铜板街联合和讯发布《2016女性财富管理报告》
2016年08月19日 16:54:37 来源： 浙江在线
随着女性家庭与职场地位的提升，围绕女性群体形成了特殊的消费与理财圈层，使得“她经济”成为这个时代最重要的议题之一。女性消费以及财富管理行为有何特点，她们对互联网理财有何偏好？8月18日，国内领先的智能财富管理平台铜板街联合权威财经媒体和讯发布了《2016年女性财富管理报告》，从事业家庭、消费理财以及互联网理财三个角度，对正在崛起的女性投资群体进行全面解析。
《报告》显示，有近60%的家庭中，女性负责家庭财富管理决策，成为家庭财富管理 “一把手”。其中，女性收入水平在很大程度上影响其在家庭中的财富管理地位，年薪越高，女人掌财的话语权力就越大。由于肩负着妻子、母亲、儿女等“多角色”身份，女性家庭责任自我定位使得她们在家庭生活安排、家庭消费支出、保险的购买甚至理财决策中都承担了更大的责任，所以其理财需求也显得非常强烈。
《报告》指出，在家庭理财资产的配置方面，女性的投资理财行为仍然比男性显得保守，更加注重规避风险。反映在选择具体的理财渠道方面，女性投资于股市、房地产等资产的比例较之男性都比较低。不过，随着近年来互联网金融的兴起，女性对于这一新事物的接纳和尝试意愿要比男性高，让女性走在了互联网理财的最前端。
在女性互联网理财画像上，她们主要是25-35 周岁的一群经济独立的女性；北上广深以及东南沿海城市的女性，继续 2015 年的态势领跑互联网理财。其中，收入年薪处于 8W-15W 的女性对于互金理财最为感兴趣，不过，收入在 20W-50W之间的女性投资能力最强，她们中 77.3%投资额度都超过了10W，并且30.4%的互金产品配置超过总投资金额的 50%。《报告》显示，有互金投资经验的被调查者中 66.7%的人表示会继续增加互联网金融产品的投资，展现出她们对于互金行业发展的乐观心态。
据悉，本次《报告》由和讯、铜板街、阿里研究院、数字100合作完成。作为样本数据的提供方，铜板街前期通过移动端和社会化媒体对百万女性用户发放问卷，从女性的消费观念、资产规模、理财偏好等多方面进行调研，筛选出有效样本10000份，为深入研究女性理财市场提供了鲜活的第一手资料。
铜板街市场高级总监夏洁表示，连续两年与和讯网一起调研和发布女性财富管理报告，我们希望通过对女性理财的行为和心理进行分析，对追求稳健理财的女性用户有一些实际意义的指导，让她们的钱变得更有价值。接下来，铜板街也将针对女性用户的理财特点，为其量身定制家庭财富管理方案，满足女性用户的多种理财需求。
原文链接
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label salary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salary. Show all posts
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Qualifying salary for Employment Pass applications to be raised
Qualifying salary for Employment Pass applications to be raised
Posted 26 Jul 2016 12:47 Updated 26 Jul 2016 14:53
SINGAPORE: The qualifying salary for Employment Pass (EP) applications will be raised from S$3,300 to S$3,600 from the start of next year, according to the Ministry of Manpower on Tuesday (Jul 26).
This change is part of the ministry's regular updating of the EP qualifying salary to keep pace with rising local wages, maintain the quality of the foreign workforce and to better complement the local workforce, it said in its press release.
The previous minimum EP qualifying salary update was in January 2014, from S$3,000 to S$3,300, it added.
"With effect from Jan 1, 2017, only new EP applicants who can command a monthly salary of S$3,600 or more, subject to meeting other criteria on qualifications and experience, will be considered," said MOM.
"Those with more years of experience are also required to command higher salaries commensurate with their work experience and skill sets, as per current practice."
It added that there will be time for businesses to make adjustments. Existing EP holders whose passes expire:
a) Before 1 January 2017: Will be able to renew, for a duration of up to three years, based on existing EP criteria
b) Between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017 (both dates inclusive): Will be able to renew, for a duration of one year, based on the existing EP criteria
c) 1 July 2017 onwards: Will have to meet the new criteria for renewal, for a duration of up to three years
Employers are encouraged to use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) on the MOM website to assess if their EP candidates will meet the new salary criteria. The SAT will be updated by November 2016, the ministry said.
"POSITIVE MOVE": NTUC'S PATRICK TAY
Mr Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), called the change a “positive move” to keep up with the rising median wages of PMEs (professionals, managers and executives) and to maintain the quality of the foreign workforce.
“This, together with the series of other measures such as the FCF (Fair Consideration Framework), 'Triple Weak' Scrutiny, Jobs Bank and also tightening/scrutiny of conditions/criteria for EP will help level the playing field for our local PMEs and also build a stronger Singaporean core,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
At the same time, the Manpower Ministry should watch out for employers who use “creative means” to artificially increase the wages of foreign PMEs to meet this new criteria, he said, adding that the “bottomline is that local PMEs should be better off and not worse off”.
- CNA/kk
- wong chee tat :)
Posted 26 Jul 2016 12:47 Updated 26 Jul 2016 14:53
SINGAPORE: The qualifying salary for Employment Pass (EP) applications will be raised from S$3,300 to S$3,600 from the start of next year, according to the Ministry of Manpower on Tuesday (Jul 26).
This change is part of the ministry's regular updating of the EP qualifying salary to keep pace with rising local wages, maintain the quality of the foreign workforce and to better complement the local workforce, it said in its press release.
The previous minimum EP qualifying salary update was in January 2014, from S$3,000 to S$3,300, it added.
"With effect from Jan 1, 2017, only new EP applicants who can command a monthly salary of S$3,600 or more, subject to meeting other criteria on qualifications and experience, will be considered," said MOM.
"Those with more years of experience are also required to command higher salaries commensurate with their work experience and skill sets, as per current practice."
It added that there will be time for businesses to make adjustments. Existing EP holders whose passes expire:
a) Before 1 January 2017: Will be able to renew, for a duration of up to three years, based on existing EP criteria
b) Between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017 (both dates inclusive): Will be able to renew, for a duration of one year, based on the existing EP criteria
c) 1 July 2017 onwards: Will have to meet the new criteria for renewal, for a duration of up to three years
Employers are encouraged to use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) on the MOM website to assess if their EP candidates will meet the new salary criteria. The SAT will be updated by November 2016, the ministry said.
"POSITIVE MOVE": NTUC'S PATRICK TAY
Mr Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), called the change a “positive move” to keep up with the rising median wages of PMEs (professionals, managers and executives) and to maintain the quality of the foreign workforce.
“This, together with the series of other measures such as the FCF (Fair Consideration Framework), 'Triple Weak' Scrutiny, Jobs Bank and also tightening/scrutiny of conditions/criteria for EP will help level the playing field for our local PMEs and also build a stronger Singaporean core,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
At the same time, the Manpower Ministry should watch out for employers who use “creative means” to artificially increase the wages of foreign PMEs to meet this new criteria, he said, adding that the “bottomline is that local PMEs should be better off and not worse off”.
- CNA/kk
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Expect lower wage growth in 2016: MAS
Expect lower wage growth in 2016: MAS
Wage growth will likely moderate and jobless numbers are expected to rise this year, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in its biannual macroeconomic review on Wednesday.
Posted 27 Apr 2016 13:11
SINGAPORE: Wage growth will likely moderate in 2016 amid tepid employment demand and reduced tightness in Singapore’s labour market, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in its biannual macroeconomic review on Wednesday (Apr 27).
“With lower labour demand and supply, total job creation this year is expected to stay modest. As such, overall and resident unemployment rates are likely to rise slightly in 2016 alongside the weak cyclical conditions, intensifying industry reconfigurations in some sectors, as well as increasing skills mismatches within the resident workforce,” the MAS said, adding that redundancies could continue to rise in sectors buffeted by weak external demand and restructuring efforts.
As such, the overall resident wage growth is forecast to “moderate to about 2.5 to 3.0 per cent, from 3.5 per cent in 2015”.
However, salary increments will vary according to sectors.
In industries such as the community, social and personal (CSP) services sector where vacancy rates are higher, employees are likely to see higher increments, while those in sectors with greater slack, such as manufacturing, may see weaker wage increments.
“Both labour demand and supply in the economy are settling at permanently lower levels, in line with the moderation in Singapore’s trend gross domestic product (GDP) growth and ageing population,” the MAS report said.
The central bank added: “Alongside the fall in labour demand, there has been a reduction in foreign labour supply growth amid the tightening of foreign worker policies. Meanwhile, the supply of resident workers grew at a fairly stable pace, despite an increase in the entry of part-time workers into the workforce. Going forward, structural headwinds and demographic ageing could intensify and further moderate the trend component of employment growth.”
In the near term, labour demand will continue to hinge heavily on cyclical conditions and is expected to remain subdued, the MAS said.
Latest results from the ManpowerGroup employment outlook survey showed the proportion of employers expecting to expand headcount falling to 10 per cent in the second quarter of 2016, from 14 per cent a year earlier.
- CNA/sk
- wong chee tat ):
Wage growth will likely moderate and jobless numbers are expected to rise this year, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in its biannual macroeconomic review on Wednesday.
Posted 27 Apr 2016 13:11
SINGAPORE: Wage growth will likely moderate in 2016 amid tepid employment demand and reduced tightness in Singapore’s labour market, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in its biannual macroeconomic review on Wednesday (Apr 27).
“With lower labour demand and supply, total job creation this year is expected to stay modest. As such, overall and resident unemployment rates are likely to rise slightly in 2016 alongside the weak cyclical conditions, intensifying industry reconfigurations in some sectors, as well as increasing skills mismatches within the resident workforce,” the MAS said, adding that redundancies could continue to rise in sectors buffeted by weak external demand and restructuring efforts.
As such, the overall resident wage growth is forecast to “moderate to about 2.5 to 3.0 per cent, from 3.5 per cent in 2015”.
However, salary increments will vary according to sectors.
In industries such as the community, social and personal (CSP) services sector where vacancy rates are higher, employees are likely to see higher increments, while those in sectors with greater slack, such as manufacturing, may see weaker wage increments.
“Both labour demand and supply in the economy are settling at permanently lower levels, in line with the moderation in Singapore’s trend gross domestic product (GDP) growth and ageing population,” the MAS report said.
The central bank added: “Alongside the fall in labour demand, there has been a reduction in foreign labour supply growth amid the tightening of foreign worker policies. Meanwhile, the supply of resident workers grew at a fairly stable pace, despite an increase in the entry of part-time workers into the workforce. Going forward, structural headwinds and demographic ageing could intensify and further moderate the trend component of employment growth.”
In the near term, labour demand will continue to hinge heavily on cyclical conditions and is expected to remain subdued, the MAS said.
Latest results from the ManpowerGroup employment outlook survey showed the proportion of employers expecting to expand headcount falling to 10 per cent in the second quarter of 2016, from 14 per cent a year earlier.
- CNA/sk
- wong chee tat ):
Friday, February 28, 2014
8 in 10 fresh graduates get full-time job within 6 months
8 in 10 fresh graduates get full-time job within 6 months
By John Leong
POSTED: 28 Feb 2014 18:30
SINGAPORE: About eight in 10 graduates from the three autonomous universities in Singapore found a full-time job within six months.
This was slightly fewer than in 2012.
It was one of the findings of a poll of some 10,500 graduates who were in the market for a job.
The survey was conducted by the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore Management University (SMU).
Fresh graduates with engineering or accountancy-related qualifications were particularly in demand across the board, while others included business, nursing, and maritime studies.
Meanwhile, the average gross monthly salary among those in full-time jobs was about S$3,200.
The median gross monthly salary was about S$3,000.
This was comparable to what they received in 2012.
SMU graduates generally led the way, with average starting salaries hitting nearly S$3,500.
Among graduates from courses requiring practical training, nearly 98 per cent found full-time employment last year.
These were in areas such as law, medicine and architecture.
On average, they earned a monthly starting salary of about S$4,600, nearly S$100 more than in 2012.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By John Leong
POSTED: 28 Feb 2014 18:30
SINGAPORE: About eight in 10 graduates from the three autonomous universities in Singapore found a full-time job within six months.
This was slightly fewer than in 2012.
It was one of the findings of a poll of some 10,500 graduates who were in the market for a job.
The survey was conducted by the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore Management University (SMU).
Fresh graduates with engineering or accountancy-related qualifications were particularly in demand across the board, while others included business, nursing, and maritime studies.
Meanwhile, the average gross monthly salary among those in full-time jobs was about S$3,200.
The median gross monthly salary was about S$3,000.
This was comparable to what they received in 2012.
SMU graduates generally led the way, with average starting salaries hitting nearly S$3,500.
Among graduates from courses requiring practical training, nearly 98 per cent found full-time employment last year.
These were in areas such as law, medicine and architecture.
On average, they earned a monthly starting salary of about S$4,600, nearly S$100 more than in 2012.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Conservancy workers at PAP town councils to get pay rise
Conservancy workers at PAP town councils to get pay rise
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 03 Nov 2013 18:40
Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
SINGAPORE: Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
However, residents may have to pay more for service and conservancy charges.
Coordinating chairman of the PAP Town Councils, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said: "Definitely, when we improve our services to better serve our residents, the cost of maintenance will increase. So, at some point in time we will need to revise the S&C charges.
"But I think our residents understand that quality comes with a price. We want to do this to achieve a few objectives. First, is that we would like to better serve our residents -- so that we can enhance the conservancy standards in all our housing estates, in all the 15 PAP Town Councils.
"Secondly, we want to support the government's effort to increase the salary of the low-wage workers and also to protect the employment benefits of the low-wage workers."
The PAP Town Councils signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 19 conservancy contractors to pay them according to the recommended salary.
As the worker upgrades to be a supervisor, he can earn S$1,600 and above. However, even with the higher salaries, companies said attracting workers is still a challenge.
Dennis Tan, general manager of LS 2 Services, said: "To be honest, estate cleaning... it's a harsh environment. It requires block sweeping, outdoor sweeping. So, I think we still face challenges.
"But with the implementation of progressive wage, we hope that more workers will join our cleaning industry. With more training and improvement of productivity, I hope this industry can be professionalised."
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 03 Nov 2013 18:40
Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
SINGAPORE: Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
However, residents may have to pay more for service and conservancy charges.
Coordinating chairman of the PAP Town Councils, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said: "Definitely, when we improve our services to better serve our residents, the cost of maintenance will increase. So, at some point in time we will need to revise the S&C charges.
"But I think our residents understand that quality comes with a price. We want to do this to achieve a few objectives. First, is that we would like to better serve our residents -- so that we can enhance the conservancy standards in all our housing estates, in all the 15 PAP Town Councils.
"Secondly, we want to support the government's effort to increase the salary of the low-wage workers and also to protect the employment benefits of the low-wage workers."
The PAP Town Councils signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 19 conservancy contractors to pay them according to the recommended salary.
As the worker upgrades to be a supervisor, he can earn S$1,600 and above. However, even with the higher salaries, companies said attracting workers is still a challenge.
Dennis Tan, general manager of LS 2 Services, said: "To be honest, estate cleaning... it's a harsh environment. It requires block sweeping, outdoor sweeping. So, I think we still face challenges.
"But with the implementation of progressive wage, we hope that more workers will join our cleaning industry. With more training and improvement of productivity, I hope this industry can be professionalised."
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
New measures to cool HDB resale market
New measures to cool HDB resale market
By Sumita Sreedharan
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 5:48 PM
With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
SINGAPORE - With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio (MSR) limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
Previously, the maximum HDB loan tenure was at 30 years and the MSR limit was at 35 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
From August 28, financial institutions will in tandem reduce the maximum tenure of new housing loans and re-financing facilities from 35 years to 30 years.
With immediate effect as well, Permanent Residents (PR) who want to buy resale flats will have to wait three years after receiving their PR status. Prior to this change, they could buy a flat as soon as they received PR status.
Announcing these changes on Tuesday, the HDB also provided more details of the extension of the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and the new Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced during the National Day Rally.
The income ceiling for SHG will be raised significantly, from S$2,250 a month to S$6,500 a month for families and S$3,250 for singles. Mr Lee previously announced that the SHG would be extended to middle-income households and could be used for buying new four-room flats.
Under the new Step-Up Housing Grant, families who want to upgrade from a two-room to a three-room flat can get a housing grant of S$15,000.
The changes to the housing grants will apply from the July 2013 Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
From next month, parents who want to live near their children will also be offered more alternatives.
Parents will be allowed to apply for three-room flats, under the multi-generation priority scheme (MGPS). Currently, the scheme allows parents to jointly apply, with their married child, for either a studio apartment or two-room flat, together with another flat in the same project. This will come into effect in next month's BTO exercise.
To further cater to multi-generation families who wish to live under the same roof, the HDB will pilot a new type of flat.
The new Three-Generation flats - 80 of which will be available for sale in Yishun in the BTO exercise next month - will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres. Subletting of rooms in these new flats will not be allowed for the Minimum Occupation Period to ensure it serves its purpose.
-TODAY/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Sumita Sreedharan
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 5:48 PM
With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
SINGAPORE - With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio (MSR) limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
Previously, the maximum HDB loan tenure was at 30 years and the MSR limit was at 35 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
From August 28, financial institutions will in tandem reduce the maximum tenure of new housing loans and re-financing facilities from 35 years to 30 years.
With immediate effect as well, Permanent Residents (PR) who want to buy resale flats will have to wait three years after receiving their PR status. Prior to this change, they could buy a flat as soon as they received PR status.
Announcing these changes on Tuesday, the HDB also provided more details of the extension of the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and the new Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced during the National Day Rally.
The income ceiling for SHG will be raised significantly, from S$2,250 a month to S$6,500 a month for families and S$3,250 for singles. Mr Lee previously announced that the SHG would be extended to middle-income households and could be used for buying new four-room flats.
Under the new Step-Up Housing Grant, families who want to upgrade from a two-room to a three-room flat can get a housing grant of S$15,000.
The changes to the housing grants will apply from the July 2013 Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
From next month, parents who want to live near their children will also be offered more alternatives.
Parents will be allowed to apply for three-room flats, under the multi-generation priority scheme (MGPS). Currently, the scheme allows parents to jointly apply, with their married child, for either a studio apartment or two-room flat, together with another flat in the same project. This will come into effect in next month's BTO exercise.
To further cater to multi-generation families who wish to live under the same roof, the HDB will pilot a new type of flat.
The new Three-Generation flats - 80 of which will be available for sale in Yishun in the BTO exercise next month - will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres. Subletting of rooms in these new flats will not be allowed for the Minimum Occupation Period to ensure it serves its purpose.
-TODAY/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Greece austerity push to cost thousands of jobs
Greece austerity push to cost thousands of jobs
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 1:36 PM
Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
ATHENS, Attica: Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
The sweeping bill of reforms, tied to the country's next tranche of EU-IMF loans, was passed despite days of street protests.
It gives thousands of civil servants -- including teachers and municipal police -- eight months on reduced salaries to find new posts elsewhere, or accept those offered to them.
Otherwise, they will lose their jobs.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside parliament for the late-night vote, a day after thousands had demonstrated in a general strike called against the reform.
The coalition government's majority carried most of the tougher articles by a vote of 153 to 140, the parliament speaker said.
It was a close call for the coalition, which has a five-seat majority in the chamber.
Two government deputies did not attend the vote, and a third had to be brought out of hospital to cast his ballot, reports said.
The bill's approval will enable Greece to receive its next instalment of 6.8 billion euros ($8.9 billion) in rescue funds cleared by eurozone finance ministers.
The vote came just hours before German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was to make a rare visit to Athens Thursday, reportedly to help set up a support fund for struggling businesses.
His visit poses another challenge for authorities. Schaeuble is seen by some in Greece as a champion of the tough austerity policies that have gripped the country like a vice for the past four years.
A large security cordon will be thrown around Athens to ward off possible protests during his visit.
Greece has been forced to implement a series of painful reforms over the past four years in exchange for 240 billion euros in rescue funds put up by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.
The sweeping job, pay and pension cuts have hit Greeks hard, sparking mass protests and general strikes.
Overall, Greece must redeploy 25,000 civil servants and fire another 4,000 by the end of the year.
About 4,200 state staff are already due to be redeployed by the end of July.
The main opposition Syriza leftists have called the measure "human sacrifice", and said the country's creditors were motivated by "hatred" for demanding it.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Wednesday defended the unpopular measure.
"Better days will come for our people," he said in a televised address hours before the vote.
"We will not let up. We will climb uphill and reach the end, which is not far."
He also announced a 10-percent drop in restaurant sales tax to boost the tourist season.
Samaras has been under heavy pressure this past month to hold his government together after losing one of his coalition allies in June in the wake of an earlier round of job cuts affecting state broadcaster ERT.
The bill also covers a partial overhaul of the tax system, including the introduction of new criteria for taxable income and the adjustment of tax thresholds.
Some 52 specialities taught at public vocational schools will also be abolished from next week according to the bill, which leading union GSEE has called a "tombstone" for Greek workers.
About 4,000 civil servants, according to a police source, staged a sit-in on Wednesday in Athens' central Syntagma square near the parliament to protest against the vote.
The orange jackets of school caretakers mingled with the khaki uniforms of municipal police officers.
"They have destroyed our dreams," said municipal worker Nekatorios Chargidis, in tears. "What are we going to be able to tell our children?"
Municipal employees have been on strike since Monday, with garbage piling up in the streets as a result.
On Tuesday, more than 20,000 people protested in Athens and Greece's second city Thessaloniki during a general strike called by the main unions.
Now in its sixth year running of recession and with the unemployment rate at a record 27 percent, Greece is not expected to post growth before 2014.
- AFP/ac
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 1:36 PM
Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
ATHENS, Attica: Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
The sweeping bill of reforms, tied to the country's next tranche of EU-IMF loans, was passed despite days of street protests.
It gives thousands of civil servants -- including teachers and municipal police -- eight months on reduced salaries to find new posts elsewhere, or accept those offered to them.
Otherwise, they will lose their jobs.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside parliament for the late-night vote, a day after thousands had demonstrated in a general strike called against the reform.
The coalition government's majority carried most of the tougher articles by a vote of 153 to 140, the parliament speaker said.
It was a close call for the coalition, which has a five-seat majority in the chamber.
Two government deputies did not attend the vote, and a third had to be brought out of hospital to cast his ballot, reports said.
The bill's approval will enable Greece to receive its next instalment of 6.8 billion euros ($8.9 billion) in rescue funds cleared by eurozone finance ministers.
The vote came just hours before German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was to make a rare visit to Athens Thursday, reportedly to help set up a support fund for struggling businesses.
His visit poses another challenge for authorities. Schaeuble is seen by some in Greece as a champion of the tough austerity policies that have gripped the country like a vice for the past four years.
A large security cordon will be thrown around Athens to ward off possible protests during his visit.
Greece has been forced to implement a series of painful reforms over the past four years in exchange for 240 billion euros in rescue funds put up by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.
The sweeping job, pay and pension cuts have hit Greeks hard, sparking mass protests and general strikes.
Overall, Greece must redeploy 25,000 civil servants and fire another 4,000 by the end of the year.
About 4,200 state staff are already due to be redeployed by the end of July.
The main opposition Syriza leftists have called the measure "human sacrifice", and said the country's creditors were motivated by "hatred" for demanding it.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Wednesday defended the unpopular measure.
"Better days will come for our people," he said in a televised address hours before the vote.
"We will not let up. We will climb uphill and reach the end, which is not far."
He also announced a 10-percent drop in restaurant sales tax to boost the tourist season.
Samaras has been under heavy pressure this past month to hold his government together after losing one of his coalition allies in June in the wake of an earlier round of job cuts affecting state broadcaster ERT.
The bill also covers a partial overhaul of the tax system, including the introduction of new criteria for taxable income and the adjustment of tax thresholds.
Some 52 specialities taught at public vocational schools will also be abolished from next week according to the bill, which leading union GSEE has called a "tombstone" for Greek workers.
About 4,000 civil servants, according to a police source, staged a sit-in on Wednesday in Athens' central Syntagma square near the parliament to protest against the vote.
The orange jackets of school caretakers mingled with the khaki uniforms of municipal police officers.
"They have destroyed our dreams," said municipal worker Nekatorios Chargidis, in tears. "What are we going to be able to tell our children?"
Municipal employees have been on strike since Monday, with garbage piling up in the streets as a result.
On Tuesday, more than 20,000 people protested in Athens and Greece's second city Thessaloniki during a general strike called by the main unions.
Now in its sixth year running of recession and with the unemployment rate at a record 27 percent, Greece is not expected to post growth before 2014.
- AFP/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, January 4, 2013
Teachers' sudden resignations affect preschool's lessons
Teachers' sudden resignations affect preschool's lessons
By Roslinda Rahmat, Olivia Siong | Posted: 03 January 2013 2210 hrs
SINGAPORE: Morning classes at the Tampines branch of Al-Amin Preschool were affected on Thursday when three of the school's teachers suddenly resigned.
The teachers cited low pay and poor working hours as the reason.
Channel NewsAsia understands that four teachers and the principal at the branch resigned last month.
Teachers from other branches of the preschool, as well as those from its sister schools, were called in to help out on Thursday morning.
Parents of the students said there are about 15 staff at the preschool.
Some 200 children attend lessons at the centre.
According to the pre-school's board, long-serving staff who did not want to upgrade their qualifications were unhappy with the higher salary drawn by new and more qualified staff.
Parents said they are disappointed by what is happening.
Two parents have pulled their children out of the school, and the school has fully reimbursed their school fees.
"As parents, I hope that we will be kept in the loop should there be any problems, because we can offer any kind of assistance if necessary," said Suriani Ishak, the mother of a student at the preschool.
The preschool said lessons at the Tampines branch were back to normal around noon.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Roslinda Rahmat, Olivia Siong | Posted: 03 January 2013 2210 hrs
SINGAPORE: Morning classes at the Tampines branch of Al-Amin Preschool were affected on Thursday when three of the school's teachers suddenly resigned.
The teachers cited low pay and poor working hours as the reason.
Channel NewsAsia understands that four teachers and the principal at the branch resigned last month.
Teachers from other branches of the preschool, as well as those from its sister schools, were called in to help out on Thursday morning.
Parents of the students said there are about 15 staff at the preschool.
Some 200 children attend lessons at the centre.
According to the pre-school's board, long-serving staff who did not want to upgrade their qualifications were unhappy with the higher salary drawn by new and more qualified staff.
Parents said they are disappointed by what is happening.
Two parents have pulled their children out of the school, and the school has fully reimbursed their school fees.
"As parents, I hope that we will be kept in the loop should there be any problems, because we can offer any kind of assistance if necessary," said Suriani Ishak, the mother of a student at the preschool.
The preschool said lessons at the Tampines branch were back to normal around noon.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Foreign workers in pay dispute at Yishun construction site
Foreign workers in pay dispute at Yishun construction site
By Tan Qiuyi/Teo Chia Leen | Posted: 18 December 2012 2233 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 30 workers - from China and India - at a Yishun construction site were involved in a salary dispute on Tuesday, leading to some of them stopping work to demand their pay.
Channel NewsAsia understands the workers are owed between one and four months' pay each.
The project at the site is a HDB residential development and the company involved is believed to be Sime Chong Construction.
Officials from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) have been in negotiations with the employers and workers on site since about 6pm Tuesday.
Also present were officials from the Migrant Workers' Centre, who told reporters the company has agreed to pay the workers what is owed.
Edmund Ng, executive director of Migrant Workers' Centre, said: "We came here, because we heard there were workers who might be in trouble, and we're here to help. Tonight there may be four workers who will need our help in terms of accommodation. We have a dormitory and we're going to put them in the dormitory tonight. As we speak, the plan is taking shape."
MOM said in a statement that it has been investigating Sime Chong Construction for Employment Act infringements.
The ministry also said that since November 2012 when four workers from China who were working for Sime Chong lodged salary claims at MOM, its labour relations officers have been working to resolve the workers' salary arrears.
MOM said its preliminary investigations show that some 20 Indian workers did not turn up for work on Tuesday, as they had not received their November salaries which would have been due by 7 December.
MOM said these workers did not previously approach the ministry on their salary issues.
Sime Chong, assisted by the main sub-contractor Asiabuild, is currently working to pay the outstanding salaries to the affected workers within the next 24 hours, said MOM.
MOM said it takes a serious view of employers who do not comply with Singapore's employment laws.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Tan Qiuyi/Teo Chia Leen | Posted: 18 December 2012 2233 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 30 workers - from China and India - at a Yishun construction site were involved in a salary dispute on Tuesday, leading to some of them stopping work to demand their pay.
Channel NewsAsia understands the workers are owed between one and four months' pay each.
The project at the site is a HDB residential development and the company involved is believed to be Sime Chong Construction.
Officials from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) have been in negotiations with the employers and workers on site since about 6pm Tuesday.
Also present were officials from the Migrant Workers' Centre, who told reporters the company has agreed to pay the workers what is owed.
Edmund Ng, executive director of Migrant Workers' Centre, said: "We came here, because we heard there were workers who might be in trouble, and we're here to help. Tonight there may be four workers who will need our help in terms of accommodation. We have a dormitory and we're going to put them in the dormitory tonight. As we speak, the plan is taking shape."
MOM said in a statement that it has been investigating Sime Chong Construction for Employment Act infringements.
The ministry also said that since November 2012 when four workers from China who were working for Sime Chong lodged salary claims at MOM, its labour relations officers have been working to resolve the workers' salary arrears.
MOM said its preliminary investigations show that some 20 Indian workers did not turn up for work on Tuesday, as they had not received their November salaries which would have been due by 7 December.
MOM said these workers did not previously approach the ministry on their salary issues.
Sime Chong, assisted by the main sub-contractor Asiabuild, is currently working to pay the outstanding salaries to the affected workers within the next 24 hours, said MOM.
MOM said it takes a serious view of employers who do not comply with Singapore's employment laws.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
25 workers in pay row at Yishun site paid outstanding wages
25 workers in pay row at Yishun site paid outstanding wages
Posted: 19 December 2012 0007 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 30 workers - from China and India - at a Yishun construction site were involved in a salary dispute on Tuesday, leading to some of them stopping work to demand their pay.
Channel NewsAsia understands the workers are owed between one and four months' pay each.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) officials were in negotiations with the employers and workers on site since about 6pm Tuesday.
Also present were officials from the Migrant Workers' Centre.
Later Tuesday night, MOM said 25 workers have been paid their outstanding salaries as of 11pm.
Three more will be paid on Wednesday.
MOM is checking on the total number of workers owed their salaries. The Migrant Workers' Centre said more than 30 workers were owed their salaries.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 19 December 2012 0007 hrs
SINGAPORE: More than 30 workers - from China and India - at a Yishun construction site were involved in a salary dispute on Tuesday, leading to some of them stopping work to demand their pay.
Channel NewsAsia understands the workers are owed between one and four months' pay each.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) officials were in negotiations with the employers and workers on site since about 6pm Tuesday.
Also present were officials from the Migrant Workers' Centre.
Later Tuesday night, MOM said 25 workers have been paid their outstanding salaries as of 11pm.
Three more will be paid on Wednesday.
MOM is checking on the total number of workers owed their salaries. The Migrant Workers' Centre said more than 30 workers were owed their salaries.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Construction site workers stop work over late payment of pay
Construction site workers stop work over late payment of pay
By Tan Qiuyi | Posted: 18 December 2012 1917 hrs
SINGAPORE: Some workers at a construction site along Yishun Avenue 6 have stopped work because of late payment of salaries.
A Mr Tan, who said he is in charge of Sime Chong Construction, told reporters that four of his workers - all Chinese nationals - had stopped work since 26 November.
He said they are owed between S$1,000 and S$2,000 each for the past three months.
He confirmed the four had complained to the Manpower Ministry on 20 November, after which they had a three-way meeting on 26 November.
Mr Tan added that his car was stolen on Monday and the workers' salaries vouchers were lost. As such, he was unable to pay the workers.
He issued "I-O-Us" to them and said he will settle the payment in the next few days.
He told reporters he has about 80 workers - from India, Bangladesh and China - under him.
He said Sime Chong Construction was set up in October last year.
At 6.05pm, officers from the Manpower Ministry were seen entering the construction site office.
Officials from the Migrant Workers Centre were earlier denied entry, as were the media.
The site's gates were shut after groups of workers were seen leaving.
It is believed the site employs workers from several different companies.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Tan Qiuyi | Posted: 18 December 2012 1917 hrs
SINGAPORE: Some workers at a construction site along Yishun Avenue 6 have stopped work because of late payment of salaries.
A Mr Tan, who said he is in charge of Sime Chong Construction, told reporters that four of his workers - all Chinese nationals - had stopped work since 26 November.
He said they are owed between S$1,000 and S$2,000 each for the past three months.
He confirmed the four had complained to the Manpower Ministry on 20 November, after which they had a three-way meeting on 26 November.
Mr Tan added that his car was stolen on Monday and the workers' salaries vouchers were lost. As such, he was unable to pay the workers.
He issued "I-O-Us" to them and said he will settle the payment in the next few days.
He told reporters he has about 80 workers - from India, Bangladesh and China - under him.
He said Sime Chong Construction was set up in October last year.
At 6.05pm, officers from the Manpower Ministry were seen entering the construction site office.
Officials from the Migrant Workers Centre were earlier denied entry, as were the media.
The site's gates were shut after groups of workers were seen leaving.
It is believed the site employs workers from several different companies.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
MOM says term "illegal strike" neither wrong nor prejudicial
MOM says term "illegal strike" neither wrong nor prejudicial
Posted: 17 December 2012 2133 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower has refuted civil society group Function 8's accusations that the use of the term "illegal strike" to describe the actions of SMRT bus drivers in late November is wrong and prejudicial.
The ministry's spokesperson added the "serious accusations" are "entirely baseless".
Four SMRT workers were charged in court last month with instigating the incident, which took place over a pay dispute.
Early this month, another driver was charged in court and sentenced to six weeks' jail after he admitted to taking part in the incident.
In an earlier statement to the media, Function 8 said the workers were "doomed from the start" and called a stop to the use of the term "illegal strike".
The group added the term gives the impression that what the bus drivers had done was "illegal" and that there was indeed a "strike".
It said since the cases have not been determined by the court, it is "grievously wrong and prejudicial" to the bus drivers to label their action as such.
Function 8 also said that the ministry is commenting on a pending case and such comments are sub judice and constitute contempt of court.
It also said repeated claims that the drivers had participated in an "illegal strike" amount to prejudging their case and can only be calculated to influence the decision of the judge.
But MOM said the government, including Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and the Manpower Ministry, has never attempted to prejudice the case.
They added that Part III of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act or CLTPA clearly outlines that strike action taken in respect of essential services such as public transport is deemed illegal, unless 14 days' notice has been given.
It was with that in mind that Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin used the term "illegal strike".
MOM also pointed out that Mr Tan referred to workers participating in the strike in general.
He did not refer to the participation of any particular worker, or to any matter pending before a court of law.
In its statement, Function 8 had also questioned why MOM had revoked the work passes of 29 bus drivers so swiftly.
It also asked why it did not allow them legal representation or give them an opportunity to be heard.
Clarifying the incident, MOM said the 29 bus drivers were provided with an opportunity to be heard in relation to their conduct during the strike.
The ministry said the work permits were only revoked after due consideration by the Controller of Work Passes.
It added there is no requirement for legal representation in such a process, and no request was made in this regard by any of the 29 workers.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 17 December 2012 2133 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower has refuted civil society group Function 8's accusations that the use of the term "illegal strike" to describe the actions of SMRT bus drivers in late November is wrong and prejudicial.
The ministry's spokesperson added the "serious accusations" are "entirely baseless".
Four SMRT workers were charged in court last month with instigating the incident, which took place over a pay dispute.
Early this month, another driver was charged in court and sentenced to six weeks' jail after he admitted to taking part in the incident.
In an earlier statement to the media, Function 8 said the workers were "doomed from the start" and called a stop to the use of the term "illegal strike".
The group added the term gives the impression that what the bus drivers had done was "illegal" and that there was indeed a "strike".
It said since the cases have not been determined by the court, it is "grievously wrong and prejudicial" to the bus drivers to label their action as such.
Function 8 also said that the ministry is commenting on a pending case and such comments are sub judice and constitute contempt of court.
It also said repeated claims that the drivers had participated in an "illegal strike" amount to prejudging their case and can only be calculated to influence the decision of the judge.
But MOM said the government, including Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and the Manpower Ministry, has never attempted to prejudice the case.
They added that Part III of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act or CLTPA clearly outlines that strike action taken in respect of essential services such as public transport is deemed illegal, unless 14 days' notice has been given.
It was with that in mind that Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin used the term "illegal strike".
MOM also pointed out that Mr Tan referred to workers participating in the strike in general.
He did not refer to the participation of any particular worker, or to any matter pending before a court of law.
In its statement, Function 8 had also questioned why MOM had revoked the work passes of 29 bus drivers so swiftly.
It also asked why it did not allow them legal representation or give them an opportunity to be heard.
Clarifying the incident, MOM said the 29 bus drivers were provided with an opportunity to be heard in relation to their conduct during the strike.
The ministry said the work permits were only revoked after due consideration by the Controller of Work Passes.
It added there is no requirement for legal representation in such a process, and no request was made in this regard by any of the 29 workers.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.
Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.
The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.
A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.
But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.
There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.
A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.
The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.
The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.
He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.
Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.
The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.
A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.
But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.
There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.
A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.
The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.
The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.
He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Hong Kong plans to raise minimum wage
Hong Kong plans to raise minimum wage
Posted: 12 December 2012 2211 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong plans to raise the city's minimum wage to HK$30 (US$3.87) an hour, a minister said Wednesday, in a hike slammed by labour groups as inadequate for the Asian financial hub.
Labour minister Matthew Cheung said the raise represents a 7.1 percent increase from the HK$28 pay per hour at present, which was introduced in May last year partly to tackle a widening income gap between the rich and poor.
"(The new rate) will be effective from May 1 next year if it is approved by the legislative council," Cheung told reporters, adding that around 320,000 workers are expected to benefit from the adjustment.
Critics however said the raise was too small to cover inflation and the high cost of living in Hong Kong, which is one of the world's most expensive city to live in with its sky-high property prices.
"We are not satisfied with the government proposal and think the hike is unreasonable," Labour Party chairman Lee Cheuk-yan said.
The city introduced the controversial pay floor for the first time last year after fierce opposition from employers.
Known for its stunningly wealthy tycoons, the southern Chinese city is also home to hundreds of thousands of workers who live on hourly wages sometimes as low as US$2 an hour prior to the introduction of the minimum wage.
Hong Kong's inflation rose 5.3 percent year-on-year in 2011, and may gain 3.9 percent this year according to a government forecast.
- AFP/lp
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 12 December 2012 2211 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong plans to raise the city's minimum wage to HK$30 (US$3.87) an hour, a minister said Wednesday, in a hike slammed by labour groups as inadequate for the Asian financial hub.
Labour minister Matthew Cheung said the raise represents a 7.1 percent increase from the HK$28 pay per hour at present, which was introduced in May last year partly to tackle a widening income gap between the rich and poor.
"(The new rate) will be effective from May 1 next year if it is approved by the legislative council," Cheung told reporters, adding that around 320,000 workers are expected to benefit from the adjustment.
Critics however said the raise was too small to cover inflation and the high cost of living in Hong Kong, which is one of the world's most expensive city to live in with its sky-high property prices.
"We are not satisfied with the government proposal and think the hike is unreasonable," Labour Party chairman Lee Cheuk-yan said.
The city introduced the controversial pay floor for the first time last year after fierce opposition from employers.
Known for its stunningly wealthy tycoons, the southern Chinese city is also home to hundreds of thousands of workers who live on hourly wages sometimes as low as US$2 an hour prior to the introduction of the minimum wage.
Hong Kong's inflation rose 5.3 percent year-on-year in 2011, and may gain 3.9 percent this year according to a government forecast.
- AFP/lp
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Pay increment, bonus for 2013 expected to dip: report
Pay increment, bonus for 2013 expected to dip: report
By Imelda Saad, Dylan Loh | Posted: 10 December 2012 1702 hrs
SINGAPORE: Global consulting firm Hay Group has predicted cautious pay rises for Singaporean workers as 2012 comes to a close.
In its latest report, the group said pay increases and bonuses for next year are expected to slide.
Hay Group said salary increases averaged 4.6 per cent this year - slightly higher than the 4.4 per cent in 2011. But pay increases for next year are expected to dip 0.2 percentage points back to 4.4 per cent.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute agreed, saying increments will hover around 4 per cent.
The Institute expects the manufacturing, construction and logistics sectors to face a tighter squeeze.
The Institute's executive director, David Ang, said: "For those company who are not doing well, and it's sort of breaking even.
"I think the important thing is to inform the workers on the prospect of their business and at the same time collectively bite the bullets to hope for better times to come."
As for bonuses, the actual average variable bonus this year is said to be 2.6 months. For next year, it is expected to dip slightly to 2.5 months.
The Hay Group said hiring seems to have picked up in Singapore, despite the continuing uncertainty in the global economy.
Fifty-eight per cent of those surveyed said they are planning to increase staffing levels, compared to 50 per cent this time, last year.
But economist Dr Tan Khay Boon from SIM Global Education said this does not mean firms will splurge on hiring.
Dr Tan said: "The company want to meet the demand for the customers and therefore they need more workers to help them out in the operations. But, they are also very careful about the bottom-line.
"That's why they prefer to hire the worker at the same cost or better still, at the lower cost instead of expanding the cost to get the workers."
Leading the hiring outlook in the survey are the engineering (33 per cent), sales (29 per cent) and financial (21 per cent) sectors.
Turning to the region, the Hay group said high-growth Asian economies like China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines can expect significant pay rises in 2013.
The survey, conducted in September, covered over 500 Singapore-based companies from both the private and public sectors.
They were polled on their business sentiments and salary and bonus projections for the next 12 months.
- CNA/ck/lp
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad, Dylan Loh | Posted: 10 December 2012 1702 hrs
SINGAPORE: Global consulting firm Hay Group has predicted cautious pay rises for Singaporean workers as 2012 comes to a close.
In its latest report, the group said pay increases and bonuses for next year are expected to slide.
Hay Group said salary increases averaged 4.6 per cent this year - slightly higher than the 4.4 per cent in 2011. But pay increases for next year are expected to dip 0.2 percentage points back to 4.4 per cent.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute agreed, saying increments will hover around 4 per cent.
The Institute expects the manufacturing, construction and logistics sectors to face a tighter squeeze.
The Institute's executive director, David Ang, said: "For those company who are not doing well, and it's sort of breaking even.
"I think the important thing is to inform the workers on the prospect of their business and at the same time collectively bite the bullets to hope for better times to come."
As for bonuses, the actual average variable bonus this year is said to be 2.6 months. For next year, it is expected to dip slightly to 2.5 months.
The Hay Group said hiring seems to have picked up in Singapore, despite the continuing uncertainty in the global economy.
Fifty-eight per cent of those surveyed said they are planning to increase staffing levels, compared to 50 per cent this time, last year.
But economist Dr Tan Khay Boon from SIM Global Education said this does not mean firms will splurge on hiring.
Dr Tan said: "The company want to meet the demand for the customers and therefore they need more workers to help them out in the operations. But, they are also very careful about the bottom-line.
"That's why they prefer to hire the worker at the same cost or better still, at the lower cost instead of expanding the cost to get the workers."
Leading the hiring outlook in the survey are the engineering (33 per cent), sales (29 per cent) and financial (21 per cent) sectors.
Turning to the region, the Hay group said high-growth Asian economies like China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines can expect significant pay rises in 2013.
The survey, conducted in September, covered over 500 Singapore-based companies from both the private and public sectors.
They were polled on their business sentiments and salary and bonus projections for the next 12 months.
- CNA/ck/lp
- wong chee tat :)
Raising fares to improve bus drivers' pay "should be last resort"
Raising fares to improve bus drivers' pay "should be last resort"
By Kimberly Spykerman | Posted: 10 December 2012 2117 hrs
SINGAPORE: Industry observers say transport operators should look at alternative ways to raise the salaries of bus drivers.
Passing the buck to commuters should be the last resort, say observers.
They are commenting on Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew's suggestion that bus fares may go up in future to help improve the wages of bus drivers and that the public transport fare review, due next year, will consider this issue.
It's not easy getting Singaporeans to come on board as bus drivers.
So salary increments might make the job more appealing.
The question is: who will foot the bill?
Some industry observers said it should not be assumed that commuters will have to bear the additional costs as the two public transport operators remain profitable.
"So, from the passengers' side and the general public point of view, it may be difficult for them to swallow," said Professor Lee Der-Horng, an associate professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS).
"...if they can first of all pursue their internal resources and try to improve their operations and see if they can further cut down operating costs, then perhaps, it wouldn't be necessary to approach the public and seek an increase in public transportation fare."
MP Gan Thiam Poh, who is also a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport, said: "I feel strongly that the operators should try to explore or exhaust other means, such as other revenue, such as revenue coming from advertisements, rental or whatever...I think passing on (the costs) to consumer, that should be the last resort."
But even if salaries for bus drivers are raised, it might not be enough to get Singaporeans to bite.
Industry observers say that the long hours, rigorous work and the desire to have a job of higher value are among the main reasons Singaporeans shun the job.
Hence, a dependency on foreign manpower in this area might become unavoidable.
According to the chairman of the Public Transport Council, Gerard Ee, Singapore also lacks the body count and has an ageing workforce. That is why it must look to foreign manpower to fill the gaps in certain essential industries.
"Some jobs are just not popular, and as long as people have choices, they will give it a miss," said Mr Ee.
Industry observers also suggested that the operators look beyond Malaysia and China when hiring bus drivers, "so we will not be overly-reliant on a particular country or a particular region", said NUS' Professor Lee.
Suggestions to nationalise public transport have been raised but some observers said that this could result in inefficiencies and a drop in service levels.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman | Posted: 10 December 2012 2117 hrs
SINGAPORE: Industry observers say transport operators should look at alternative ways to raise the salaries of bus drivers.
Passing the buck to commuters should be the last resort, say observers.
They are commenting on Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew's suggestion that bus fares may go up in future to help improve the wages of bus drivers and that the public transport fare review, due next year, will consider this issue.
It's not easy getting Singaporeans to come on board as bus drivers.
So salary increments might make the job more appealing.
The question is: who will foot the bill?
Some industry observers said it should not be assumed that commuters will have to bear the additional costs as the two public transport operators remain profitable.
"So, from the passengers' side and the general public point of view, it may be difficult for them to swallow," said Professor Lee Der-Horng, an associate professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS).
"...if they can first of all pursue their internal resources and try to improve their operations and see if they can further cut down operating costs, then perhaps, it wouldn't be necessary to approach the public and seek an increase in public transportation fare."
MP Gan Thiam Poh, who is also a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport, said: "I feel strongly that the operators should try to explore or exhaust other means, such as other revenue, such as revenue coming from advertisements, rental or whatever...I think passing on (the costs) to consumer, that should be the last resort."
But even if salaries for bus drivers are raised, it might not be enough to get Singaporeans to bite.
Industry observers say that the long hours, rigorous work and the desire to have a job of higher value are among the main reasons Singaporeans shun the job.
Hence, a dependency on foreign manpower in this area might become unavoidable.
According to the chairman of the Public Transport Council, Gerard Ee, Singapore also lacks the body count and has an ageing workforce. That is why it must look to foreign manpower to fill the gaps in certain essential industries.
"Some jobs are just not popular, and as long as people have choices, they will give it a miss," said Mr Ee.
Industry observers also suggested that the operators look beyond Malaysia and China when hiring bus drivers, "so we will not be overly-reliant on a particular country or a particular region", said NUS' Professor Lee.
Suggestions to nationalise public transport have been raised but some observers said that this could result in inefficiencies and a drop in service levels.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, December 10, 2012
Supply of Indonesian maids expected to fall next year
Supply of Indonesian maids expected to fall next year
By Seet Sok Hwee, Karen Ng | Posted: 09 December 2012 2145 hrs
SINGAPORE: Maid agencies expect the number of Indonesian maids coming to work in Singapore to drop by 30 per cent, once the minimum wage for all Indonesians kicks in next month.
With the minimum wage, salaries for those working in Jakarta can go up to S$300 per month.
This may cause the maids to choose to work in Jakarta instead of Singapore.
Some domestic helpers from Indonesia say they enjoy better labour benefits there.
Besides, it is closer to their hometown and the cost of living there is not as high as in Singapore.
Maid agencies say Singaporeans should pay their maids more to make it more attractive for them to come here to work.
From January, all foreign maids in Singapore will be getting one mandatory day off per week instead of having no days off.
Some employers say they would rather pay more to their maids - to get them to work on their rest days.
"The employers themselves are working. So we do know, due to some feedback, they would like to have their own rest day during the weekend," said Carene Chin, executive director of Homekeeper Maid Agency.
"So (employers) don't mind paying extra to compensate the maid to have their rest day."
There are maids who welcome the chance to earn more money.
"I prefer to work. One day (off), one time in one month is ok for me already. So I can send more money to my family," said a maid working in Singapore.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Seet Sok Hwee, Karen Ng | Posted: 09 December 2012 2145 hrs
SINGAPORE: Maid agencies expect the number of Indonesian maids coming to work in Singapore to drop by 30 per cent, once the minimum wage for all Indonesians kicks in next month.
With the minimum wage, salaries for those working in Jakarta can go up to S$300 per month.
This may cause the maids to choose to work in Jakarta instead of Singapore.
Some domestic helpers from Indonesia say they enjoy better labour benefits there.
Besides, it is closer to their hometown and the cost of living there is not as high as in Singapore.
Maid agencies say Singaporeans should pay their maids more to make it more attractive for them to come here to work.
From January, all foreign maids in Singapore will be getting one mandatory day off per week instead of having no days off.
Some employers say they would rather pay more to their maids - to get them to work on their rest days.
"The employers themselves are working. So we do know, due to some feedback, they would like to have their own rest day during the weekend," said Carene Chin, executive director of Homekeeper Maid Agency.
"So (employers) don't mind paying extra to compensate the maid to have their rest day."
There are maids who welcome the chance to earn more money.
"I prefer to work. One day (off), one time in one month is ok for me already. So I can send more money to my family," said a maid working in Singapore.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Two China workers charged with criminal trespass
Two China workers charged with criminal trespass
By Alice Chia | Posted: 07 December 2012 1957 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two workers from China who sat on top of two construction cranes for hours on Thursday have been charged in court with criminal trespass.
Zhu Guilei, 24, and Wu Xiaolin, 47, were offered bail of $10,000 each.
As of 9.30pm, Channel NewsAsia understands that they have not been bailed out and are held in remand at Changi Prison.
They said in court that they intend to claim trial but won't be engaging counsel.
Both men will be back in court on December 12 for a pre-trial conference.
The two are accused of unlawfully remaining on the cranes for about nine hours at a worksite at Jurong Port Road with intent to alarm the project manager of their employer with threatening behaviour.
The maximum penalty for criminal trespass is three months' jail and a fine of $1,500.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower Ministry said its checks have shown that the two workers did not have any salary owing to them.
An MOM spokesperson said the salary dispute between the employer and the two workers was also resolved not long after they were brought down from the cranes.
After the workers were brought down, MOM said one of its officers asked why they had not gone back to the Ministry with their supporting documents to substantiate their claims.
To this, one of the workers is said to have told the officer that going to MOM to lodge claims was "troublesome".
It has been reported that the two workers had gone to the Ministry a day earlier to claim they had outstanding salaries owed to them.
However, MOM officers told them to return with necessary documents to support their claims, so that the issue could be investigated.
MOM said it is also investigating whether the company has breached any statutory provisions under the Employment Act.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Alice Chia | Posted: 07 December 2012 1957 hrs
SINGAPORE: Two workers from China who sat on top of two construction cranes for hours on Thursday have been charged in court with criminal trespass.
Zhu Guilei, 24, and Wu Xiaolin, 47, were offered bail of $10,000 each.
As of 9.30pm, Channel NewsAsia understands that they have not been bailed out and are held in remand at Changi Prison.
They said in court that they intend to claim trial but won't be engaging counsel.
Both men will be back in court on December 12 for a pre-trial conference.
The two are accused of unlawfully remaining on the cranes for about nine hours at a worksite at Jurong Port Road with intent to alarm the project manager of their employer with threatening behaviour.
The maximum penalty for criminal trespass is three months' jail and a fine of $1,500.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower Ministry said its checks have shown that the two workers did not have any salary owing to them.
An MOM spokesperson said the salary dispute between the employer and the two workers was also resolved not long after they were brought down from the cranes.
After the workers were brought down, MOM said one of its officers asked why they had not gone back to the Ministry with their supporting documents to substantiate their claims.
To this, one of the workers is said to have told the officer that going to MOM to lodge claims was "troublesome".
It has been reported that the two workers had gone to the Ministry a day earlier to claim they had outstanding salaries owed to them.
However, MOM officers told them to return with necessary documents to support their claims, so that the issue could be investigated.
MOM said it is also investigating whether the company has breached any statutory provisions under the Employment Act.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
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