North of the equator is a tiny city-state called Singapore; It is known for its business economy thriving. It started as being a poor crown colony to the second highest GDP in Asia. Japan is of course number one (Introduction, 2003). Another country running long north and south is called Taiwan.
1. Singapore has made it very easy for someone to get a permit to work there. This includes other nations to do business as well as investing in this country (Bernhardt, 2010). As for Taiwan they have environmental laws described as a fig leaf. This leaf is barely disguising the rape of the environment (Environmental nightmare of the economic miracle, 2006).
2. Singapore has no minimum wage for their workers. The employees there must be paid at least once a month. Some companies do give a bonus of an extra salary but it is not required. There employment act may not require the workers to work more than eight hours or forty four hours a week (Bernhardt, 2010).
When it comes to wages and work hours in Taiwan their employees and employers have to agree upon the wages. It is like a contract. The employees’ wages cannot be less than each jurisdiction. Singapore does not count. When it comes to the hours that they work depends on the jurisdiction and they hours are between 40-48 hours a week (Hyun, 2007).
1. The latest environmental legislation is called Environmental Impact Assessment Act. This includes more procedures for citizens as well as environmental interest group. Singapore level of environmental regulation is a lot better than it used to be. Because of its administration they have came a long way. As far as Taiwan goes they have a long way to go.
2. According to (Gross, 2009) stated that the Ministry of Manpower made significant changes to the Employment Act. The changes became in effect January 1, 2009. One of the main changes was the wages, which increased. Also the Employment Act covers all employees except seamen, public servants, domestic workers and confidential staff.
In Taiwan there labor standard laws applies to all relationships between employees and employers except lawyers, medical doctors and certified accountants. Employment contracts can be non-fixed terms or fixed term contracts. The contract can be renewed or terminated without any compensation after the expiration date is done (Hyun, 2007).
3. I think for Singapore their environmental regulation is getting there. It has come a long way. The reason I feel this way is that in that Singapore has sound land use planning, they have effective environmental infrastructure and they also have a clean and honest government. This government has been there since 1959. So they must be doing something right. Especially since Singapore is known for its thriving business (Bernhardt, 2010).
When it comes to Taiwan I think they have a long way to go. I do agree with the fact that the labor standard laws don’t apply to certain people. But considering that they go by jurisdiction is insane in a way.
4. Yes and no I think that the wage and legislation is ethical in a way. My feeling behind the yes part is that when you work for the school system in the United States you only get paid once a month. So in a way the U.S. is the same. My reasoning behind saying no is that they just don’t pay enough. There is no room to move up. You cannot make more than a certain amount. You will hardly make overtime. I feel that this is unethical. It just sounds like they work them to death and pay them when they get ready and what they want to pay them within reason. References
Bernhardt, S. (2010). Wages and work hours. Labor laws in Singapore. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_5989991_labor-laws-singapore.html
Environmental nightmare of the economic miracle. (2006). Environmental conditions and environmental law in Taiwan. Retrieved from http://www.teanonline.org/index.php/en/climate-change/legislation/282-environmental-coditions-and-environmental-law-in-taiwan
Gross, A. (2009). New Year brings employment act changes in Singapore. Retrieved from http://www.pacificbridge.com/publication.asp?id=126
Hyun., C. W. (2007). Labor & employment law overview – Asia. Retrieved from http://employmentlawalliance.com/node/158
Introduction. (2003). Environmental pollution laws in Singapore. Retrieved from http://www.abanet.org/environ/committees/intenviron/newsletter/feb03/singapore/