Overview

• Agoda said language in its severance agreements that discouraged approaching authorities, statutory bodies or unions was inappropriate and issued an apology.
• MOM called the clauses inappropriate and reiterated that employers should not stop workers from seeking help from authorities or unions.
• NTUC and SISEU said retrenchment benefits for affected staff align with industry guidelines and welcomed Agoda’s engagement.
• The company is contacting affected employees to connect them with NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) support schemes.
• Legal experts said terms that penalise use of statutory dispute channels are likely void under the Employment Claims Act, noting such broad restrictions are atypical in Singapore.