Unfair dismissal can be a devastating blow, by understanding your rights, you can seek legal assistance and find the support needed to steer through this tough period, as this below case of a Singaporean tech employee shows.
Susan Ng (not her real name), a former regional senior data analyst who was let go unexpectedly upon her return from maternity leave. According to Labourbeat, Susan had been a top performer at her job for over 11 years before she went on maternity leave in August 2022. Upon her return in January 2023, she was summoned into the manager’s office, and to her shock, handed a termination letter.
Susan pleaded with her bosses, but her requests fell on deaf ears and she was asked to leave the premises within an hour. This sudden and unexpected blow could have led her spiralling down into depression.
Unfair dismissal constitutes any instance where an employer terminates an employee’s contract without a valid reason or without following proper protocol. In Susan’s case, the fact of her dismissal immediately after her maternity leave and the hasty enforcement, raises questions about the fairness of her termination.
Even after experiencing an unfair dismissal, an employee has certain rights. You can opt to seek legal advice, file a wrongful termination claim, or seek help from union representatives. Timely advice on unfair dismissal can be often sought from legal aid centres.
Susan consulted the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), through her union membership. Seeking assistance for her wrongful termination, she made an appointment with NTUC U PME to review her case. These meetings resulted in a severance package of almost $80,000 – one month’s pay for each of the 11 years she gave to the company. This offer, hard-earned under the negotiation prowess of the NTUC, underscores the robust role unions play in supporting their members.
In addition to legal help, managing one’s emotional and mental health is pivotal following an unfair dismissal. If you’re swept up in a similar tide, you may seek counselling support to mitigate stress and effectively handle the transition. For Susan, the assistance and intervention from NTUC not only brought about a satisfactory resolution but also prevented a potential downward mental health spiral. “Without NTUC’s help, life would have been difficult, and most likely, I would have slipped into depression,” said Susan, expressing her relief and gratitude.
For anyone facing wrongful termination, understanding unfair dismissal, knowing your rights, and seeking the right kind of support is paramount.
