Paid childcare leave

[Fortan]

I am a little in doubt as how to understand the rules here in Singapore, when it comes to childcare leave.

I have been told by the company I work for that I have no paid childcare leave but if I look at MOM's site it clearly states. I can add that I am on a local Singapore contract, so shouldn't this apply to me, even though I am not PR or Citizen? I've been employed since June last year and have a 14 month old child.

Eligibility & entitlement under the Employment Act

Parents of non-citizens covered under the Employment Act are entitled to 2 days of childcare leave per year if:

The child (including legally adopted children or stepchildren) is below seven years of age; and
The employee has worked for the employer for at least 3 months.
Childcare leave for each parent is capped at 2 days per year regardless of the number of qualifying children.

- See more at: http://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practi ... .aspx#eeea

[x9200]

Are you covered by the employment act?

[beppi]

The employment act applies to all employees earning S$2000/month or below (and certain professions, classified as "workmen" and "managers" up to S$4500/month).
All others have only their employment contract to specify rules.

[sundaymorningstaple]

All others have only their employment contract to specify rules.

Therein lies the rub!

[Saint]

Childcare leave is covered under the Child Development Co-Savings Act rather than the Employment Act

The Child Development Co-Savings Act covers all employees

Edit: Ignore that as only relates to Singaporeans which I'm used to reading up on!

[Fortan]

The employment act applies to all employees earning S$2000/month or below (and certain professions, classified as "workmen" and "managers" up to S$4500/month).
All others have only their employment contract to specify rules.

Ah I see. I was unsure what the employment act was. Ah well….

[nanana]

trying to look for answer here...
i'm sg PR, earning less than 2k/month. i have 2 children. both under 7 yo. one of them is s'porean. my child (the s'porean) recently underwent a surgery. i was told i'm not entitled for paid childcare leave. they wanted me to apply annual leave for my absence.

like the OP, i searched MOM website...nothing is said about parent has to be citizen?
anyone can shed some light? the only thing different is i am a single parent... could that be the reason?

[beppi]

You are eligible for child care leave to look after your sick child, just like anyone else who works in Singapore (regardless of nationality). If the company does not want to grant you this right, call MoM for assistance!

[x9200]

trying to look for answer here...
i'm sg PR, earning less than 2k/month. i have 2 children. both under 7 yo. one of them is s'porean. my child (the s'porean) recently underwent a surgery. i was told i'm not entitled for paid childcare leave. they wanted me to apply annual leave for my absence.

like the OP, i searched MOM website...nothing is said about parent has to be citizen?
anyone can shed some light? the only thing different is i am a single parent... could that be the reason?

It seems you are covered under Child Development Co-Savings Act and you are entitled to 2 to 6 days a year (assuming your employment is 3 months or longer).

On the other hand I just took a look at the act and it has many parts that can be overridden by ministerial regulations - it's better you call MOM and check with them.

[Strong Eagle]

Depends on how much money you make as to whether the act applies to you or not.

[ecureilx]

..

Chidlcare and such benefits listed in MOM site only applies to SC/PR, and even for PR, there are lesser privileges, though some companies give PR same privileges as SC !!

Unless your employee treats everybody as same, nothing you can do

[Steve1960]

I have been through this discussion recently due to our new arrival and as GM of our Singapore office I have been negotiating with HR on behalf of the employees.

As noted above foreigners are not entitled to the same child care privileges as citizens or PR's. The company I work for has been pretty good about it. They already allowed 2 days paid child care leave and are now increasing that to 5 days paid.

Although such clauses may not be in your contract is it possible to negotiate with the company now?