I disagree with the law.
To clarify first, I do not know what are the minimum wage that
has been set. So what I'm going to reason on is base on Singapore
current wage system.
1. E.g. If the min. wage for the service staff in the F&B
industry is $3.50/ hr as what our current Fast Food is giving out
now, it means that it will be applied across the industry. Hence,
if an employee wants to argue on the basis that he or she has XX
years of experience and should be commanding a higher pay, the
company has the right to reject as they have followed the law
giving a $3.50/ hr wage.
This would in turn burst the bubble of increasing wage in the
long run as majority of the companies aim is to cut cost. Thus,
they would keep it to the minimum as much as possible.
2. It is indeed good business sense to increase an employee's
pay slightly so as to retain that person. But if this employee can
threaten to leave the company because of that pay, can this company
trust this person to be loyal to the company?
Only real talents gets the pay which is higher than the minimum
wage. Employees should really ask themselves this questions. Are
they replaceable? If they are, then I think minimum wage is the
best you can ask for. Why should the company find the trouble to
deal with you arguing with them every day when they can easily
bring in another person to replace you? All they need to do is to
advertise and employ. Not happy? Employ again. A news paper adv is
cost nothing to the company as compared to the anguish and amount
that a disgrunted employee can cost.
3. By passing minimum wage, it means that everyone is equal.
What more can you offer if your skills are equal, the salary you
are asking for is equal. Then all the boss need to do is close his
eyes, stretch his hands out and pick the resume he have chosen.
Tadah! That would be the person for the job. Not up to it? Change
new one. After all, everyone cost the same!
4. HK cost of living is very high. If the minimum wage is not
able to cover the basic cost of living, what is the use? It is
almost near impossible to increase the minimum wage through the
basis of experience, and as I said, unless you possess very
beneficial skills and talent till the company cannot do without
you.
