The Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC) has put forth a set of recommendations to the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) for the cleaning industry to recognise and deepen skills competencies of cleaners amidst an evolving Environmental Services industry landscape.
The key recommendation comprises an enhancement to the PWM training guidelines, aimed to equip more than 39,000 resident cleaners with the necessary Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) knowledge and core competencies that cater to the industry’s current and future needs. The TCC also recommends the introduction of ‘restroom cleaners’ as one of the job roles stipulated in the PWM Wage Ladder, in recognition of the challenging working conditions experienced by such cleaners.
Details of enhanced PWM Skills Ladder for cleaning industry
The recommendations come about as part of the tripartite partners’ commitment in realising the vision of Worker 4.0, in preparing cleaners with adaptive, technology and technical skills that enable them to be ready for new roles or assignments, relevant with the right skill sets and resilient to new ways of working. This is especially crucial given the transformation of the Environmental Services industry that will be underpinned by a cleaning workforce that is equipped for emerging and higher value roles. The enhanced PWM Skills ladder places strong emphasis on technical skills and competencies, with a view to better equip the cleaners for both the jobs they are currently deployed in, and also for future jobs.
Currently, the PWM Training Guidelines stipulates for all resident cleaners to attain at least two Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Certificate in Environmental Cleaning Modules or equivalent. With a view to ensure cleaners are suitably upskilled for higher value jobs, the TCC recommends the following specifications that will take effect in 2022:
a. One of the two WSQ modules to be a mandatory course on Workplace Safety & Health (WSH), and
b. The second WSQ module to be selected from a list of Core Modules that had been validated and endorsed by TCC
Mandatory course on Workplace Safety & Health
The mandatory WSH course seeks to ensure that all cleaners are fully aware of occupational risks such as slipping and falling, inhaling of toxic fumes, working at heights or environments that are subject to harsh weather. Equipping all cleaners with WSH knowledge will ensure that they take precautionary measures to ensure personal safety when carrying out their cleaning tasks.
Core modules to deepen technical competencies
In addition, a set of Core WSQ training modules have been identified to ensure that workers have the required knowledge and ability to perform their duties that commensurate with the technical requirements of their jobs and in turn, the corresponding PWM wages.
This set of Core WSQ training modules is based on the Skills Framework for Environmental Services’ Technical Skills and Competencies (TSCs) for various job roles and corresponding proficiency levels. For example, certain job roles such as multi-skilled cleaners-cum-machine operators are expected to carry out more complex cleaning tasks and may involve a certain degree of autonomy and/or supervisory duties. Thus, the TSCs that are applicable to such job roles are pegged at a higher proficiency level.
Further, the TCC recommends that both the mandatory WSH module and one Core WSQ training module be incorporated as part of the cleaning business licensing requirements to enable all cleaning businesses to be on par in terms of meeting the minimum training requirements. However, flexibility is given to cleaning businesses to choose the specific core module that would best suit their and their clients’ needs. In addition, the TCC recommends that WSQ training modules that are at a higher proficiency level should also be made available for cleaning businesses to choose from, should they wish to send their workers for training in higher proficiency skills so as to prepare them for career progression and deployment to higher level job roles.
Introduction of ‘Restroom Cleaners’ as a job role in the PWM Wage Ladder
In recognition of the hardships experienced by workers who perform restroom/toilet cleaning and to help encourage recruitment and retention of such workers, the TCC recommends introducing ‘Restroom Cleaners’ as a separate job role to the existing PWM, with the basic wage level to be pegged to that of a Healthcare Cleaner ($1,486, up from $1,274 for general/indoor cleaners). This will be effective 1 July 2021 to allow the cleaning industry sufficient lead time to make the adjustment.
Close partnership and mutual trust to drive successful implementation of PWM
The recommendations seek to ensure a competent cleaning workforce that is recognised for their skills and contributions towards a clean environment for everyone. Underpinning this is the close partnership and mutual trust among all stakeholders that must continue to be strengthened so that cleaners, as the backbone of the Environmental Services industry, can look forward to better wages, welfare and work prospects. With an upskilled and more productive workforce, service buyers and service providers can also look forward to better service delivery and business outcomes.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Zainal Sapari, who is also Chairman of the TCC, said, “The Environmental Services industry is evolving into a sustainable and professional industry that supports the national vision of a clean and liveable Singapore. At the heart of this transformation is our cleaners, who should be adequately supported as they embrace new technology, methods and work processes. The enhanced PWM Skills Ladder serves to achieve this aim, making their jobs easier, safer and more meaningful.”
Learning journey to Sun City
The TCC recommendations were released on the sidelines of NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Ng Chee Meng’s visit to Sun City Maintenance Pte Ltd, a unionised company under the Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees’ Union. At the visit, SG Ng engaged with cleaners and cleaning supervisors who have benefited from the adoption of advanced cleaning technologies, such as cleaning robots which are already deployed at their respective work sites.
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