I hold a GCE ‘N’ Level qualification; I know it’s very low. I have been working part-time while studying to support my family and subsequently started a full-time job at a healthcare company for two years after my exams. Following this, I left and worked at other companies. Unfortunately, I faced unfair and unacceptable reasons for termination in some instances.
The primary reason I am writing is to caution others about this particular company. They seem to prefer highly talented individuals who possess extensive knowledge, yet they are willing to offer a low salary. Employees are expected to work for over 10 hours for a mere $50.
Seeking another full-time job, I interviewed at company name redacted. The HR was unavailable when I arrived, and a Chinese lady conducted the interview.
I informed her that I had not sold those gadgets before but was willing to learn. She mentioned they would give me a chance, possibly for a trial period of three days, and if that did not work out, they had another type of shop focused on stock management that I could try. (*Note that all the shops are managed by the same Chinese boss and management.)
On Friday, I began work at Tampines Mall. I arrived promptly at 10:30 am, but the shop was not open yet. I waited until a guy (RH) arrived and opened the shop. He was surprised to see me, stating that no one had informed him that I was coming to work.
The day commenced with RH briefing me about product warranty periods and instructing me to ask him any questions. I started exploring the shop, serving customers, and operating the cashier.
However, RH repeatedly said I was confused and questioned who had introduced me. I mentioned the guy at Hougang Mall, to which RH commented negatively about him, questioning why such a person had been introduced to him.
I explained that it was my first day, and I was willing to learn. I served customers, receiving positive feedback on my attitude and demonstration methods. RH frequently left the shop, instructing me to take care of it in his absence.
I expressed my interest in learning how to apply screen protectors since many customers were asking, but he refused to teach me. Later, he claimed that working with me gave him a headache.
From 10:30 am to 10 pm, I did not take any breaks or rest, except for a restroom visit. I did my best to learn and adapt, serving all customers even though my leg hurt due to previous injuries. Everything went smoothly, but RH continued to show his dislike for me.
At 10 pm, RH handed me $50 and informed me that I need not come back. I was shocked, and he reassured me, stating that Singaporeans can easily find jobs, and this place was not suitable for me.
Without further discussion, he closed the shop and left. I immediately texted HR, inquiring if I did not need to come in the next day. Unfortunately, there was no response. Notably, the HR read my message only when the subsequent incident occurred.
On Saturday, I went to Hougang Mall to find my sister (my sister and my previous workplace are in front of the shop). I shared the situation with her, and she, along with others, found it implausible that I was asked to leave after just one day and offered only $50 for such long hours.
Coincidentally, the manager, YY (later discovered to be married to RH), arrived. My colleagues informed her about my situation, emphasizing that I had worked at her husband’s shop for just one day, and they requested an explanation.
YY’s initial response accused me of bad-mouthing the colleague to her husband, but I clarified that her husband had made those statements, not me. However, she insisted that I had influenced her husband’s words. Seeking an explanation for being asked to leave, I was told that since her husband deemed me unsuitable, there was no need to waste time, and the $50 offered was reasonable.
My colleagues argued that at least a few days should have been given for me to try, especially since I had not done anything wrong. YY claimed that, having worked in sales before, I should not have come to their shop to quarrel with them.
I tried to explain that I only needed an explanation since HR was not responding. YY firmly stated that what they did was right. Accepting the situation, I mentioned that I would seek opinions on Facebook regarding its acceptability.
Back at my sister’s shop, I chatted with them. Ten minutes later, YY called me over, handing me a paper with a number on it, instructing me to call immediately. Surprisingly, it was the same HR number that had not responded earlier. Feeling that it was futile, I did not call, and she insisted that I call immediately. Eventually, my phone rang, but I did not answer the call.
It’s noteworthy that all the individuals I interacted with were not Singaporean. From last year until now, the companies I’ve encountered have had few Singaporeans. This raises questions about our country’s quota rules.
My objective is to find a long-term full-time job. However, those who terminated me without reason often say, “Singaporeans can easily find jobs, don’t worry.” Since when did this become an excuse for arbitrary dismissals and mistreatment?
