SATS redeploys staff for baggage handling amid MOM probe into contractor firms

In a bid to maintain operations, SATS has redeployed employees and sought volunteers for temporary baggage handling duties.  

The move comes following  the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) probe into 45 firms involved in Changi Airport operations.

The firms are being investigated for suspected work pass offences, including false declarations and the illegal deployment of foreign workers.

According to The Straits Times, SATS sent an e-mail to staff on Nov 3 thanking employees for their operational support in recent weeks.

Citing an anonymous SATS employee, The Straits Times reported that staff were encouraged to volunteer for baggage-handling duties. 

According to the source, staff were especially encouraged to fill shifts over the Deepavali long weekend.

The Straits Times' anonymous source also claimed that employees from non-operational departments were also encouraged, and that staff who volunteered for 2.5-hour block duties were entitled to transport allowances, time off in lieu and would receive $15 worth of NTUC vouchers.

Redeployment follows MOM probe

SATS' move to redeploy staff follows MOM's announcement on Nov 2 that it was investigating about 45 firms linked to SATS contractors and subcontractors.

MOM said it identified about 270 workers employed by SATS' contractors and subcontractors whose deployment may not have complied with work pass regulations.

In a Nov 2 media statement, SATS said it had "enhanced internal verification process controls" to ensure contractor workers are deployed in accordance with the parameters of their respective work passes.

The company added that it is rectifying compliance issues in accordance with MOM's guidelines.

MOM's investigations are ongoing.

SATS is one of the key ground-handling operators at Changi Airport, providing services such as baggage handling, passenger services and cargo operations.

Regular practice to invite staff to volunteer: SATS

In a statement to AsiaOne, SATS said it is a regular practice to invite employees from across the organisation to volunteer their support during peak travel periods, particularly towards the end of the year and major festive periods.

"These opportunities include roles such as special services ambassadors, customer service and premier services ambassadors, as well as support for baggage services."

This provides colleagues from non-operational functions with opportunities to gain first-hand experience of frontline operations.

These arrangements are coordinated with the respective departments, with appropriate training, guidance and supervision provided to ensure that operational and safety standards are maintained, the statement said.

"We may temporarily redeploy employees across different work areas and take the necessary steps to maintain safe, reliable and timely services for our airline customers and their passengers."

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