Minimum Wage?

The Government has restated its stance against a minimum wage in a blog post by Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Manpower Lee Yi Shyan. The decision to increasing the minimum wage is final.

Personally, I have strong feelings of opposition towards this policy.

I can understand where the government is coming from. By dropping the minimum wage of a citizen worker, the government is trying to show citizens that they come first, as well as to ensure the welfare of workers, especially lower-end menial workers who are usually the lowest-possible monthly salary.So far, the worst case I have seen is a worker who is paid $400 per month, with 2 children to look after. God knows how he is able to live till today!

But really, these are extreme rare cases that should not undermine the government's long-term vision when it comes to making policies that will affect the country.

The government must possess more long-term realization that employers are smarter than what they perceive. Will employers not be more encouraged to employ foreign workers (for whom no laws are currently being applied) for a lower salary, and probably same labour?

Netizens have made a joke out of this matter - pointing out the fact that the government's salary is ten times higher than average, perhaps this is a move to collect higher income taxes to feed fat themselves? A little extreme, but the government's unbelievable failure to see how employers will be more encouraged to avert their effort to foreign workers (some even illegal), seems very convincing. This move does not help citizen workers get more money, it makes many lose their money completely.

Some say - a pathetic move get the workers' votes? Haha, many possibilities lie. Who knows?

I think rather than talk about salary, the government has more work to do when it comes to helping the workers improve their skills and productivity, and it is indubitable that with higher productivity, comes more promotion and salary increase opportunities for the workers. It is natural that work abilities determine the level appreciation for one in the company.

The country's overall productivity is important as we step out recovering from the recession, and I don't think illegal foreign workers and employees have the motivation as well as the basic skills to work hard, and work smart.

As such, I think the government should really think further ahead - into increasing the country's overall productivity, truly protecting our citizen workers, rather then coming up with moves that really do nothing much than in the short-term make a certain group of people happy.