Migrant Workers Singapore calls for S$2,000 minimum wage for all workers, citing rising costs of daily essentials
Migrant Workers Singapore (MWS) has called for a S$2,000 monthly minimum wage for all workers in Singapore, citing rising living costs and what it described as stagnant migrant worker pay.
In a Facebook post on 20 Sept, the community platform said migrant workers “build and sustain our city every day” and that their pay should reflect the essential nature of their work.
Source: Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook
It called for “dignity, housing, and food security” for all workers, regardless of nationality.
The group also posted a video comparing migrant worker wages with the salaries of political office holders following the Government’s recent announcement on political salaries.
Group says migrant worker basic pay has remained unchanged for decades
In the video, the speaker said migrant workers’ basic salaries had been “stuck” for 40 years.
He cited a figure of around S$400 a month as the basic salary for migrant workers, while contrasting it with the Prime Minister’s pay.
Source: Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook
The group said rising prices for essentials such as cooking oil, coffee, eggs, and public transport had increased the financial pressure on workers.
It gave the example of 2kg of cooking oil, which it said cost around S$3.50 about 20 years ago and around S$7 today.
The speaker questioned whether wage increases should be considered differently for political office holders and migrant workers.
“How do we decide who deserves a pay rise and who does not?” he asked in the video.
The video concluded with MWS calling for a S$2,000 monthly minimum wage for every worker in Singapore.
Source: Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook
The video came after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced changes to Singapore’s political salary framework earlier this month.
The Government accepted recommendations to raise the MR4, or entry-level, annual reference salary for ministers from S$1.1 million to S$1.8 million.
Source: gov.sg Committee report
Singapore does not have a universal minimum wage
Singapore currently does not prescribe a minimum wage for all workers, including foreign workers.
The Ministry of Manpower says wages are generally determined by market demand and supply, with employers expected to pay workers based on their skills, capabilities and competencies.
Some lower-wage workers are covered by the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), which sets minimum wages for eligible workers in sectors including cleaning, security, landscape, lift and escalator, retail and food services.
The PWM currently covers Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Employers hiring foreign workers must meet the relevant PWM requirements for eligible local employees, as well as Local Qualifying Salary requirements for other local employees.
“The wages of migrant workers do not reflect the social value they produce,” the MWS speaker said in the video.
Source: Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook
MWS’ proposed S$2,000 minimum wage would therefore represent a broader policy change from Singapore’s existing wage framework.
Group points to migrant workers’ role during pandemic
The speaker also cited migrant workers’ contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said cleaning and grass-cutting services were disrupted while migrant workers were confined during the pandemic, and linked this to Singapore’s dengue situation.
MWS argued that the wages of migrant workers should better reflect the social value of their work.
“All workers deserve a living wage to meet their basic needs and live with dignity,” the speaker said.
Source: Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook
The group ended its video by reiterating its call for a S$2,000 monthly minimum wage for all workers in Singapore, regardless of nationality.
Meanwhile, netizens had mixed reactions.
Some mentioned that these workers chose to come to Singapore to work, and should look elsewhere to work if they are unhappy with their pay.
Source: Facebook
While others disagreed with the comparison of the increase in ministerial salary, some still acknowledged that migrant workers have done a lot for Singapore.
Source: Facebook
MS News has reached out to Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook for comment.
Also read: S’poreans can gift migrant workers local experiences with Klook SG Culture Pass bookings in August
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Featured image adapted from Migrant Workers Singapore on Facebook.
