I WELCOME the proposed changes to the Employment Act, which was last reviewed in 1995. I hope that they will be supported by employers and workers.
I have some feedback on the proposed changes and employment issues.
Firstly, the non-workmen employees' wage ceiling should be increased further to at least $2,200, instead of the proposed $2,000. The present wage ceiling of $1,600 does not reflect the rise in salaries of a large number of workers and does not take into consideration the rate of inflation since the last review.
Secondly, the minimum annual leave for employees covered by the Employment Act should be adjusted to a minimum of 12 days per calendar year, especially for employees who have worked for more than three years in an organisation.
Thirdly, I applaud the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)'s move to encourage the hiring of part-time workers by adjusting the definition of part-time employees to those who work 35 hours or less per week.
Next, I think there should be an adjustment to the cap on the maximum number of working hours employees are required to work per week.
It is more applicable to workers in the security, retail and manufacturing industries. Such employees should be given adequate rest, and should not work beyond the maximum number of hours legislated.
Last but not least, I hope that MOM can work with banks to increase the minimum salary requirement for locals wishing to apply for credit cards and other unsecured credit facilities.
The minimum salary requirement for credit cards is $30,000 per annum.
In view of the high number of credit-card debtors and loan defaulters, as well as the current economic situation, MOM and relevant agencies should play a role in curbing the problem.
More young people are succumbing to credit-card debt and defaulting on loans, which can only lead to more issues.
