The Labour Movement is calling for more support to help young workers, professionals, managers and executives (PMEs), back-to-work women and low-wage workers navigate the changing economic landscape.
NTUC Director, Youth Development Unit, Desmond Choo shared this in a live television interview on Mediacorp Channel 8’s Hello Singapore that aired on 15 February 2017, when he gave a general overview of the Labour Movement’s recommendations for Singapore’s Budget 2017.
He also highlighted how tripartite partners, comprising the unions, Government and employers can work more closely together and take the lead in adopting innovation, technology, skills and upgrading as well as explore ways to enhance productivity and strengthen jobs matching.
The Key Topics
The Labour Movement has called for the expansion of the Professional Conversion Programmes to benefit more PMEs looking to transit into new jobs.
Mr Choo also raised the need to enhance the Work-Life Grant which employers can tap on as a means of supporting flexible working hours and women looking to re-enter the workforce.
On the topic of young workers, Mr Choo highlighted how the Government can provide targeted assistance for youths and young PMEs as they may lack the necessary network, industry knowledge or opportunities to gain experience. He also shared the example of how Young NTUC’s Youth Career Network is helping to bridge those gaps by connecting this group of Singaporeans with mentors who can guide them through their budding careers.
There is also a need to review the eligibility criteria of the Workfare Income Supplement scheme to enable more low-wage workers to benefit.
He also mentioned that it is hoped that employers who adopt the Progressive Wage Model will follow the dollar-quantum recommendations under the National Wages Council guidelines for workers in the landscape, security and cleaning industries.
