National Wages Council Invites Views on Wage Guidelines

The National Wages Council (NWC) chaired by Prof Lim Pin, Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, will commence its deliberations on wage and wage-related guidelines for 2009/2010 in May 2009. To assist the NWC in its deliberations, members of the public and organisations are invited to offer their views on the wage guidelines.

2.   In light of the deteriorating economic situation from late 2008, the NWC responded on 16 January 2009, by issuing revised Guidelines that are in effect until 30 June 2009. The recommendations included implementing a wage freeze or wage cut commensurate with the performance and prospects of companies which are adversely affected by the economic downturn, in order to help companies stay competitive and save jobs. In its upcoming deliberations on the wage guidelines for 2009/2010, the NWC will consider factors such as the state of the economy and outlook, labour market conditions, productivity, as well as the measures taken to address the current downturn.

3.   Members of the public and organisations are invited to give their views on the wage guidelines for 2009/2010 and related topics. They can send their views to the Secretary of the NWC through the following channels by 30 April 2009:

The Secretary
National Wages Council
c/o Labour Relations Department
Level 6-01 Ministry of Manpower
18 Havelock Road
Singapore 059764
Fax: 6535 4811
Email: mom_lrd@mom.gov.sg