Govt will always do its best to uplift low-wage workers, says PM Lee
By S Ramesh | Posted: 01 May 2012 1207 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong promised the labour movement that the government will always do its best to uplift low-wage workers.
Speaking at the May Day Rally on Tuesday, he said the plans include implementing the inclusive growth programme which has now been increased to S$100 million to upgrade 100,000 low-wage workers.
There are also substantial fiscal transfers to low-wage workers and their families through GST vouchers, workfare and the special employment credit.
Mr Lee said over a lifetime low income households will get more than S$500,000 in government subsidies.
PM Lee also took the opportunity to address a proposal raised by former Chairman of the National Wages Council, Lim Chong Yah, who had suggested pushing up the wages of low-wage workers rapidly by 50 per cent in three years.
Mr Lee said he appreciates Professor Lim's good intentions and shares the goal of helping low-wage workers but he doesn't agree with Prof Lim's drastic approach.
Mr Lee emphasised that the only realistic way is to move step-by-step with wage and productivity moving up together.
He warned that sharp wage increases without a corresponding productivity improvement will make low-wage workers worse off.
He said union leaders understand this dilemma but they are under pressure because Prof Lim's proposal has received wide attention and has raised unrealistic expectations.
Hence Mr Lee thought it was important to explain why such a proposal will not work so that workers are not confused.
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By S Ramesh | Posted: 01 May 2012 1207 hrs
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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. | ||||||
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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong promised the labour movement that the government will always do its best to uplift low-wage workers.
Speaking at the May Day Rally on Tuesday, he said the plans include implementing the inclusive growth programme which has now been increased to S$100 million to upgrade 100,000 low-wage workers.
There are also substantial fiscal transfers to low-wage workers and their families through GST vouchers, workfare and the special employment credit.
Mr Lee said over a lifetime low income households will get more than S$500,000 in government subsidies.
PM Lee also took the opportunity to address a proposal raised by former Chairman of the National Wages Council, Lim Chong Yah, who had suggested pushing up the wages of low-wage workers rapidly by 50 per cent in three years.
Mr Lee said he appreciates Professor Lim's good intentions and shares the goal of helping low-wage workers but he doesn't agree with Prof Lim's drastic approach.
Mr Lee emphasised that the only realistic way is to move step-by-step with wage and productivity moving up together.
He warned that sharp wage increases without a corresponding productivity improvement will make low-wage workers worse off.
He said union leaders understand this dilemma but they are under pressure because Prof Lim's proposal has received wide attention and has raised unrealistic expectations.
Hence Mr Lee thought it was important to explain why such a proposal will not work so that workers are not confused.
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