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Commissioner of Labour implements tripartite cluster for cleaners' recommended wage enhancements and new job role

Employment practices
  1. The Commissioner for Labour has implemented recommendations[1] by the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC)[2], comprising (i) a six-year schedule of annual wage increases from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2029 and (ii) the definition of Restroom Cleaners as a distinct job role under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) wage ladder from 1 July 2021.

    Implementation of six-year schedule of annual wage increases and new definition for job role in wage ladder 

  2. Paying resident cleaners progressive wages stipulated under the PWM is an existing condition under National Environment Agency’s licensing regime for general cleaning businesses, implemented through the Order imposed by the Commissioner for Labour. 

  3. With reference to the recommendations of the TCC reports, enhancements made to the Order include:
    -     A six-year schedule of wage increases from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 20293 will be implemented when the existing wage schedule concludes on 30 June 2023. The scheduled sustained wage increases reflect a strong tripartite consensus to raise the wages of cleaners while providing service providers and buyers with greater certainty in business and contracting matters. 
    -     With effect from 1 July 2021, Restroom Cleaners will be defined under the Cleaning PWM wage ladder as a distinct job role, to better recognise their expertise and duties. Cleaning businesses will have to ensure that their Restroom Cleaners are paid at least the corresponding wage in the PWM wage schedule.

  4. Cleaning businesses offering general cleaning services found to be in breach of licensing conditions, including requirements under the PWM, are liable to a financial penalty not exceeding $5,000 and may risk having their Cleaning Business Licence suspended or revoked.

  5. For further details on the enhanced wage schedule, the definitions of each class of cleaners under the PWM, and the PWM itself, please refer to the reports issued by the TCC at www.ntuc.org.sg/tripartiteguidelines. Cleaners with enquiries may call NTUC’s U Care Centre at 1800-255-2828 for more information.

FOOTNOTE

  1. These recommendations were set out in the TCC’s reports dated 7 June 2021 and 3 December 2019 respectively.
  2. The TCC comprises representatives from the Government, unions, cleaning service providers and buyers.
  3. The Commissioner of Labour notes that the TCC has indicated its intent to review the wage schedule in 2025. Any revision to the wage schedule would be implemented subsequently, upon TCC’s recommendations and the Government’s acceptance of the recommendations.