SATS concerned by claim service partner docked airport wheelchair assistant’s pay for being 11sec late
SATS is seeking clarification from its service partner, Aventa Services.
Singapore's airport ground services provider SATS has expressed concern over claims that a wheelchair assistant at Changi Airport had his pay docked for being just 11 seconds late. The incident came to light after a LinkedIn post was made by Juliet Low, founder of direct hire caregiving app Maid Without Borders Singapore, on August 12.
Low detailed her encounter with the assistant, who claimed he had $5 deducted from his $7-an-hour pay because he was late by 11 seconds. The assistant provided a screenshot of his payslip as evidence, stating that the deduction was "almost an hour of his pay for 11 seconds," which Low deemed "completely disproportionate."
SATS acknowledged receiving inquiries about the matter from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is awaiting clarification from the service provider, Aventa Services. The ministry has stated that while employers can deduct salaries for absences, the deduction should not exceed the period of absence and the amount should be reasonable. SATS has emphasized its commitment to adhering to labor laws and regulations.
Changi Airport and SATS recently introduced autonomous wheelchairs in August, aiming to improve the travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility. The airports recorded a 20% increase in requests for wheelchair assistance between 2023 and 2025.
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