Waste collectors get 1 day off a week, not allowed to work more than 12 hours daily

We thank Mr Alan Ch’ng Teck Heong for his feedback (“Are garbage collectors getting rest days?”; Sept 28).

The law imposes working-hour limits for waste collectors. They are not allowed to work more than 12 hours a day. 

Their employer also cannot compel them to work on a rest day. If the employer requests that they work on their rest day, they have to be compensated at double the daily wage.

In addition, employers cannot dismiss or discipline them if they refuse the request to work on their rest day.

We have followed up with the company handling waste management at Mr Ch’ng’s residence and reached out to the Building, Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union.

In accordance with the law, the company provides workers with one rest day a week. Where an employee is required to work on his rest day, the company seeks the worker’s agreement and compensates him accordingly.

The Ministry of Manpower proactively reaches out to workers and employers through workplace visits under the Workright initiative to help workers understand their rights, and employers their obligations, under employment laws.

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