NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay reiterated his call for the Law Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry to review the scope of ‘public service’ workers under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). This comes after the recent rise in the number of workplace harassment cases by members of the public against workers in front-line jobs.
He made this call at the second reading of the Protection from Harassment (Amendment) Bill on 7 May 2019.
In his speech, he cited an incident that happened last month where a man was caught on camera punching a 60-year-old security supervisor at Roxy Square. The officer fell and suffered a swollen eye and a sprained neck.
Currently, security workers at public healthcare institutions, step‑down care institution, educational institutions, and railway premises are covered under the Act. However, private security officers working in private spaces are not necessarily covered.
“While these security officers work in private spaces, their work, in effect, straddles the line delineating private and public spaces as provided in the Act.
“Given the recent introduction of criminal penalties regulating the conduct of private security guards to boost the industry’s professionalism and bolster Singapore’s defences, it is timely to review the according of special protection to this group of workers under POHA beyond what is currently provided for under the Act,” said Mr Tay.
Other workers undertaking public-facing jobs include cleaners, transport and healthcare workers.
Additionally, Mr Tay revealed that at a poll at one of the legal clinics and primers organised by NTUC, 20 per cent of respondents from various work backgrounds said they have experienced workplace harassment of a sexual nature before.
He added that name calling, hurling vulgarities, and physical force were also common.
“Victims of workplace harassment often find it difficult to speak up because they may be fearful of losing their jobs, receiving a bad appraisal, perceived as not going along with the office culture or blaming themselves … Workplace harassment can impact victims psychologically, physically and their ability to work,” said Mr Tay.
On managing harassment cases, Mr Tay urged that care must be taken to minimise inadvertent victim-blaming during investigations and legal inquiries. The authorities should also keep the victim informed of developments in investigations.
He also suggested that the police and the newly established Protection from Harassment Court should direct victims to specialised counsellors or social workers who can help with safety plans that will help victims get back on their feet.
“In putting together a personalised safety plan, victims can identify concrete steps they can take to better protect themselves along with resources they can tap on to seek help,” added Mr Tay.
