MOM, SNEF call for progressive wage
system
30 April
SINGAPORE — The Manpower Ministry and the
Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) yesterday called on
employers to work with the unions in implementing a progressive
wage system, which sets out career ladders and pay benchmarks for
low-wage sectors like cleaning and hospitality.
Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said in his May Day
message that better jobs can be created for all workers, even
though Singapore’s economy is experiencing a period of slower
growth and restructuring. This can be achieved by building better
workplaces and helping workers upgrade their skills, he added.
Mr Tan said Singapore must continue to move towards “a
manpower-lean economy”, pointing to “impressive successes” achieved
under the National Trades Union Congress’ Inclusive Growth
Programme, where businesses have seen productivity improvements and
shared gains with workers. “I urge employers to work with the
unions to press on with progressive wages for their workers,” Mr
Tan said.
SNEF President Stephen Lee said in his May
Day message that arresting productivity decline, which fell 2.6 per
cent last year, must be a priority this year. Noting that the
United States experienced a productivity resurgence between 1995
and 2004, he said the growth was attributed to better management
practices and the adoption of technologies in the service sector.
Workers must also take ownership of their upgrading by reskilling
and upskilling, he added.
Both Mr Tan and Mr Lee noted that changes will be made to the
Employment Act, providing better protection for an additional
450,000 workers next year.
To ensure fair workplaces, Mr Tan said the ministry is studying
employment systems in other countries. “We aim to foster an
environment to develop and nurture the talents and abilities of the
local workforce. This includes tapping on those who are
economically inactive and who are keen to rejoin the
workforce.”
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mom-snef-c…
