NTUC announces $40 million programme to drive productivity improvements to help 25,000 low wage workers over two years 1 The Labour Movement is launching a $40 million programme called the Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) to drive productivity improvements. IGP is set to benefit 25,000 low wage workers1 over two years. The objective is to uplift workers’ skills, pay and lives across all 12 sectors2 identified by the National Productivity and Continuing Education Council (NPCEC).
2 The announcement was made at the first of the Labour Movement’s National Day Observance Ceremonies held at NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) on 3 August 2010.
3 The Labour Movement is gearing itself to pursue a low wage worker strategy, in line with the 2010 focus of a “Cheaper Better Faster” Economy powered by an All Inclusive Workforce. In line with the Economic Strategies Committee recommendations, the Labour Movement will continue to mobilise workers to achieve higher levels of skills, innovation and productivity so as to achieve inclusive economic growth as encapsulated in the LM 2011 vision.
4 The IGP will be administered by NTUC’s e2i in partnership with Government agencies, participating companies and the Labour Movement’s network of unions. It will succeed the Jobs Re-creation Programme (JRP) spearheaded by NTUC over the past few years. Projects will be implemented through four levels:
a. At the industry level. NTUC’s e2i will, where appropriate, work with Government agencies to introduce accreditation schemes or quality standards. e2i will also encourage recognition of skills standards by industries, so that there is a premium to achieving better skills credentials.
b. At the buyers’ level. NTUC will encourage service buyers to practice best sourcing, by including quality criteria in addition to price considerations. Companies would be incentivised to improve operations through automation and mechanisation, and low wage workers will benefit from training and higher-value jobs.
c. At the companies’ level. IGP will promote the deployment of technology, machines and automation, to raise productivity at work places.
d. At the workers’ level. For low wage workers to be able to contribute towards a more productive company, they would need to acquire new skills, upgrade their skills, or be multi-skilled to handle various functions.
5 Out of the $40 million budget for IGP, $30 million will be funded through the National Productivity Fund (NPF) announced by the Government earlier this year, to redesign jobs, intensify use of equipment and technology, as well as to promote BSI. $10 million will be funded by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), to incentivise company-specific training programmes for workers to become more efficient, competent and adaptable. For companies who embark on such projects, they can receive up to 50% funding for deployment of technology and equipment, and up to 90% funding for training directly relevant to productivity improvement.
[1] The low wage worker group constitutes the lower 20th percentile of the workforce, earning $1,400 or below monthly. These workers mainly work in manual and physically demanding jobs with limited opportunities to progress.
[2] Sectors as defined by the Nation Productivity and Continuing Education Centre: Construction; Retail; F&B; Hotels, Infocomm, Media, Design; Healthcare; Logistics; Electronics and Precision Engineering; General Manufacturing; Transport Engineering; Admin & Support Services; Port Services; and Security.
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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 Employer Federation (SNEF). For more details on e2i, please visit www.e2i.com.sg.