MOM, NTUC, SNEF to release advisories on ensuring sustainability of outsourced sectors affected by Covid-19

28 May 2020

On 6 May 2020, the Ministry of Manpower (“MOM”), National Trades Union Congress (“NTUC”) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (“SNEF”) (collectively, “tripartite partners”), together with relevant sector agencies and associations, will be progressively issuing Tripartite Advisories (“TA”) to guide service buyers and service providers on measures to adopt to ensure the sustainability of their sectors in view of Covid-19.

The tripartite partners call on all stakeholders to work together, to review and reprioritise service needs, as well as explore voluntary renegotiation of contracts or payments for variations in services required. Outsourced workers should be recognised and remunerated appropriately, and their health cared for. These steps will ensure the sustainability of the respective outsourced sectors during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tripartite Advisories to be issued progressively

MOM, NTUC and SNEF released the first TA titled “Ensuring Sustainability of the Cleaning Sector” on 17 April 2020 and the second “Ensuring Sustainability of the Security Sector” on 6 May 2020.

Additional TAs providing guidance for other sectors, such as the waste management sector, will be issued progressively. The TAs provide recommendations for:

  • Service buyers and providers to reach mutual agreement to reprioritise, redeploy and reallocate service needs and adjust service fees payable;
  • Service buyers to exercise restraint in activating liquidated damages, and pay their service providers appropriately;
  • Service providers to remunerate their workers appropriately and ensure their workplace safety and health in view of the increased risk arising from Covid-19.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on the MOM website www.mom.gov.sg: 

 

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