T.Morgan, president of security association in singapore IS AGAINST ntuc's move to implement progressive wage model in the security sector.
Guards only earn basic $800 while cleaners now $1000 thanks to the progressive wage model that is licensed in the cleaning sector. Cleaners have career paths, skills upgrading etc. What about guards? They earn little and still have to work OT.
What is progressive wage model? It is a minimum wage ladder that provides beyond a minimum wage point and have a real career path for low-wage workers.
T.Morgan said that raising the basic monthly pay of security guards would balloon a firm's wage bill because the bulk of a guard's pay comes from overtime calculated from basic pay.
This is NONSENSICAL. In the first place, why is the bulk of pay coming from OT??? Is that even fair for workers? Everyone needs rest and just because they are low-wage workers, does not mean that they can be exploited.
Of course T.Morgan thinks for companies. Companies don't want to pay more cos they see Guards do 'nothing'. Guards don't want do more cos they are paid 'nothing'. Someone gotta make the 1st move. Now, who is brave enough?
You pay peanuts u get monkeys.. U expect an uncle to risk his life and limb to protect your property for 600 to 800 per month before OT? The security uncles are only human.
Buyers shouldn't expect to pay lowly for security services any more. The certification of the firms and the guards meant that they are better trained than before. In addition, buyers ought to know the guards are protecting their assets and hence deserve to be paid higher wages.
Perceptions gotta change. It's great that ntuc is in talks with the security associations. But best is for the government to license progressive wage model across the security sector. Employers are not compelled to adopt the recommended starting wages unless these are also legislated.
- feeling annoyed