November 30, 2009 by admin
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Written by Our Correspondent
Manpower Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong highlighted the “modest”
one-off year-end payment of 0.25 month, capped at S$750 for
civil servants as an example for employers to reward workers who
have performed well.
“I think we all understand that the economic outlook
for next year still remains uncertain. In fact, that is what we
already expected. For those that can afford (it), with very
positive business outlook, they should consider giving some
recognition, which could take the form of a one-time payment,”
he said.
The government has been urging companies to restore the
pay cuts for workers who have made “sacrifices” during the economic
downturn last year.
While civil servants are still entitled to a 13th month
bonus, some in the private sector are not receiving any bonuses as
well.
Even with the expected 22 per cent reduction in salaries,
Singapore’s ministers remain the highest paid in the
world.
Mr Gan himself is expected to take home around $1.5
million dollars a year or $125,000 a month.
The median wage of an average Singapore worker is only
$4,500 monthly.
It is not known if companies will be heeding the
government’s call to increase the wages of their
workers.
There are no independent unions to fight for the interests
of Singapore workers.
Most unions in Singapore are under the direct or indirect
control of NTUC, a quasi-government organization always headed by a
cabinet minister.
According to official statistics, the median wages of the
lower income group has increased only marginally in the last decade
which coincides with a high inflow of foreigners and widening
income gap.
MM Lee Kuan Yew said recently that he is not concerned
with the widening income gap between the rich and the poor as long
jobs are being created for Singaporeans.