encourage companies to adopt fair and progressive workplace practices. Employers who adopt the Tripartite Standards are publicly recognised as progressive employers. This helps them to attract and retain jobseekers and their current workers. Adoption is voluntary.
Two years on, we have seen significant progress. As of July 2019, about 2,700 employers, including public sector agencies, covering about 670,000 employees, have adopted at least one Tripartite Standard. This means that one in five workers can be assured that their employers have committed to implementing fair and progressive employment practices such as recruiting based on merit, setting out clear terms of engagement, and providing flexible work arrangements.
Table 1 below provides a breakdown of the number of employers who have adopted each Tripartite Standard and workers covered. The top three industries with the most adopters of the Tripartite Standards are (i) Infocomm Technology and Media, (ii) Professional Services, and (iii) Wholesale Trade.
MOM and the tripartite partners have been working hard to encourage companies to adopt the Tripartite Standards. For instance, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has been reaching out to companies, including through promotional campaigns, event roadshows, and briefings to members of Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs). TAFEP also organises clinics on Tripartite Standards to help companies better understand the specifications, so that they can confidently implement those practices before adoption.
These concerted MOM and tripartite efforts have led to good progress in the adoption of the Tripartite Standards. We will press on with these efforts.
