Cases of Employees being Redeployed or Asked to Leave their Positions Due to Not Being Vaccinated

33 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether she can provide an update on the review of vaccination policies for employees in workplaces with high risk of exposure; (b) whether there have been instances of employees being redeployed or asked to leave their positions due to not being vaccinated; and (c) what is the process to seek redress for employees who feel that they have been unfairly redeployed, dismissed or pressured to leave due to their vaccination status.

Mrs Josephine Teo: The tripartite partners are continuing their discussions on acceptable employer policies with respect to vaccination of their workforce. Both employers and unions are mindful that vaccination is voluntary. At the same time, workforces with a higher rate of vaccination are likely to be more resilient against outbreaks, which can help ensure the survival of businesses, and this is ultimately also in the workers’ interest. They will release the tripartite guidance at the appropriate time.

Nevertheless, we are encouraged that many frontline employees in workplaces with higher risk of COVID-19 infection have been vaccinated, showing that both employers and employees see the benefits of vaccination. We have not received complaints of employers punishing or penalising employees who decline vaccination. If there is a dispute, parties should approach MOM for case-specific advice and assistance.