Forum: Inflated job titles and no overtime pay

I write in response to the article by Dr Natt Srinara (

Strain behind smiles: Why the hospitality industry must prioritise its people

, Dec 23), which highlights the alarming issue of staff burnout in Singapore’s hospitality sector.

It sheds light on an industrywide concern, and I wish to draw attention to a specific issue: how some employers are bypassing labour laws to avoid paying overtime wages to their shift employees.

It is worth noting that The Straits Times had previously reported on this matter (

MOM warns employers not to mis-label staff as execs, managers to avoid paying them benefits like overtime

, July 2, 2018). Despite the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) warnings, such practices persist. Employers continue to assign inflated job titles to employees, effectively circumventing the law and denying staff their rightful benefits.

I appeal to MOM to adopt a more vigilant stance and take stronger enforcement action against such exploitative practices. Employers who engage in these actions should be admonished and penalised, as they undermine the principles of fair employment and contribute to the burnout crisis highlighted by Dr Srinara.

Additionally, the Government could address this issue by raising the salary threshold for non-workman employees to at least $3,000 or more. This adjustment would ensure more workers qualify for overtime pay, aligning compensation with Singapore’s high cost of living while deterring exploitation. Incentivising employers to hire more manpower instead of relying on excessive overtime hours will further promote a sustainable and fair working environment.

I hope this letter serves as a call to action – for employers, the public and the authorities – to foster fairer and more humane working environments across the hospitality industry.

April Jacqueline Loh