Introduction

A local worker in Singapore has sparked discussions about workplace fairness after challenging her employer's controversial policy of docking pay for arriving late to work.

Details of the Policy

The worker shared her experience on r/askSingapore, describing that her small-to-medium enterprise (SME) implemented a $5 deduction for being just 10 minutes late, and a $10 deduction for lateness between 10 and 20 minutes.

Legal Concerns

Concerned about the legality of such practices, she looked into the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) guidelines and found no regulations supporting these deductions for lateness.

Employee Frustration

Expressing frustration, she noted that while the official working hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, employees often work until 7 PM or 8 PM without additional compensation.

Annual Leave Issues

Her dissatisfaction was compounded by the company's limited annual leave provision of just seven days, which she felt was inadequate.

Public Reaction

Reactions on Reddit varied from sympathetic advice to humorous remarks, with some users encouraging her to seek an exit strategy and others commenting on the absurdity of the situation.

Legality of Salary Deductions

According to MOM, while salary deductions for lateness are permissible, they must be proportional to the actual time missed, and employers should inquire about the reasons for lateness.

Conclusion

This incident raises questions about the balance between workplace discipline and employee rights, urging a reconsideration of strict lateness policies.