Government introduces reforms to resolve disputes and improve labor protections.
Singapore has introduced several legislative changes aimed at addressing community and workplace issues, with a focus on neighbor disputes, vehicle quotas, and anti-discrimination laws.
Community Relations Unit to Tackle Severe Disputes
A newly formed Community Relations Unit (CRU) will address extreme cases of noise and hoarding under the amended Community Disputes Resolution Act. Key features include:
Mandatory mediation for disputes before filing claims with the tribunal.
Enforcement powers to intervene, including forcibly decluttering hoarders’ homes in severe cases.
A pilot program launching in Tampines in 2025, with an initial team of 15 officers.
Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong highlighted the growing need for intervention, with over 2,500 noise complaints received monthly in the last three years.
Additional Certificates of Entitlement (COEs)
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will inject 20,000 new COEs over the next few years to address vehicle congestion while maintaining Singapore’s car-lite vision. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized that this measure is not linked to the anticipated distance-based road pricing system but aims to reduce price volatility and congestion.
The move is expected to moderate COE prices, which have remained high, with premiums for smaller cars hovering around S$90,000.
Stronger Protections Against Workplace Discrimination
The proposed Workplace Fairness Law aims to:
Ban discriminatory hiring and firing practices based on characteristics such as age, nationality, or marital status.
Prohibit retaliation against employees reporting workplace bias.
Mandate grievance-handling processes within companies.
Errant employers could face penalties, civil lawsuits, or MOM intervention, marking the first time such measures will be enforceable in Singapore.
If passed, the legislation will come into effect by 2026 or 2027, aligning Singapore with global standards seen in the UK, US, and EU.
Additional Developments
Education: Schools may adopt central kitchen models to address canteen stallholder shortages.
Childcare: A three-year pilot program for child-minding services will begin in December, providing alternatives as childcare centers transition to a five-day workweek.
