What is the progressive wage model and why we embrace it.
“The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) helps to increase wages of workers through upgrading skills and improving productivity.”
What is the progressive wage model?
To start off, you’ll need to acquaint yourself with the tripartite committees. Made up of 3 arms, they consist of various unions, employers and the government. Notable members of the committee include the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and the Ministry of Manpower respectively.
The three arms jointly work together to tackle various issues in the workplace. Examples include the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM).
Most recent will be our topic of the day, the Tripartite Clusters for the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) that covers various industries to help uplift lower-wage workers’ wages. Wages are raised based on their skills and productivity, which are actively improved through training.
Particularly, the PWM requirements for the cleaning sector started 1 September 2022. This means that “in-house cleaners must be paid at least the stipulated PWM wages” from 1 September 2022, and will be continuously adjusted till 2029.
You may view the list here.
From 1 July 2028 to 30 June 2029, outsourced and in-house resident cleaners must be paid the following wages. Wages refer to basic monthly salary. Full list and details from 2022-2029 can be found here.
How is the PWM Implemented?
The PWM covers Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents (PRs) in many industries, including the cleaning sector. This includes both full-time and part-time workers as long as they are under a contract of service.
Governing bodies - National Environment Agency for the cleaning sector - will work with employers to ensure that PWM is adopted. For example, cleaning licenses are renewed only if employers comply with the PWM.
hOW DOES j. AND cHAN COMPLY TO THE pwm?
Our company pay eligible employees at least the required PWM wage level.
Our company trains eligible employees according to the stipulated training requirements.
Our company updates employees’ occupational and employment information in MOM’s Occupational Employment Dataset* monthly.
Our company has consented to MOM to access our Occupational Employment Dataset*.
*The OED is an ongoing registry where organisations in Singapore are required to provide the job and work location details of all employees. The information will allow Government to implement initiatives such as the Progressive Wage Model and individuals can access their Progressive Wage assessment through the Progressive Wage Portal.
How does it benefit you as our client?
We solely follow the PWM and can clarify that wage increases are solely based on the progressive wage model and inflation.
The PWM ensures payment adjustments are fair and transparent.
The PWM includes a structured career pathway and training, which supports a sustainable and equitable work environment.
The PWM also ensures that our company continues to attract and retain quality employees, including our pool of professional cleaners.
Clients can expect that our cleaners are constantly improving their productivity and efficiency.
Overall, with the PWM, our company can ensure the ethical and fair treatment of our professional cleaners.
