By Ramesh Subbaraman
Singapore’s civil servants will receive a mid-year Annual Variable Component (AVC) of 0.45 month this year.
In a statement released on 14 June 2016, the Public Service Division (PSD) said the Government also supports the National Wages Council’s recommendations for low-wage workers.
Civil servants in Grades IV and V of the Operations Support Scheme (OSS) will get a built-in wage increase of $20 and $25, respectively. This will be in addition to their annual increment in 2016.
Around 1500 public sector workers will benefit from the built-in wage increase.
Union’s Response
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Cham Hui Fong said NTUC and the public sector unions appreciate the mid-year annual
annual variable component and the additional built-in wage increase for lower-grade staff.
She added that the payout package was firmed up after several rounds of discussion between PSD and representatives from NTUC and the public sector unions.
“Considering the slowdown in our economic growth, the payment fairly rewards civil servants for their dedication and contributions.
“Moving forward, the Labour Movement and the public sector unions will work closely with PSD and relevant government agencies to press on with reskilling efforts as well as job redesign to raise productivity, and more importantly, help workers to progress in their careers,” said ASG Cham.
Also welcoming the additional built-in wage increase was G Muthukumarasamy, general secretary of Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers (AUPDRW).
“I believe this booster would greatly help our lower- wage public servants and their families, especially during these challenging times.
“I also urge our companies and workers to work hand in hand with the Government to raise productivity so that wage increases are sustainable in the long run.”
Amalgamated Union of Public Employees General Secretary Yeo Chun Fing hopes that the Government will duly reward civil servants when the economy recovers.
