Company activities on Public holiday no Off in lieu

Lady_Artemis SG

Hi, just wondering if it is a practice here in Singapore that companies organise an activity during public holidays or weekends? No off in lieu and no overtime pay.. when I say company activitiy I refer to Dinner & Dance, sports fest etc..

I always look forward on PH because its the only time I can rest and spend time with my family. Im just upset that my company is taking this privilege from their employees.

Tolong.. anyone can give their 2 cents worth?

SexyChin SG

If I am not mistaken, it's against the law.

Public holidays are a right. The number of leaves you are entitled to are the 11 official public holidays plus your personal leaves.

Please clairify with your HR on this matter. The off in lieu might already be accounted for.

Lady_Artemis SG

Should I ask MOM instead? Sigh :( thanks..

FireIce SG

you can opt not to attend

BigBearBear SG

If you don't like it, don't attend. It is as simple as that.

Lady_Artemis SG

Yes most of us did not want to join the company event.

Since the attendance were poor, the company mandated everyone to join or else we will not get any appraisal this year 2014. (Should I consider this blackmail?)

This on coming company event entails physical activitiy and they asked everyone to sign a waiver. If anything happen to us during the event, the organiser will not be held liable. All my medical records are in overseas so I do not have proof that im not fit.

The only way we could excuse ourselves is to show medical records or to show plane tickets that we are overseas on that day. (I find it too ridiculous)

But my point is, is it legal to host company event on a public holiday or on weekends? Maybe I do not mind if the company will give off in lieu.

BigBearBear SG

While I am not a lawyer, I am pretty sure this is illegal. You CANNOT force your employees into activities that can result in physical harm, and force them to sign a waiver at the same time.

This is also why information security devices are designed to self-destruct because companies cannot force their employees to risk their lives to protect senstive data.

Here's what you do:

I'm almost 100% sure your manager will back down if you ask for a written notice. If management decides to give you a hard time, show them you've got a copy of that communication and they should get ready for a fun days in court while still having to pay you.