<![CDATA[WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM?]]>Hi,


I was been retrenched by my ex-company due to lost of a major customer and the company practice is \"Last in First out\" as I was the last personnel to join the dept.

I'm back to work on 05.10.09 and balance 2 weeks M/L however they only reimbursement me 10.5 days due to HR Personnel claim they calculate by the working days. My 2 days Childcare Leave was been forfeited.

They jolly well know that I just delivered a baby and she is only 4mths old. All my ex-colleagues (including my ex-manager) also knew that I had employed a maid who had joined us for 4 days only. My eldest daughter will be attending PCF Sparkletots next year. All of the above cost us a BOMB and yet they choose to retrench me whereas the other 2 of my colleagues are financially stable.

Well..... The only reason I can think of was favourtism and discrimination.

During my pregnancy (1st Trimester) with my ex-company, my manager had been adding a lot of pressure on me. Even when I told her I need to take ½ day leave to see doctor (due to bleeding), she bang the drawer and slammed the file on her desk. (I admit I took Urgent Leave and Medical Leave quite frequently) One day I cannot stand the pressure added by my manager, I cried hysterically in front of my Gynae and he wanted to give me 3 days MC to rest at home but I’m afraid my manager will vent her anger at me again. Therefore, I took only ½ day (the same day I went to my Gynae) and reported work the following day. Out of goodwill, my Gynae even wrote a letter to my manager informing her that I needed a lot of rest. For the past 1 week, I'm down with depression and was crying almost every hour.

When I told my ex-manager I need to take leave on 04/01/10 & 05/01/10 due to school opening and I need to bring my child for orientation, she told me to discuss with my ex-colleague (as her kids also school re-open). My manager obviously is making things difficult for me, my ex-colleague insisted in taking 2 whole days Annual Leave hence there were simply no room for discussion. I told my ex-manager the same (as what my colleague told me), she gave me the annoying look until I begged her that I will only take ½ day leave on 04/01/10 then she approved my Annual Leave. I felt that I was been treated unfairly as in why my colleague can take 2 Full days Annual Leave whereas I have to beg for ½ day leave. There once whereby I told her I need to take leave the following day to source for new maid, she replied me sarcastically “I’m used to it.” We need to employ a maid urgently as our previous maid is leaving us therefore I have no choice but to apply Urgent Leave.

I received a sms from my HR Personnal asking for my 2nd child Birth Cert as I was too busy thus I simply forgot abt it. Until this morning, she called me again (when I was sleeping) and I told her I will returned her called. I rushed out of the house immediately as I was late for my appointment and I received 6 missed calls from my HR Personnel. Frankly speaking, who is able to hear their hp ringing when they are at a noisy place especially in Hawker Centre? Afterwhich, she dropped me an sms threatening me that she will bring up this issue to CPF Board if I refuse to produce the Birth Cert to her. I feel that she is incorrigible and childish. Seriously, I'm piss off by her sms because I didn't do it on purpose.

1) May I know which goverment body can I seek redress on the unfair treatment by my ex-manager?

2) What can I do with the stupid act of my HR Personnel ?

3) I strongly believe my retrenchment was pre-planned. May I know who can I raise my greviance to ?I had seek help from AWARE & MOM but to no avail.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/7452/who-to-seek-redress-fromRSS for NodeSat, 09 May 2026 06:32:35 GMTThu, 10 Dec 2009 08:14:20 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:39:05 GMT]]>

insider:


Hope the above info don't confuse you further...
thanks. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87786https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87786Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:39:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:42:49 GMT]]>

fionong:

Basically, I did plan to take up courses on Early Childhood and understand \"Learning Capital\" is one of the reputable school for this course. I'm still considering whether to go for \"Learning Capital\" or \"Temasek Polytechnic\" (as it is nearby my place).
Personally, I would think Temasek Poly is a better choice as I heard it is more recognised in this field. Moreover, u r able to proceed to a higher degree with this cert too. Duration for DPT is abt 3 yrs (PT) - 2 weekday nights & 1 Sat morn. U r required to do assignments/observation on every module.
Practical exam do come in too but only towards the end of the course. Examiner will come in to observe your teaching and how you facilitate the children at the learning corners. But then again, a piece of kind advise - If u do intend to choose this field, only do it with lots of PASSION. Only passion, not $$$ will allows u to stay in this field. (Hv seen a lot of cases where teachers come & go when they fully understand the nature of work) There are a lot more of duties beside teaching that a pre-school teacher needs to do.

Hope I didn't scare u off but just to let u know more before u take the plunge.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87738https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87738Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:42:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:02:07 GMT]]>

Funz:
Yes, there has been lots of press on the number of preschool teachers required so that is one area that can be considered since there seem to be a shortage there.


The other one is the hotel and service industry. With the opening of the IR, there is again a shortage of such personnels.
Thank you for your advise. I think I know what to do.
jedamum:
insider,
i read that the course is open for mid-professionals and fresh grads; do they typically welcome sahm back to the workforce via this route too?
can you share more about SDECCE too? TIA.
Basically, I did plan to take up courses on Early Childhood and understand \"Learning Capital\" is one of the reputable school for this course. I'm still considering whether to go for \"Learning Capital\" or \"Temasek Polytechnic\" (as it is nearby my place).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87730https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87730Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:02:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:11:36 GMT]]>Yes, there has been lots of press on the number of preschool teachers required so that is one area that can be considered since there seem to be a shortage there.


The other one is the hotel and service industry. With the opening of the IR, there is again a shortage of such personnels.

I think you also need to adjust your outlook a little. Expecting your manager and co-workers to totally sympathise with your situation is unrealistic. Though I understand your unhappiness and frustrations, as a manager and hirer myself, I would like to ask you to consider the other side of the coin. I have many staff coming to me asking for urgent leave cos their maid ran away or their kid is sick or their mother fell down, etc. I am running a small business with little manpower to spare. Once, twice, I can get other staff to help cover or if there are some other staff who have already applied for leave for that day, to ask them to change their leave if they do not have pressing matters. But if I keep doing that, then every staff will come in claiming all their leaves are emergencies. So sometimes I have no choice but to tell my staff to get their hubbies to pick that sick child up. As husbands are entitled to childcare leaves as well.

So far, your ex-company seem to be playing by the books. Your problem is with human relations which may happen in differing degrees in all work place. At the moment, if your potential employer were to call them, they may just give a neutral testimonial. But if you were to complain or seek redress, be sure that they will definitely be warning your potential employer about your supposed ‘bad attitude’.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87723https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87723Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:11:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:49:26 GMT]]>Yes, I would also like to concur don't waste time and energy pursuing the unpleasant past. Its better to focus your energy on the future and look to brighter days! 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87698https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87698Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:49:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:37:15 GMT]]>Hi Fion, I’ve been retrenched before too and went through a HR program while taking a 6 month break. I can share some lessons learnt from the program and some of the more useful recruitment websites. PM me if you are keen.


IMHO, move on and spend your energies on securing a better future.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87684https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87684Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:37:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:15:35 GMT]]>insider,

i read that the course is open for mid-professionals and fresh grads; do they typically welcome sahm back to the workforce via this route too?
can you share more about SDECCE too? TIA.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87683https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87683Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:15:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:08:29 GMT]]>Yes, it's an unfortunate incident but I also feel that there is nothing much you can pursue from here. We must move on. Your ex-boss is not going to feel pity any longer. The company would not bother how you are feeling right now. They don't know either. Sorry if I am too blunt. But that's because I personally went through some form of unjust treatment too in my last workplace. My male boss did not even approve my annual leave for my son's P1 registration! Can you imagine... I took medical leave instead on that day.


Many other things happened at work and I eventually resigned. I know he was happy with the outcome. But I told myself that I should on as he would be happier to know that I felt terrible. I moved on to my next phase of life and I am happy I have left that behind me. I know my boss' \"blue-eye gal\" is still happily at the same workplace. But I tell myself...I am happier...and indeed I am contented now.

Back to your case. Do tell yourself that you have to be strong for your family and children.

tamarind:
fionong:

As what others had mentioned in this thread, \"Favourtism\" is hard to prove. No matter how I defend myself, I will still be at the losing end.

That's right. Honestly, there is nothing much you can do to your ex-company now. The way to get back at them, is to find a better job and live a better life than before.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87541https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87541Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:08:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:36:29 GMT]]>

fionong:

Keroppi30,
According to MOM, we are required to work with the company for 3years and above in order to enjoy the Retrenchment Benefit.
Hi fionong,

I wasn’t asking you to seek for retrenchment benefits, from what you have written it does not seem that your Company has short-changed you in terms of your leave and other compensation. MOM regulations not cover majority of the people whose basic salary are above S$1,600 (if I remember correctly). So if your employment contract states that you are only entitled to 1 month’s notice in the event of termination I believe that will prevail even if you have worked with the Company for more than 3 years.

I wish you all the best in your job search.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87531https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87531Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:36:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:21:01 GMT]]>

fionong:

As what others had mentioned in this thread, \"Favourtism\" is hard to prove. No matter how I defend myself, I will still be at the losing end.
That's right. Honestly, there is nothing much you can do to your ex-company now. The way to get back at them, is to find a better job and live a better life than before.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87525https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87525Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:21:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:38:39 GMT]]>

3Boys:
Pardon the straight talk and sorry if I once again strike a discordant tune....


fionong,
I think you might want to do a bit of personal reflection to see if indeed the employer had acted unfairly in this situation. If the company had to release staff due to a bad financial situation, are you surprised that they had chosen to release you over the other staff? How was your working relationship with your co-workers, did your frequent urgent leave create a bad situation for them? You mentioned that your colleague refused to give in on the annual leave request, was there some work tension?

In this kinds of situations, I think its not prudent to lay into any person or organisation without hearing both sides of the story. I said the same thing to my DW during a time she was having some issues with her boss, and she was far from happy with me, but one needs to be fair.

Having said that, it is of course your right to try and seek redress if you think that you have been unfairly treated, and MOM is probably your first port of call as is AWARE. Since both have declined to take up your case, it is some indication that perhaps there isn't a very strong one to begin with.

Good luck!
As what others had mentioned in this thread, \"Favourtism\" is hard to prove. No matter how I defend myself, I will still be at the losing end.

Frankly speaking, I took UL only when something happen to my kids (eg. fell down in the toilet, down with fever....etc.) There once I took UL because my maid are down with fever and suspect with H1N1.

My manager know it deep inside her heart that she favour my colleague more than the others, our sales personnel told her before.

As what I had mentioned, MOM stated on the net that we are required to work with the company for 3years and above in order to enjoy the Retrenchment Benefit. Hence, there are no ways which they will help me with the Retrenchment Benefit.

AWARE did not decline to help me but told me to seek legal advise.

QUOTE
We generally encourage people to make a formal complaint at MOM. WE are currently in the process of re-visiting this issue and raising them to the various MP’s, as we are still seeing unfair dismissal come up quite regularly. We have a legal clinic once a month and you can book into this through our Helpline 1800 774 5935 (3-9.30pm).
UNQUOTE

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87515https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87515Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:38:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:27:36 GMT]]>

tamarind:
ooptimizer:


These things are very common in working life; it is very hard to prove favouritism, and as long as the manager or company did not commit any criminal act, it is quite impossible to get any redress.

I also had the same experience. I was told to leave the company after I put in so much hard work for 9 years. I was notified about 10 months ahead of time. I managed to find a job and I left without the retrenchment benefit. It took me a long time to get over the feeling of being hurt, I suffered insomnia for many months.

In my case, it is definitely a case of favouritism. Yes it is hard to prove. I told the idiot manager : \"Hardworking people are asked to leave, while stupid and lazy people stay behind.\" Those were the exact words I said to him.

Fionong,
I totally understand how you feel. When I was asked to leave the company 2 years ago, my situation was even worst, because my hubby also did not have a job at that time. But like ooptimizer wrote, you need to be strong and move on.

What is most important now is to look for a new job, not only in your existing field, but in all fields. I changed to a different field and I am much more happier now, even though I had to take a pay cut.

Your manager sounds like a totally horrible person to work with, you should be happy that you are no longer working for her. I know that it is difficult to find a suitable job. 2 years ago I sent out countless letters without any replies. But the economy should be improving now, keep an open mind when you look for jobs. You may be able to find an even better job.

When you look for MP, do ask him to help you look for a new job. I heard that MPs are very helpful (and powerful) in this aspect.

Thanks for your encouragement.
Apparently, I am working hard in job searching.
I managed to find out that \"Meet the People\" session at our District is on Every monday. Hope to see him next monday........

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87512https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87512Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:27:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:24:43 GMT]]>Pardon the straight talk and sorry if I once again strike a discordant tune…


fionong,
I think you might want to do a bit of personal reflection to see if indeed the employer had acted unfairly in this situation. If the company had to release staff due to a bad financial situation, are you surprised that they had chosen to release you over the other staff? How was your working relationship with your co-workers, did your frequent urgent leave create a bad situation for them? You mentioned that your colleague refused to give in on the annual leave request, was there some work tension?

In this kinds of situations, I think its not prudent to lay into any person or organisation without hearing both sides of the story. I said the same thing to my DW during a time she was having some issues with her boss, and she was far from happy with me, but one needs to be fair.

Having said that, it is of course your right to try and seek redress if you think that you have been unfairly treated, and MOM is probably your first port of call as is AWARE. Since both have declined to take up your case, it is some indication that perhaps there isn’t a very strong one to begin with.

Good luck!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87502https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87502Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:24:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:56:09 GMT]]>

ooptimizer:

These things are very common in working life; it is very hard to prove favouritism, and as long as the manager or company did not commit any criminal act, it is quite impossible to get any redress.
I also had the same experience. I was told to leave the company after I put in so much hard work for 9 years. I was notified about 10 months ahead of time. I managed to find a job and I left without the retrenchment benefit. It took me a long time to get over the feeling of being hurt, I suffered insomnia for many months.

In my case, it is definitely a case of favouritism. Yes it is hard to prove. I told the idiot manager : \"Hardworking people are asked to leave, while stupid and lazy people stay behind.\" Those were the exact words I said to him.

Fionong,
I totally understand how you feel. When I was asked to leave the company 2 years ago, my situation was even worst, because my hubby also did not have a job at that time. But like ooptimizer wrote, you need to be strong and move on.

What is most important now is to look for a new job, not only in your existing field, but in all fields. I changed to a different field and I am much more happier now, even though I had to take a pay cut.

Your manager sounds like a totally horrible person to work with, you should be happy that you are no longer working for her. I know that it is difficult to find a suitable job. 2 years ago I sent out countless letters without any replies. But the economy should be improving now, keep an open mind when you look for jobs. You may be able to find an even better job.

When you look for MP, do ask him to help you look for a new job. I heard that MPs are very helpful (and powerful) in this aspect.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87495https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87495Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:56:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:50:14 GMT]]>Hi All,


Thank you for your advise.

kiasimom,
All along I thought Tampines got only 1 MP. Our is Mr. Mah

Keroppi30,
According to MOM, we are required to work with the company for 3years and above in order to enjoy the Retrenchment Benefit.

Ooptimizer,
I agreed with you but I feel that 我不想死的不明不白.

Little M,
I am certainly discouraged as there are not a single job posting per day.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87482https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87482Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:50:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:09:14 GMT]]>Hi Fionong,


Don't b discouraged. There r many other jobs waiting for u 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87381https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87381Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:09:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:46:58 GMT]]>I am sorry you are having some problems. I would like to input from my experience: it is very difficult to get any redress with what you have mentioned.


These things are very common in working life; it is very hard to prove favouritism, and as long as the manager or company did not commit any criminal act, it is quite impossible to get any redress.

I am sorry that my input is negative, but this is what I know from my experience. You will need to be strong to move on.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87375https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87375Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:46:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:28:19 GMT]]>Based on what you have written above it seems like your ex-company has covered the loopholes. It is difficult to fault them unless you are able to prove that they retrenched you in an unfairly manner.


I suggest you should look thru your employment contract for your rights and entitlements and work your case from there.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87374https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87374Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:28:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:24:28 GMT]]>Hi fionong,


It is usually twice a month.

Which street do you live in Tampines? I can find out for you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87372https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87372Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:24:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:16:26 GMT]]>

Keroppi30:
Hi fionong


Depending on your job nature and basic salary you may be able to seek help from MOM.
I had contacted MOM but I find that they are siding the Employer.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87371https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87371Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:16:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:10:59 GMT]]>Hi fionong


Depending on your job nature and basic salary you may be able to seek help from MOM.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87368https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87368Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:10:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:09:26 GMT]]>

kiasimom:
Wait for the next one 🙂

Don't give up.
It is a monthly or yearly session ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87367https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87367Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:09:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:47:32 GMT]]>Wait for the next one 🙂

Don’t give up.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87366https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87366Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:47:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to WHO TO SEEK REDRESS FROM? on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:22:25 GMT]]>

kiasimom:
You first have to find out who is your MP on the Tampines newsletter.

From there, you will be able to know the Meet the people session.
On the very day, go and take a \"Q\" number and wait for your turn to meet the MP.
Oh no.... \"Meet the people\" session is over. What am I going to do ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87359https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87359Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:22:25 GMT