Civil servants to have their
mid-year bonus restored
TEMASEK REVIEW
In yet another sign that the elections will be called anytime
soon in the latter half of the year, Singapore civil servants will
see their mid-year bonus restored which will see them getting an
Annual Variable Bonus of half a month’s salary, plus a one-off
payment of S$300.
As expected, the PAP is quick to claim credit for it.
PAP MP and deputy secretary-general of NTUC claimed that the
bonus was decided after “close consultation and negotiations”
between the government and unions as if Singapore civil servants
owe them a “debt of gratitude”.
“As we continue to ride the economic upturn, the labour
movement will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners
to focus on enhancing workers’ capabilities and improving
productivity in the public sector so that productivity gains can be
shared with our workers,” she was quoted as saying in Channel
News Asia.
What she forgot to mention is that PAP ministers and senior
civil servants are expected to receive a 8.8 percent or more pay
hike this year thanks to the growing economy.
An unknown percentage of their pay is pegged to GDP growth – the
higher the growth, the more money they bring home.
The restoration of mid-year bonus and cash handouts for the
civil servants may be timed precisely now to “sweeten” the ground
ahead of the next election and to prepare for their own impending
pay hike.
The government is the largest employer of Singaporeans. Given
the short memories of Singaporeans and the “good” news being
churned out daily by the state media in the days ahead, it appears
that the PAP will be guaranteed another “overwhelming mandate”
again at the next general election.