From Monday (7 Jan), parties in an employment dispute will be able to file their claims online, without having to travel to the State Courts. This is part of the new Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) online filing module.

The ECT can hear both statutory and contractual salary-related claims for up to $20,000, or up to $30,000 if the dispute has gone through mediation assisted by unions.

Individuals can use their SingPass, and corporate entities can use their CorpPass to access the the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS), which makes the process paperless and more convenient for all. If you’re not eligible for either, you can apply for a CJTS Pass for access.

Features of the system

Settlement agreement recorded during a mediation session at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) can be registered on the CJTS if an amicable agreement is reached.

If mediation is unsuccessful, parties can file their employment dispute claim together with the claim referral certificate online immediately.

Parties can also submit and view documents, pay filing fees, select a preferred court date within a given period, and monitor case developments online without the need to come to the State Courts.

Parties can be notified of case developments and hearing dates via SMS and e-mail notifications, where available.

E-Negotiation and E-Mediation

You may e-Negotiate a settlement or opt to engage in e-Mediation in the CJTS, with the help of a court mediator.

If a settlement is reached via either e-Negotiation or e-Mediation, parties may apply online for a Consent Order and the case will conclude once the Consent Order is issued.

If parties are unable to reach a settlement, the case will then proceed to the case management and hearing stages of the employment claims process.