SEC sackings raise issue of employee protection

I read with concern about the sacking of Singapore Environment Council staff without reasons being given. The case raises issues about the protection of employee rights in the workplace (“Two SEC employees told to leave on short notice”; Nov 12).

Although cleared of wrongdoing, former SEC executive director Edwin Seah was given his walking papers last week. The explanation: He was thought not to be a good fit for the organisation.

Then two other senior figures lost their jobs without explanation. Given that at least one of the trio was investigated for misconduct, a cloud of suspicion hovers over all of them. Their careers may possibly never recover from this blow. And yet, they may all be innocent.

Questioned by the media, the SEC, an Institution of a Public Character, issued a statement saying that its board believed it was inappropriate to discuss employment matters with anyone but the individuals themselves, as it was an internal matter.

In Singapore, management commonly takes this stance when asked to explain suspicious cases of employee termination. It cannot, however, be defended as good employment practice.

Theoretically, it would allow management to discriminate against employees and create space for other forms of worker abuse.

Vague claims that one is not a good fit can also be used to cover up decisions about employees based on factors unrelated to merit.

Giving employers the right to terminate staff without accountability is a way to beg for inefficiency in human resource management.

Employees in managerial or executive positions lack union protection and are not covered by the Employment Act. Those who are unfairly treated often cannot afford legal recourse against wrongful termination.

Professionals, executives and managers pay taxes and have an equal right to job protection as employers and unionised workers. It is time to address their needs.

Does the Government approve of employers taking refuge behind a screen of authority when workers’ careers are in jeopardy? What facilities now protect this class of employees from unjust treatment?