National Wages Council mulls up to $65 salary increase for low-income earners

On back of the uncertain economic environment.

The city-state’s wages body believes that there is merit to give special consideration to low-wage workers, as it further builds on efforts to uplift their incomes.

According to the Ministry of Manpower, the national wages council recommends that employers grant low-wage workers a built-in wage increase in the form of a dollar quantum and a percentage.

“This will give the low-wage workers in the firm a higher percentage built-in wage increase; employers grant a built-in wage increase of $50 to $65 for low-wage workers earning a basic monthly salary of up to $1,100,” the release said.

Meanwhile, the body also suggested that employers rant an equitable and reasonable wage increase and/or one-off lump sum based on skills and productivity for low-wage workers earning above $1,100.

Additionally, the NWC also will review the continued need for quantitative guidelines for low-wage workers annually, taking into careful consideration factors such as Singapore’s economic performance, competitiveness, labour market conditions, productivity performance, and progress on outcomes for low-wage workers.