What Some Employers Are Capable Of Doing.
A recent headline in our local English newspapers, "Harun: Legal or Illegal" attracted me to read that news. What immediately comes to my mind is that some employers are really capable of doing terrible things to their own employees.
Harun is a legal foreign worker. He has been here in our Country for some time and his problem arose when he lodged a complaint pertaining to his monetary dues with our Labour Department. When the matter was placed with the Labour court, his employer decides to cancel his working permit immediately. Thus, rendering him to be termed as an 'illegal' overnight. He was fortunate to obtain a temporary special pass so that he can remain in the Country and attend to his case. But, he lost his 'legal' means of working here. How is he going to survive during this difficult period? Seems like this is the best way for the employer to solve his problem with the Labour Court, right?
Recently, an ex-colleague, who has been very close to me recently tendered his resignation after having work with the company for ten years. In his notice of resignation he specifically mentioned about his outstanding bonus for the year 2006 and 2007. For this employer the practice is, the payment of 2006 bonus will only be paid around the Chinese New Year in 2007 and the 2007 bonus will only be paid around the Chinese New Year in 2008. The bonus payment can be made in full or to be released in any amount they like within the year. Somehow an excuse was made by the employer and the payment of bonus for 2006 and 2007 was delayed longer than expected. But, the bonus was reported for the same year for tax purposes by the employer before it is actually paid to the employees.
Now that he have decided to move forward and was not able to obtain a response from his employer pertaining to his outstanding dues, my ex-colleague have to seek the assistance of the Labour Department and the Department called for a meeting with the employer. At the meeting, the employer agreed in principle on the issue of the outstanding bonus and they needed time to firm all other issues up. Thus, the Labour Department gave the employer two weeks before reporting back in the next meeting. But, on the same day a new 'EA' (dated on the day the meeting was held) was issued and couriered to my ex-colleague. This time, the 2007 bonus was not included in the new 'EA'. He now holds two "EA" forms for the year 2007. One issued in February this year and another only very recently. Since a new 'EA' has been issued, it now looks like he will be deprived of his bonus for 2007.
Another meeting with the Labour Department is due soon. Is'nt this a fine case of what some employers are really capable of doing.
To me, it seems that we, the working people are not fairly or justly treated by our employers most of the time. I am launching this Blog, Working Woes, http://michael.bloghi.com/. to blog on issues close to the hearts of us, the working people today.
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Comment by riffran— 2008/04/29 @ 03:49 PM — (Reply)
Comment by Michael— 2008/05/01 @ 01:35 PM — (Reply)
From what I read, it is clearly indicated that the employer is taking the employee for a ride. Firstly, by promising paying the bonus one year later however the EA form will indicate that it is been paid out. This is the first time I am hearing this. Again, this is one way to hold back an employee to leave the said company. Either way, the said employer tends to benefit most as they will declare it to IRD where they do not need to pay anything. Where else the said employee will need to pay for the tax. Of course it not an issue if the employee condones this practice but will any employee agrees with this? In case, the employee will have the right to launch a report to IRD indicating that the employer have mis reported this sum. If the employer is lucky, they will only get a fine. How about the EPF? It is not mentioned though in the said article. My guess would be that the employer would conviently forgot about it as they will need to pay accordingly until it is highlighted by the employee.
After commenting on the above, we as employees must give the said employer a benefit of doubt. Maybe they are indeed in financial difficulties, but again if that is the situation, why promise any bonus to the employee at all. There are other ways to reward the employees to like sending to improvement courses etc. Maybe they did not crack they brains enough in this area or maybe they still have the attitude that they are paying the employee salary then they can do what is best for them only. Now that type of management use to work back in 1960s. Now we in a different era where the employer and employees needs to work as one in order to maximise what ever limited resources we have to explore the global market.
Comment by ka— 2008/04/29 @ 05:39 PM — (Reply)
Comment by michael— 2008/04/30 @ 10:50 PM — (Reply)
Comment by riffran— 2008/05/01 @ 05:29 PM — (Reply)
Comment by Mielvin— 2008/05/02 @ 09:32 PM — (Reply)
Comment by Violet— 2008/05/02 @ 10:48 PM — (Reply)