Leong Mun Wai calls for stronger protections for Singaporean workers in Workplace Fairness Bill

In Parliament on Wednesday (8 Jan), NCMP Leong Mun Wai voiced support for the Workplace Fairness Bill, commending its objective of protecting workers against discrimination across 11 protected characteristics. However, he raised several concerns, questioning whether the bill sufficiently safeguards Singaporeans in the job market.
Leong highlighted that the bill explicitly allows employers to prioritise Singaporeans and permanent residents, but questioned why such a provision was necessary, urging the government to ensure that Singaporeans always have the first right to jobs in their own country. He criticised the bill’s exemptions for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees and for contract-based work, arguing that these could create loopholes enabling discriminatory practices, such as larger companies splitting operations into smaller entities to circumvent the law.
Leong also expressed disappointment over the exclusion of platform workers from the bill’s coverage, pointing out their vulnerability to discrimination, especially regarding CPF contributions. He called on the government to include platform workers within two years and suggested measures like a CPF equalisation levy to address wage disparities between Singaporean and foreign workers. Additionally, he proposed job support subsidies for older workers to prevent age discrimination.
Emphasising the importance of fair employment, Leong noted Singapore’s history of job security concerns, citing widespread anger over the 2013 Population White Paper and ongoing anxieties about foreign workers. He warned that rising underemployment could threaten the nation’s stability, urging a whole-of-government approach to recalibrate education, training, manpower, and immigration policies. While supporting the bill, he stressed the need for regular reviews and stronger measures to ensure Singaporeans enjoy fair and meaningful job opportunities.
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