Loop holes.

20 firms pledge to give one-off payout to help workers cope with inflation
Channel New Asia 29th May

SINGAPORE: About 20 companies have decided to adopt the National Wages Council's recommendation to give their rank-and-file employees a one-off lump sum payment to help them cope with inflation.

"I am happy to say that in the next couple of weeks, we expect to see a few more companies following suit," said labour chief Lim Swee Say.

Taking the lead was the government, Singapore's largest employer. It said on Wednesday that civil servants will receive a one-off payment of $100 to $300 along with their mid-year bonus of a half-month's pay in July.

Mr Lim, the NTUC Secretary General, also said some companies have agreed with their unions on the amount of the one-off payment.

He said the labour movement will not dictate the quantum of the payouts.

Mr Lim said: "Most of them... target their workers earning below the median salary - S$2,500 and below. In some cases, they are providing a one-off payment ranging from S$200-S$500.

"As far as the NTUC is concerned, we do not dictate a specific number, because at the end of the day, it depends, firstly, on the affordability of the companies, and how much the companies empathise and sympathise with the low-wage workers.

"The least the employers can do is to show their sincerity and do whatever they can. The more they can afford... give more. The less they can afford... give less. But as my union leader says, something is better than nothing."


Firstly I think the gestures by these companies are good if they target the low -income workers.

But I have strong objection on how the civil service is doing it.

Yesterday from the news, it was reported that the civil services will pay ½ month salary to it workers and additional $100 - $300 more depending on their grade.

The higher your grade are, the more money you will get.

This is already wrong. Please note this is not a performance bonus as the higher position you hold, the more responsibilities you should have and therefore it is justifiable to pay you higher bonus then those below you.

However this bonus is to help with inflation, shouldn’t the one earning less be pay more instead?

I doubt the civil services cap the ½ month pay out at $2500.

Let say a civil servant month pay is $15000. Then he will get $7500 bonus for his mid year bonus.

Bloody hell if this is more then what an average Singaporean earns per month. And please, when this joker is earning $15000 do you think he should be given another $300 to help to cope with inflation?

Just buy Tag Heuer instead of Rolex and Honda instead on BMW Mr Civil Servant.

And remember, it is the taxes that you and me pay that are paying the Civil Services.