I REFER to Monday's Forum Online letter by Mr Spenser Tan, 'Singaporeans too fussy, so ease up on hiring quota'. Mr Tan may be right in one way, but he is wrong in another.
Mr Tan said Singaporeans choose jobs near MRT stations. Well, who would not when bus services are so inadequate and infrequent?
Also, if one just relies on buses, one could be late for work at least three times a week. Moreover, employers demand that employees are punctual and may even deduct pay for lateness. Thus, it is natural for a job applicant to consider his future job location or risk losing the job later.
Mr Tan's other gripe was about wages paid in certain jobs. Does he realise that in the past seven years, inflation has made so many things overpriced, a worker who earns $1,600 a month can no longer afford a three-room HDB flat? Seven years ago, the same flat cost about $150,000, but today it has risen to more than $200,000, before factoring in the cash amount upfront.
If Singaporeans do not demand a decent wage commensurate with the lifestyle here to enjoy a proper living, I am sure many would end up without a roof over their heads. It is time for employers to wake up and look at the issues that cause Singaporeans to shun certain jobs.
For example, take the case of a maid. Would a Singaporean accept a maid's wage of $400 a month? Is that enough even for transport?
Raymund Koh
Mr Tan said Singaporeans choose jobs near MRT stations. Well, who would not when bus services are so inadequate and infrequent?
Also, if one just relies on buses, one could be late for work at least three times a week. Moreover, employers demand that employees are punctual and may even deduct pay for lateness. Thus, it is natural for a job applicant to consider his future job location or risk losing the job later.
Mr Tan's other gripe was about wages paid in certain jobs. Does he realise that in the past seven years, inflation has made so many things overpriced, a worker who earns $1,600 a month can no longer afford a three-room HDB flat? Seven years ago, the same flat cost about $150,000, but today it has risen to more than $200,000, before factoring in the cash amount upfront.
If Singaporeans do not demand a decent wage commensurate with the lifestyle here to enjoy a proper living, I am sure many would end up without a roof over their heads. It is time for employers to wake up and look at the issues that cause Singaporeans to shun certain jobs.
For example, take the case of a maid. Would a Singaporean accept a maid's wage of $400 a month? Is that enough even for transport?
Raymund Koh
