Today, the NTUC Legal Services Team fought on behalf of the UWEEI (United Workers of Electronic and Electrical Industries) at the Industrial Arbitration Court.
Here’s what happened:
- 98 workers were retrenched
- The company refused to pay Union demands of 1 month salary per completed year of service
The company argued that there was no signed Collective Agreement – and hence, insisted that payment of 2 weeks (per year of service) was generous enough. They further added that the company was making losses and were unable to pay the union’s requested amount of 1 month (per completed year of service).
Justice Chan Seng Onn delivered verdict and demanded Company to make payment.
FYI – a Collective Agreement usually takes between 3 months – 2 years. This is a victory for the workers, the Labour Movement and another victory for peaceful, non-disruptive action.