Those working in the cleaning sector can look forward to an increase in their basic salary under the new progressive wage model to be introduced in September.
The new salary model which is also set to be applied to the security sector in the near future, ensures cleaners earn a minimum pay of $1,000 a month.
According to a statement by Minister for Environment and Water Resources Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, a bill under the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Environment Public Health Act will be introduced to make compulsory the regime in the next parliamentary sitting scheduled on Jan. 20.
A tripartite committee consisting of employers, government representatives and unions will also come together to review what is considered fair wages for cleaners on a constant basis.
The introduction of the progressive wage model was commended by National Solidarity Party’s candidate Nicole Seah on her Facebook page, but she added that more improvements could be made to the implementation.
In her Facebook post, Ms. Seah said that the basic wage of $1,000 is still subjected to CPF contribution and as such, it is still too low. She also said that authorities should make sure companies do not exploit employees who are on employment passes by paying them a salary that is different from what was agreed on paper and suggested that the government reward companies which send their employees for skills upgrading courses even though they may experience short-term losses.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
Photo: Ania Mendrek
