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Supporting Fairness and Dignity at Work
In early 2025, a Marketing Manager found herself in an increasingly hostile work environment shortly after informing her supervisor that she was expecting a child. What should have been a moment of joy became a stressful experience when her immediate boss began behaving differently and displaying coldness, impatience, and in one particular 1-on-1 meeting, remarked, “Is this the right time to get pregnant?” This was the third such inappropriate comment the member had endured. Concerned and demoralized, she raised the issue with the company’s HR Business Partner (HRBP), hoping for resolution and support.
Unfortunately, the HRBP concluded the case without escalating it further, claiming there was no evidence of workplace harassment. The case was closed. Left without recourse and mentally burdened by the continued humiliation, the member tendered her resignation. Determined to seek justice, she lodged her case with National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The case was taken up by a U PME Consultant.
With empathy and a strong understanding of workplace fairness, the consultant facilitated a mediation meeting involving the member and her employer. Through thorough fact-finding, the consultant uncovered that the HRBP had failed to escalate the complaint to the company’s Ethics Committee, breaching internal policy.
By highlighting this procedural lapse and advocating firmly for the member’s rights, the consultant successfully guided both parties toward an amicable resolution. As a result of the mediation, the company acknowledged its shortcoming and agreed to compensate the member with an ex-gratia payment totaling around $20,000.
This case stands as a testament to the importance of timely and fair intervention, and the critical role a dedicated consultant plays in restoring dignity, upholding workplace standards, and helping members move forward with closure and confidence.
The member quoted: “I am writing to express my most sincere appreciation for the exceptional support and advice provided by the consultant during this challenging period. Kudos to NTUC.”
Unfortunately, the HRBP concluded the case without escalating it further, claiming there was no evidence of workplace harassment. The case was closed. Left without recourse and mentally burdened by the continued humiliation, the member tendered her resignation. Determined to seek justice, she lodged her case with National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The case was taken up by a U PME Consultant.
With empathy and a strong understanding of workplace fairness, the consultant facilitated a mediation meeting involving the member and her employer. Through thorough fact-finding, the consultant uncovered that the HRBP had failed to escalate the complaint to the company’s Ethics Committee, breaching internal policy.
By highlighting this procedural lapse and advocating firmly for the member’s rights, the consultant successfully guided both parties toward an amicable resolution. As a result of the mediation, the company acknowledged its shortcoming and agreed to compensate the member with an ex-gratia payment totaling around $20,000.
This case stands as a testament to the importance of timely and fair intervention, and the critical role a dedicated consultant plays in restoring dignity, upholding workplace standards, and helping members move forward with closure and confidence.
The member quoted: “I am writing to express my most sincere appreciation for the exceptional support and advice provided by the consultant during this challenging period. Kudos to NTUC.”