Strengthen and cast wider the social security net to cover more low-income workers, particularly those in essential services.
NTUC Operations and Mobilisation Division Secretariat Director Mohd Fahmi Aliman made this call in his maiden parliamentary speech on 1 September 2020.
He said: “I urge the Government to consider suggestions such as providing a higher WIS [Workfare Income Supplement] pay-out to workers in the essential services to acknowledge their social value and to have greater differentiation in the pay-outs for full-time versus part-time workers,
Mr Fahmi applauded the services provided by essential workers during this crisis. He stated that without them, Singapore would have come to a standstill.
“I am heartened that, as mentioned by Madam President, this Government will continue to look out for our essential service workers and once this crisis has passed, I hope that we continue to value the work of our essential workers,” he said.
While he recognised that much had been done by the tripartite partners to benefit these workers, the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) should be expanded into more sectors to help more workers upskill and earn a dignified living.
Mr Fahmi also noted that while workers continue to be the backbone of our economy, we must not forget our caregivers at home.
He elaborated: “Despite their sacrifices and selflessness, I have met residents who struggle to cope and face financial, physical, mental, and emotional stresses.
“Their struggle is further impacted by an inability to find gainful employment to support themselves and their loved ones.”
To address this, he hopes that businesses will adopt flexible work arrangements and that the Government will continue to strengthen current policies around caregivers.
