NWC urges S$60 pay rise for low-wage workers

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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/nwc-urges-s60-pay-rise-low-wage-workers?singlepage=true

The National Wages Council (NWC) yesterday recommended a minimum monthly increment of S$60 — the same quantum it proposed last year — for workers earning a basic salary of up to S$1,000 a month.

And in a nod to concerns among unionists about low-wage workers who earn above S$1,000, the council recommended that this group of employees be given an “equitable and reasonable” wage increase and/or a one-off lump sum based on skills and productivity.

In 2012, the NWC recommended a minimum monthly increment of S$50 — marking the first time since 1984 that it had recommended a minimum quantum of pay rise.

The proportion of firms that gave increments equal to or more than the NWC’s recommended built-in wage increase in the respective years doubled from 28 per cent in 2012 to 57 per cent last year.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the Government has accepted the council’s recommendations and recognises that buyers of outsourced services will need to play a part for the NWC recommendations to be effective. The Government pledged to lead by example not only as an employer, but as a service buyer too, the MOM said.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) also called on employers, service buyers and outsourcing contractors to recognise the service and contributions of other low-wage workers — apart from those earning up to S$1,000.

Latest available figures showed there were about 150,000 full-time resident employees — Singaporeans and permanent residents — who earned below the S$1,000 line in 2012.