EMPLOYMENT ACT

EMPLOYMENT ACT:

(Review of salary ceiling for non-manual workers): 13.

Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider raising the $1,600 salary ceiling for non-manual workers to enjoy overtime and other benefits stipulated under the Employment Act as the median wage has increased and a review is long overdue.

The Minister of State for Manpower (Mr Gan Kim Yong) (for the Minister for Manpower): Sir, the Ministry is reviewing the Employment Act. This includes reviewing whether the salary ceiling for non-manual workers is appropriately placed. At the same time, we are also reviewing aspects based on employers' feedback which includes the definition of workmen and their entitlement to overtime and other benefits. MOM will consult both the unions and employers in the review process.

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Mdm Halimah Yacob: I would like to ask the MOS: has the review started and when will it be completed?

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Mr Speaker, the review process has started and we will complete it as soon as we possibly can. But we need to adopt a balanced approach and we will consult both the unions as well as employer groups so that we can take into account the interests of all stakeholders.