By Shukry Rashid
The National Wages Council (NWC) in 2014 recommended that employers grant a built-in wage increase for low-wage workers in the form of a dollar quantum and a percentage. This recommendation aimed to give low-wage workers in the companies a higher percentage built-in wage increase.
The recommendation urged employers to also grant a built-in wage increase of at least $60 for low-wage workers earning a basic salary of up to $1,000.
Employers were also urged to grant low-wage workers earning above $1,000 an equitable and reasonable wage increase and/or one-off lump sum based on their skills and productivity.
We profile three companies that have diligently implemented the recommendations for the benefit of its workers.
Company 1: Energizer
The company granted workers a $60 built-in wage increase for those earning a monthly wage of $1,400 or less while those earning above $1,400 receive an annual increment of 3.9 per cent.
Company 2: Gardenia
Ms Ivy Leo is a 58-year-old office cleaner and has been with the company for the past eight years. Earning a basic salary of $1,092, she is one of Gardenia’s workers who benefitted from the recommendations.
The company granted a 2 per cent plus $45 wage increase to all its Singaporean and Permanent Resident workers, which amounted to at least $60. In addition to the Annual Wage Supplement and variable bonuses, the company also paid a $600 special bonus to its workers.
For Ms Leo, she received an additional merit increment, totalling her wage increment to $80.
“I feel very happy that my company gave me the salary increment. Unlike the previous company where I worked for three years, where I didn’t get any increment at all. With the increment, I can use it to treat my son or support him in his studies,” she said.
Company 3: Lam Soon
Mr Tan Cher Lin is a 49-year-old general worker and has been with the company for over 29 years. His current basic salary is $1,500.
Last year, Mr Tan and the company’s other employees received a 3 per cent annual increment, plus $50.
“I have been working with the company for many years now, and I have received a salary raise every year. Last time, I used to earn $300 as a driver. Last year’s salary increase was okay; I received over $60 and am now earning $1,500. The company knows how to take care of its workers,” he said.
Source: NTUC This Week
