Model ID: c0e73cb4-76f2-49e8-93e1-9736f201a68d
Sitecore Context Id: c0e73cb4-76f2-49e8-93e1-9736f201a68d;
As healthcare workers in public hospitals are mobilised to respond to the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) situation, their annual leave was frozen so that hospitals could handle a higher expected volume of patients. Some healthcare workers whose leave was earlier approved also had their leave cancelled and they had to cancel air tickets and other holiday bookings they had made.
Working closely with partners and in the tripartite spirit, the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) raised the concern to the public healthcare institutions, SNEF, NTUC and MOM. All parties recognised and agreed to provide strong support to our healthcare workers. As a result, tripartite partners agreed within days, to the following approach to help workers whose travel plans have been affected by their leave cancellation:
• Public healthcare institutions will provide their healthcare workers with a letter of proof of the employer’s cancellation of leave to support them in seeking refunds from travel agents and insurance companies
• Should the travel agent or travel insurance company be unable to refund in full, the public healthcare institutions will help defray the costs incurred by the workers
• Healthcare workers who face difficulties with their refund claims can approach HSEU directly for assistance
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the tripartite partners stand ready to work with workers and businesses to pro-actively address any issues and to establish norms that demonstrate our appreciation and support for those at the frontline in responding to COVID-19.
The tripartite partners also urge all organisations, especially travel agents and insurance companies, to give healthcare workers more support and consideration during this period.
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