The Transport & Logistics Services Cluster is the first of the Labour Movement’s 12 industry clusters to introduce the progressive wage structure for the low-wage workers in its sector.
This was announced by Cluster Lead and NTUC Industrial Relations Deputy Director Desmond Choo at the Transport & Logistics Employment Fair today.
The event was also graced by special guest NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say, Cluster Chairman Mohd Rasi Taib, union leaders of the cluster and leads of the other clusters.
The progressive wage structure, first introduced about two weeks ago on 21 June 2012, aims to help raise the wages of low-wage workers faster than median wages in order to close the widening income gap in Singapore.
To this end, the cluster launched the Training Programme for Class 3 and Class 4 Driving Licenses to attract the unemployed, low-wage workers who are currently in the transport and logistics sector as well as workers from other industries to join the sector.
Under the programme, jobseekers and workers earning a monthly salary of less than $1,700 or per household capita of less than $1,400 can receive 90 per cent subsidy for the training fees through NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) to obtain a Class 3 or Class 4 driving license in a shorter time period and be placed in transport and logistics-related jobs.
What this means is that the unemployed can obtain a Class 3 driving license and be eligible for a job in the sector; Class 2 license holders can acquire Class 3 licenses and be placed in better paying jobs; and Class 3 license holders can upgrade to Class 4 licenses and advance in their jobs to achieve higher salaries.
The event also served as the official launch of the Cluster, which comprises nine unions and one association in the transport and logistics-related sectors.
As a cluster, they will pool their resources together to tackle cluster-wide challenges, such as the manpower crunch and the raising of productivity, as well as work closely with tripartite partners and key industry players to help workers achieve sustainable wage increases.
