For those who have gotten into dispute cases with their employers, or even for those who are simply wondering about how this process is done in Singapore, the turn of the New Year has something new to offer to everyone.
Recently, the Immigration Department had announced that it will no longer be using paper forms for passport and NRIC applications, but this will not be implemented until 2020 to prepare the system needed for this.
State Courts Set Filing of Employment Dispute Claims Online
Starting January 7, (Monday), parties involved in an employment dispute will be able to file claims online, without the need to be physically present at the State Courts, as shared in a report by gov.sg.
The said initiative is part of the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) online filing module, which will enable the ECT to hear both statutory and contractual salary-related claims for up to SGD 20,000 or up to SGD 30,000 if the dispute has gone through mediation assisted by unions.
Individual citizens can use their SingPass, while corporate entities can use their CorpPass to access the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS), which shifts the process from using paper to digital, which is much more convenient for all.
However, for those who are not eligible for either, they can apply for a CJTS Pass for access.
Step by Step Process: Processing a Dispute Complaint and Claim:
The government has simplified the process and has made it more convenient to do so long as you have internet. Please do the following steps:
- File anytime, anywhere.
- Negotiate online.
- Mediate Online.
- Pay filing fees online.
- Manage your case file online.
- Search for cases online.
- Be notified of case developments and hearing dates by SMS and email where available.
Once you have access to the system, settlement agreement recorded during a mediation session at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) can be registered on the CJTS if an amicable agreement is reached.
Otherwise, parties can file their employment dispute claim along with the claim referral certificate online immediately.
Parties can also submit and view documents, pay filing fees, set a preferred court date within a given period, as well as monitor case developments online without the need to visit the State Court to avail these services.
Parties will be notified of case developments and hearing dates via SMS and e-mail notifications, when available.
Furthermore, involved parties can opt to e-negotiate or engage in e-mediation via the CJTS, through the help of a court mediator.
Once a settlement has been reached either through e-Negotiation or e-Mediation, parties can apply online for a consent order and the case will be closed once a Consent Order has been released.