Tempering work inequalities

 But we have also put Workfare to work. We piloted it in 2006, made it a permanent scheme in 2007, and have enhanced it twice since. 

Low-income Singaporean workers now get up to 30 per cent more in their wages through Government top-ups.

Our cleaners had been stuck with very low pay levels for some years. 

 Besides helping them with Workfare, we are helping them see higher pay through the Progressive Wage Model (PWM). 

Already, the median pay of a resident cleaner has risen from $820 to $1,000. Security guards will be on their own PWM in future.

We must also make sure Singaporean PMEs get a fair deal. 

The tripartite Fair Consideration Framework is being enhanced to ensure that Singaporeans have a full and fair chance in the job market. They have to be at the core in every sector, and have opportunities for development so that they are part of the best global teams.

Excerpt from:
The Economic Society of Singapore SG50 Distinguished Lecture by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam
14 August 2015