Low-wage workers' concerns identified

Low-wage workers' concerns identified

SINGAPORE - The labour movement has released findings from focus group sessions held to identify the concerns of low-wage workers, and has reassured them that steps are being considered to address these anxieties.

Chief among the worries are low salaries that do not keep up with inflation, discrimination, lack of support, lack of awareness of employment rights, and inaccessible training opportunities.

Mr Zainal Sapari, director of the National Trades Union Congress Unit for Contract and Casual Workers, highlighted the need for stronger support in terms of training and upgrading opportunities, and to raise public awareness of some of the challenges faced.

The union is looking into extending its Progressive Wage Model to cover the security and landscaping industries, and include carpark attendants.

It is also exploring the setting up of a "one-stop centre" where low-wage workers can seek help on workplace-related issues.

Mr Zainal, who is also MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, felt the union could do more in terms of outreach projects.

But he said work on these proposals was still at a "premature" stage.

Some 100 participants comprising low-wage workers, service buyers and providers, and union and grassroots leaders, took part in three focus group sessions this month.


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