1. As part of a concerted effort to raise the productivity of low-wage workers and improve public hygiene standards, the Government and the Labour
Movement are taking a holistic approach to revamp the cleaning sector. This includes the following:
a. the launch of a new voluntary accreditation scheme for the cleaning industry by the National Environment Agency (NEA) which recognises companies that deliver higher standards of cleaning through proper training of workers, use of proper equipment, and good human resource practices;
b. for the service buyers, the National Trades Union Congress‟ Unit for Contract and Casual Workers (UCCW) and e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) will promote best sourcing initiatives so that service buyers will give stronger emphasis on quality rather than just price;
c. for cleaning service providers, NTUC will implement a new $2.5 million automation and mechanisation grant scheme to encourage them to undergo the accreditation process and defray the cost of equipment purchase; and
d. for the workers, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will roll out a new Environmental Cleaning Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework to upgrade their skills and develop a progression path for the cleaning workforce.
2. The cleaning industry has a workforce size of 140,3001. Workers in the sector mostly earn low wage, hence the sector has been a key focus area for the Government and Labour Movement. The slew of breakthrough initiatives was a result of extensive consultation work amongst the relevant Government agencies,Labour Movement and industry players. These initiatives were shared with over 400 guests at Cleaners‟ Day 2010 on 21 July 2010, an event organised by UCCW and supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), WDA and NEA.
Accreditation Scheme for the Industry
3. After consultations with industry partners2, the Accreditation Scheme was developed by NEA, MOM, WDA and NTUC to elevate the overall cleaning standards, professionalism and productivity of the cleaning industry which will help to further improve the standard of public hygiene in Singapore. It is also important that the public plays its part by practising good hygiene habits and responsible social behaviour to contribute to this thrust.
4. As the accreditation body, NEA will be assessing cleaning service providers in four areas, namely professional and regulatory standards; environmental health and cleanliness standards; operation planning, support and delivery; and training, quality of manpower and general working conditions. Accredited cleaning companies will be awarded either a “Clean Mark Silver” or a “Clean Mark Gold” if they are able to meet additional and more stringent training requirements.
5. The accreditation scheme will be rolled out progressively, starting with a one-year pilot scheme. During the pilot phase, the focus will be on cleaning companies that tender for general cleaning contracts of conservancy areas such as town council areas and public areas; commercial buildings; and food and beverage establishments. It is estimated that there are approximately 1,400
_________________
1 Labour Force Survey, 2009
2 Consultation was done with 54 cleaning companies, the Building Construction
And Timber Industries‟ Employees Union and NTUC‟s Unit for Contract and Casual
Workers.
cleaning companies providing general cleaning services in these three sectors. To encourage companies to apply for accreditation during the pilot phase, the accreditation fee of $500 will be waived for one year till 31 July 2011.
Recognition by Service Buyers
6. NTUC‟s e2i and NEA have been actively promoting the scheme to service buyers, as their support and recognition of the accreditation mark is critical to the success of the scheme. Among the government agencies who have given their support are the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Education (MOE), Housing and Development
Board, Singapore Land Authority, Singapore Tourism Board and National Arts Council. In the case of MOE, it had stated the need for accreditation as one of the critical criteria for evaluation in its latest tender for new cleaning contractors which provide cleaning services for its 360 schools.
7. Other service buyers from public and private sectors that have expressed support to engage services from accredited cleaning companies include JTC Corporation, People‟s Action Party (PAP) Town Councils, City Developments Limited, One Marina Property Services Private Limited, NTUC Foodfare Cooperative Limited and NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited.
Grant for Cleaning Service Providers
8. At the service providers‟ end, cleaning companies that are seeking accreditation and investing in new cleaning machinery or equipment are eligible to receive funding up to 50% of actual purchase cost, capped at $50,000 per company. To support this, NTUC is setting aside $2.5 million, administered by NTUC‟s e2i, to support the first 50 cleaning companies seeking accreditation and making efforts to raise productivity and improve the pay of cleaning workers.
Better Training for Workers
9. A key aim of the accreditation scheme is to ensure that the workforce of cleaning companies receive relevant training that will raise their skills level, productivity, earning capacity and professionalism through the Environmental Cleaning Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ). In support of the accreditation scheme, WDA has worked closely with the Environmental Management Association of Singapore, NEA, Town Councils, NTUC, employers and training providers to develop the Environmental Cleaning WSQ framework. With the rollout of the WSQ, the Cleaning National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) with be replaced with effect from 1 July 2010.
10. Under the Environmental Cleaning WSQ, there will be a proper progression pathway for cleaning workers, and more training programmes to cater to cleaning workers of all levels such as cleaning crews, stewards and supervisors, in various cleaning sub-sectors. To-date, WDA has reached out to more than 50 cleaning companies, and more than 100 cleaners have been trained since the rollout of the courses in June 2010. The pioneer batch of certified cleaning crew, from four major cleaning companies3 and NEA, has successfully completed their WSQ training; and all 39 of them received their certificates at the Cleaners‟ Day 2010 event.
encl.
1. Annex A for Backgrounder on the Accreditation Scheme
2. Annex B for Backgrounder on the Environment Cleaning WSQ
3. Annex C for Backgrounder on MOM‟s Role in Developing the Accreditation Scheme
# # #
About Ministry of Manpower
Guided by our Vision of “A Great Workforce A Great Workplace”, the Ministry of Manpower works to achieve a globally competitive workforce and great workplace for a cohesive society and a secure economic future for all Singaporeans. The Ministry seeks to enable Singaporeans to meet the challenges of the global economy in the 21st century, to have the skills and the opportunity to realise their potential, have rewarding careers in quality work
_________________
3 The four cleaning companies are ISS Facility Services Pte Ltd, Purechem Veolia
Environmental Services Pte Ltd, Ramky Cleantech Services Pte Ltd, and UMC
erviceMaster Pte Ltd
environments, and to enjoy economic security. A great workplace goes beyond a safe, healthy and harmonious organisational work environment, to include a strong tripartite framework and relationship between the government, employerorganizations and worker organisations. Please visit www.mom.gov.sg for more information.
About Singapore Workforce Development Agency
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as amainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives.
For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg
About National Environment Agency
Formed on 1 July 2002, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organisation responsible for improving and sustaining a clean and green environment in Singapore. The NEA develops and spearheads environmental initiatives and programmes through its partnership with the People, Public and Private sectors. It is committed to motivating every individual to take up environmental ownership and to care for the environment as a way of life. By protecting Singapore's resources from pollution, maintaining a high level of public health and providing timely meteorological information, the NEA endeavours to ensure sustainable development and a quality living environment for present and future generations. For more information on NEA, please visit www.nea.gov.sg.
About National Trades Union Congress
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a national confederation of trade unions in the industrial, service and public sectors representing more than 530,000 workers in Singapore. NTUC comprises 60 affiliated unions, one affiliated national taxi association, 12 social enterprises and four related organisations. Our objectives are to help Singapore stay competitive and workers remain employable for life; enhance the social status and well-being of workers; and build a strong, responsible and caring Labour Movement. Our vision is to create a better and more meaningful life for working people of all collars, ages and nationalities to work, live and play together in Singapore, with a mission to help working people earn a better living and live a better life. For more details on NTUC, please visit our website at www.ntuc.org.sg.
About e2i (Employment and Employability Institute)
NTUC‟s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) is a one-stop, skills-based institute for job seekers, employers and training providers. It has a job bank of over 12,000, and assisted over 60,000 job seekers through training and finding new and better jobs in 2009. To help job seekers meet the hiring requirements of employers, e2i conducts employment coaching, career coaching, as well as employability and skills training. e2i serves all segments of workers from rank and file to professionals, managers, executives and technicians. An initiative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), it is supported by the Singapore
Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), and the Singapore National Employers‟ Federation (SNEF).
About Unit for Contract and Casual Workers
The NTUC‟s Unit for Contract and Causal Workers (UCCW) serves to enhance the economic and social well-being of the vulnerable low-wage contract and casual workforce by communicating and advocating the adoption of Best Sourcing Initiatives to stakeholders; encouraging and supporting contract and casual workers for employability enhancement through skills training and upgrading; and enhancing the workers‟ welfare, particularly in the areas of medical and insurance needs. UCCW set up C3W (Centre for Contract and Casual Workers), located at e2i, to provide employment-related assistance, workrelated advices and targeted resources under one roof to no collar workers.
# # #
Annex A
Voluntary Accreditation Scheme for the Cleaning Industry
Background
At Budget 2010, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) announced that NEA will introduce a voluntary accreditation scheme for the cleaning industry as part of our strategy towards an effective cleaning regime. The scheme is aimed at both raising cleaning standards and helping to upgrade the professionalism and productivity of the industry, in line with
national efforts to boost productivity.
Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene requires the efforts of all stakeholders. An Inter-Agency Steering Committee on Public Hygiene (ISCPH) was formed on 24 Jun 2009, with representatives from the People, Private and Public sectors to look into concrete measures to raise the level of public hygiene in Singapore and sustain the public education effort.
This committee chaired by the CEO of NEA, comprised members from SLA, NEA, JTC, WDA, MND, MOT, LTA, MOM, HPB, MCYS, NTUC, MOE and PUB.
Through consultations with the cleaning industry, ISCPH had found that the industry faced the following challenges: -
i. Poor image of cleaners,
ii. Lack of proper training for cleaners,
iii. Increasing demand for high performance standards by service buyers,
iv. “Cheap sourcing” practice by service buyers.
Industry players, in particular EMAS (Environmental Management Association of Singapore) had mooted for the introduction of an accreditation scheme to differentiate the quality of cleaning companies, improve the image of cleaners and raise the overall performance standards of the industry.
The accreditation scheme was jointly developed by NEA, MOM, WDA and NTUC's e2i, after consultations with industry partners.
The voluntary accreditation scheme is also in line with the National Productivity and Continuing Education Council‟s (NPCEC) national efforts4 to raise productivity and will be one of the initiatives in the productivity roadmap for the cleaning industry.
_________________
4 As announced during Budget 2010, a NPCEC, chaired by DPM Teo Chee Hean, has been set up to oversee a national effort to raise productivity at the sectoral, enterprise and worker levels. NEA has been chosen as the sectoral champion to oversee the productivity drive in the cleaning sector.
Waiver of Accreditation Fee
To encourage companies to apply for accreditation during the pilot phase NEA will waive the accreditation fee of $500 per company, for the 1-year period.
Accreditation Logo
As part of the commencement of the accreditation scheme, the accreditation logo was unveiled at Cleaners‟ Day held on 21 Jul 2010, by NTUC‟s SG Lim Swee Say.
The accreditation logo signifies the following:
The sparkling leaf projects a clean and refreshing image of the industry as one that emphasizes professionalism, excellence and productivity. The heart-shaped design represents the commitment of all stakeholders towards improving the quality standards of the cleaning industry and its workforce, and to sustain the clean and green environment in Singapore.
*********************
ANNEX B
FACTSHEET ON ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING
WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS (WSQ)
Introduction
ince late 2009, WDA has been working with key industry stakeholders to develop the Environmental Cleaning WSQ framework to better serve the training needs of the industry and enhance its professionalism.
From 1 July 2010, the Environmental Cleaning WSQ is ready to offer the cleaning industry skills upgrading pathways for their workers that will help them boost performance and productivity. Workers in the cleaning industry who are typically low skilled and low wage can now look forward to taking up industry recognised training to raise their skills and capabilities that will enhance their employability.
The Environmental Cleaning WSQ certifications will be the main avenue through which companies can meet the training requirements under NEA‟s accreditation scheme for the cleaning industry. It will replace the Cleaning National Skills Recognition System (NSRS).
Overview of Environmental Cleaning WSQ
The framework caters to the training of cleaning crew, stewards and supervisors in two sub-sectors, namely:
- Commercial and Private Residential Cleaning
- Public Cleaning
It offers 48 modules grouped under three levels of qualifications namely, Certificate, Higher Certificate and Advanced Certificate and a smaller learning bundle - ,Certified Cleaning Crew‟. The progression pathway provided in the framework is as follows:
Environmental Cleaning WSQ Courses
Environmental Cleaning WSQ Approved Training Organisations (ATOs)
Environmental Cleaning WSQ courses have been rolled out progressively since June 2010. Interested participants can check with the following approved training organisations for more information on course fees, schedule and funding support:
- NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd
Center for Competency-Based Learning and Development Pte Ltd (CBLD)
ANNEX C
FACTSHEET
MOM’s Role in the Development of the Cleaning Accreditation Scheme
MOM plays an active role in addressing the various issues concerning low wage workers in Singapore. Since the Tripartite Committee on “CPF and Work-Related Benefits for Low-Wage Workers” convened in 2007, MOM and partners have been working to address employment related issues and challenges facing the low wage workers in Singapore, particularly in sectors like the cleaning industry. Outreach and engagement activities to companies and cleaners alike have enabled MOM to receive feedback, and identify issues and challenges facing the cleaning industry. To date, MOM has reached out to more than 209 cleaning
companies and about 9,320 cleaners through various dialogue and educational sessions.
Some challenges identified as facing the Cleaning industry include little awareness of rights under Employment laws, a need for better working conditions and proper training. At the same time, service buyers have increasing expectations for high performance standards.
To work towards improving standards in the industry, the Working Group on the Accreditation of the Cleaning Industry (WGACI) led by National Environmental Agency (NEA) developed an Accreditation scheme for the cleaning sector to improve the professionalism of the industry. As part of the WGACI, MOM helped to develop the criteria for the Accreditation scheme to work on improving industry standards in the areas of regulatory standards, employment conditions and training. The scheme will provide recognition to companies that provide fair employment terms and appropriate training for workers to equip them with requisite skills for better service standards.
This recognition will provide a benchmark on the desired level of professionalism, and encourage cleaning companies to improve both service and employment standards.
With a more professional and better skilled workforce, as well as improved employment conditions, the cleaning industry will enjoy higher productivity and more professional image to boost staff recruitment and retention.
The accreditation scheme will be implemented in phases to allow reviewing and fine-tuning of the criteria to ensure the scheme remains relevant to the cleaning industry.
Broad issues that MOM advised on for the development of criteria for the Accreditation Scheme are as follows:
1. Minimum employment standard
a. Ensure compliance with employment laws, including the Employment Act, Employment of Foreign Manpower Act , Work Injury Compensation Act and CPF Act.
b. Have no conviction records under MOM and CPFB legislations in the past 1 year
c. Provision of work injury compensation insurance for employees
2. Good HR practice
a. Issuance of written employment contracts and payslips to worker
b. Rewards/ incentives for good work performance
c. Provision of uniforms to cleaning workforce
3. Training standards and progressive skill development.
a. Progressive WSQ training to be conducted for cleaners, team leaders and supervisor
b. Conduct continuous re-training and skills upgrading
MOM will continue to engage industry players. Any feedback gathered will be shared with the workgroup and used in the development and review of criteria for the Accreditation Scheme to ensure the accreditation scheme is relevant and stays relevant to contributing to the industry standards.
Through sustained buyer education on the Tripartite Advisory on Responsible Outsourcing Practices, MOM will also continue to help encourage service buyers to best-source their service contracts by engaging accredited cleaning companies that comply with employment laws and provide basic employment terms to its workers.