Age Discrimination at Work: What senior workers can do to seek help

Age discrimination at the workplace can take many forms. Are you not getting the job because you’re too “experienced”? Are you being passed over for a promotion because you “can’t keep up with the changing work environment”? Were you dismissed for “unsatisfactory performance” only to find out a younger person was hired in your place?

Senior workers, don’t just shrug off these experiences. With ageism now recognised as one of the protected characteristics under the newly passed Workplace Fairness Act, it’s time to take a stand against age discrimination.

A new legal path: How the Workplace Fairness Act helps you

The new law emphasises a mediation-first, judge-led, lawyer-free system to file claims of up to $250,000. It’s an absolute godsend for a decent and speedy settlement without the hefty legal price tag.

We know many of you would prefer a non-legal way to settle your issue. Here are the steps you can take to obtain a fair outcome while preserving workplace harmony.

Step 1: Start with your company’s grievance handling process

Find out what your company’s internal grievance handling process is and raise your concerns directly with your employer. If you are unemployed, seek advice from the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for contractual matters or get help from the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) if you are certain you have a case.

If you’re an NTUC member: How unions can support your case

If you’re an NTUC member in a unionised organisation, seek help from your union. After all, settling grievance cases through mediation is their bread and butter.

Contact your branch official, who will raise the matter with the union for follow-up with your company. Your union will represent you in negotiating an outcome with management, and, if necessary, escalate the issue to the TADM and the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT).

Rest assured that your union’s representatives are equipped to help you. NTUC industrial relations officers are well-versed in industrial relations law and are currently getting upskilled to handle workplace fairness claims and mediation.

NTUC’s track record in resolving workplace disputes

The results speak for themselves. During the November 2025 Parliament sitting, Labour Chief Ng Chee Meng said that around 95 per cent of workplace disputes surfaced to NTUC-affiliated unions were resolved at the company level.

What you’ll truly appreciate: Having your union by your side throughout your journey, offering advice, a shoulder to lean on, and a pillar of strength and clarity.

What to do if your company isn’t unionised

If you are an NTUC member but your company isn’t unionised, contact NTUC at 6213 8008 or visit NTUC’s Workplace Advisory Service for assistance.

Step 2: Strengthen your understanding of the law

While you’re getting help, consider improving your legal knowledge to support your own case better.

Legal education and support through LawWorks

NTUC members can attend the complimentary LawWorks legal sessions to learn more about their legal rights and remedies.

Drop by a legal primer session to know your rights, or come to a legal clinic to get basic advice from a volunteer lawyer about your case.

Non-NTUC members can attend the legal primer session, but a fee will be required.

Email lawworks@ntuc.org.sg to register or find out more about the sessions. You can also catch past webinars on ProBonoSG’s YouTube Channel.

Step 3: Seek mediation through TADM

Suppose the grievance handling mechanism did not resolve the issue or TAFEP assesses that you have a case. Your next step is to go to TADM for mediation and advisory support.

You can file for up to $20,000 per claim, and up to $40,000 for wrongful dismissal and salary-related claims. Do note that you’ll need to pay administrative fees of $10 or $20 per claim, depending on your claim amount.

You’ll be glad to know that TADM has a strong success rate. The Ministry of Manpower reported that the mediation body resolved over 80 per cent of employment claims in 2024.

Higher claim limits and support for NTUC members

If you’re an NTUC member, your union will bring your case up to TADM@NTUC. The mediation officers at TADM@NTUC will help you and your employer/potential employer to secure a fair, amicable deal based on legal and contractual rights.

NTUC members can receive up to $30,000 per claim and up to $60,000 for wrongful dismissal and salary-related cases. Plus, you don’t have to pay the administrative fees.

Step 4: File a claim at the Employment Claims Tribunal

As explained earlier, most cases are settled via the TADM mediation process or through negotiations at the union-management level.

Nevertheless, if your issue remains unsettled, you can take it to the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT). The ECT is recognised for its simplified procedures and the absence of lawyers, making it easier for you to present your case affordably and quickly.

The process involves filling the claim, resolving the dispute online, and attending court. Click here to learn how to file your claim at the ECT.

How the workplace fairness legislation changes the process

So, where does the workplace fairness legislation come in?

Currently, lawyers can’t represent you at the ECT. But once the law takes effect—current target is 2027—your union officials can represent you at hearings. Plus, the amount you can claim for will rise significantly from the current $20,000 or $30,000 to up to $250,000, offering you an avenue to settle bigger claims faster.

Finally, should your claim exceed $250,000, you can bring it to the High Court, where formal court procedures and lawyers are allowed.

Not an NTUC member yet? Sign up for an NTUC membership to receive better protection and support to settle your issue or grievance.