Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Singapore (Ratification: 2010)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes that the Government’s report indicates that the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regularly and extensively consults the tripartite partners, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) on a wide range of issues. With regard to ILO Conventions, the Government indicates that the tripartite partners have discussed the ILO fundamental Conventions that have not been ratified by Singapore, as well as the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122). The tripartite partners have agreed that there are prospects for re-ratifying Convention No. 105, given that the country’s political intent is in line with the principles of the Convention and that legislative amendments to bring the legislation into line with the Convention have been initiated. The Committee notes, however, that the report does not indicate what consultations have been held on the other subjects listed in Article 5(1) of the Convention. Under these circumstances, the Committee firmly hopes that the Government will be able to provide the information requested on the frequency, content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on all matters relating to international labour standards covered by the Convention: questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the Conference (Article 5(1)(a)); the submission of instruments adopted by the Conference to the competent authorities (Article 5(1)(b)); the re-examination at appropriate intervals of unratified Conventions and Recommendations to which effect has not yet been given and, in particular, consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions, as well as on Convention No. 122, which is a governance Convention and whose ratification has been previously envisaged (Article 5(1)(c)); and the reports to be made on the application of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(d)). Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to send copies of the reports of the meetings of the Joint Advisory Committee, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

With regard to the measures taken in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in response to its previous comments, indicating that it has engaged in effective consultations and social dialogue with stakeholders, including the NTUC and the SNEF, to manage the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the welfare of workers. The tripartite partners have developed guidance for employers and employees on work and leave arrangements for employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. They have also encouraged employers to treat such absences as paid sick leave and to allow vulnerable employees to work from home. Moreover, sector-specific guidance has been issued to ensure the sustainability of essential services. At the same time, employers have been encouraged to pay workers fairly and to take advantage of slow periods to train and develop their employees. The tripartite partners have also updated guidance on managing redundancies and responsible dismissals, encouraging employers to consider redundancies as a last resort. They have also recommended that trade unions be consulted as soon as possible and that redundant employees be treated with sensitivity. Lastly, the Government indicates it has taken steps to support migrant workers by covering the costs of COVID-19 tests and treatments and providing care packages. The Government considers that the support measures have helped to maintain GDP growth and reduce the unemployment rate, and that tripartite collaboration has been key to the labour market recovery.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on the content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on each of the matters covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention, particularly in connection with the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions and the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), a governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)). The Government reports that the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) continues to consult extensively and regularly with the tripartite partners. The Government indicates that, during the period 2014-18, in the context of the annual review of Singapore’s baselines concerning the promotion and realisation of ILO fundamental principles and rights at work, the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and the Singapore National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) were consulted in relation to the fundamental Conventions not yet ratified by Singapore, and their comments were reflected in the reports submitted to the ILO (Article 5 (1) (c)). The SNEF and the NTUC were also consulted on replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the International Labour Conference and government comments on proposed texts to be discussed by the Conference (such as those relating to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205) and the Violence at Work Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206), 2019 (Article 5 (1) (a)), as well as in relation to Article 19 and 22 reports (Article 5(1)(b) and (d)); and on proposals for the denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1) (e)). The Committee notes that, in 2018, the tripartite partners met twice to discuss the matters specified under Article 5 of the Convention. With regard to the re-examination of unratified Conventions, the Government indicates that in 2018 the tripartite partners discussed the possibility of re-ratifying the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105). The Government indicates that progress had been made in addressing forced labour as illustrated by the 2014 amendments to the Prisons Act, but that it would take some time to bring its entire legislative framework into full compliance with Convention No. 105. The Government reports that the NTUC expressed the view that Singapore should work toward the re-ratification of Convention No. 105 as soon as possible. Regarding Convention No. 122, the Government indicates that it has active labour market policies in place and provides information on a series of initiatives aimed at job creation and skills upgrading; however, it does not provide specific information on tripartite consultations relating to Convention No. 122.The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed and precise information on the content, frequency and outcome of tripartite consultations held on all matters relating to international labour standards covered by the Convention and other activities of the ILO, including consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions, as well as on Convention No. 122, a priority governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)).

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. It encourages the Government to engage in tripartite consultation and social dialogue more broadly as a solid foundation for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken in this respect, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention and Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Recommendation No. 152, including with regard to steps taken to reinforce the capacity of the tripartite constituents and strengthen mechanisms and procedures, as well as challenges and good practices identified.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on the content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on each of the matters covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention, particularly in connection with the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions and the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), a governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)). The Government reports that the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) continues to consult extensively and regularly with the tripartite partners. The Government indicates that, during the period 2014-18, in the context of the annual review of Singapore’s baselines concerning the promotion and realisation of ILO fundamental principles and rights at work, the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and the Singapore National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) were consulted in relation to the fundamental Conventions not yet ratified by Singapore, and their comments were reflected in the reports submitted to the ILO (Article 5 (1) (c)). The SNEF and the NTUC were also consulted on replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the International Labour Conference and government comments on proposed texts to be discussed by the Conference (such as those relating to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205) and the Violence at Work Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206), 2019 (Article 5 (1) (a)), as well as in relation to Article 19 and 22 reports (Article 5(1)(b) and (d)); and on proposals for the denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1) (e)). The Committee notes that, in 2018, the tripartite partners met twice to discuss the matters specified under Article 5 of the Convention. With regard to the re-examination of unratified Conventions, the Government indicates that in 2018 the tripartite partners discussed the possibility of re-ratifying the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105). The Government indicates that progress had been made in addressing forced labour as illustrated by the 2014 amendments to the Prisons Act, but that it would take some time to bring its entire legislative framework into full compliance with Convention No. 105. The Government reports that the NTUC expressed the view that Singapore should work toward the re-ratification of Convention No. 105 as soon as possible. Regarding Convention No. 122, the Government indicates that it has active labour market policies in place and provides information on a series of initiatives aimed at job creation and skills upgrading; however, it does not provide specific information on tripartite consultations relating to Convention No. 122. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed and precise information on the content, frequency and outcome of tripartite consultations held on all matters relating to international labour standards covered by the Convention and other activities of the ILO, including consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions, as well as on Convention No. 122, a priority governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)).

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. It encourages the Government to engage in tripartite consultation and social dialogue more broadly as a solid foundation for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken in this respect, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention and Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Recommendation No. 152, including with regard to steps taken to reinforce the capacity of the tripartite constituents and strengthen mechanisms and procedures, as well as challenges and good practices identified.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the Government’s report indicating that the Ministry of Manpower consults extensively and regularly with the tripartite partners. Tripartite consultations have been initiated by the Government on a regular basis to review unratified Conventions. In this regard and in reply to its previous comments on the re-examination of unratified Conventions, the Committee notes the information provided in relation to the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), namely some of the measures taken to promote employment. Moreover, tripartite consultations were held in advance of submitting reports to the ILO regarding the standard-setting items on the agenda of the 103rd Session (2014) of the Conference with a view to supplementing the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), as well as regarding facilitating transitions from the informal to the formal economy. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the content and outcome of the consultations held on the matters concerning international labour standards covered by the Convention, including consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions and Convention No. 122, a governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2014. The Committee also notes that the Government has been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the Government’s report indicating that the Ministry of Manpower consults extensively and regularly with the tripartite partners. Tripartite consultations have been initiated by the Government on a regular basis to review unratified Conventions. In this regard and in reply to its previous comments on the re-examination of unratified Conventions, the Committee notes the information provided in relation to the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), namely some of the measures taken to promote employment. Moreover, tripartite consultations were held in advance of submitting reports to the ILO regarding the standard-setting items on the agenda of the 103rd Session (2014) of the Conference with a view to supplementing the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), as well as regarding facilitating transitions from the informal to the formal economy. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the content and outcome of the consultations held on the matters concerning international labour standards covered by the Convention, including consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions and Convention No. 122, a governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the Government’s report indicating that the Ministry of Manpower consults extensively and regularly with the tripartite partners. Tripartite consultations have been initiated by the Government on a regular basis to review unratified Conventions. In this regard and in reply to its previous comments on the re examination of unratified Conventions, the Committee notes the information provided in relation to the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), namely some of the measures taken to promote employment. Moreover, tripartite consultations were held in advance of submitting reports to the ILO regarding the standard-setting items on the agenda of the 103rd Session (2014) of the Conference with a view to supplementing the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), as well as regarding facilitating transitions from the informal to the formal economy. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the content and outcome of the consultations held on the matters concerning international labour standards covered by the Convention, including consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions and Convention No. 122, a governance Convention (Article 5(1)(c)).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention received in November 2012. The Government indicates that tripartism is deeply ingrained in Singapore. It adds that procedures for ensuring effective tripartite consultations were determined through tripartite discussions and collaborations over the decades, and have evolved over time. The Government further indicates that, for matters set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention, the social partners are consulted as and when required on the application of ratified Conventions, annual reports concerning unratified fundamental Conventions, and on other matters. It also indicates that the frequency of the tripartite consultations depends on the number and complexity of the subjects calling for consultation. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the content and outcome of the consultations held with the social partners on the matters concerning international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention, including consultations on replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the Conference and proposed texts to be discussed by the Conference (Article 5(1)(a)), and consultations on the re-examination of unratified fundamental Conventions Nos 87, 105 and 111; and a governance Convention (the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122)) (Article 5(1)(c)).