Solicitud directa (CEACR) - Adopción: 2024, Publicación: 113ª reunión CIT (2025)

Convenio sobre la consulta tripartita (normas internacionales del trabajo), 1976 (núm. 144) - Singapur (Ratificación : 2010)

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.