'I know many unionists are concerned about these (low-wage) workers, because their incomes have not increased as much as others, or may even have stagnated,' said PM Lee (above). -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

He said the trade unions are very seized by this issue and the Government is paying a lot of attention to these workers to help them catch up with the others.

'I know many unionists are concerned about these workers, because their incomes have not increased as much as others, or may even have stagnated,' he told some 1,500 trade union members in his May Day Rally address at Downtown East on Thursday morning.

'This is a top priority for the Government; in fact, we are doing many things to help them.'

These include providing more opportunities for training and upgrading and investing more in the Continuing Education and Training (CET) programme.

Also in place is the Workfare Income Supplement, from which some $300 million has been given out to some 300,000 low-wage workers this year to raise their income and CPF savings. It is also a way to encourage employers to hire locals.

The National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) is also doing its part by helping workers to upgrade their skills, and casual and contract workers to secure CPF, medical benefits and training.

Mr Lee said the Government is giving its full backing and support to these efforts and NTUC chief Lim Swee Say is personally leading many of them.

While these measures may not produce instant results, in the long-term, they are the most effective ways to help low-wage workers, he added.

Mr Lee said he recently met the NTUC Central Committee which was 'very seized with this issue' and wanted to know what more could be done to address the low-wage workers issue.

Acknowledging that is not an easy problem to solve, PM Lee said countries around the world are also grappling with it.

There are no short cuts. Having a minimum wage or shutting out foreign workers will not work, he said.

Most S'poreans are doing well
PM Lee also urged the people to see the issue in context. He said the majority of Singaporeans are doing well and household incomes across the board have increased.

Singapore's jobless is at a very low rate of 2.9 per cent, while the employment rate is at record highs. More Singaporeans are employed than ever before, despite all the foreign workers here.

Mr Lee noted that especially good progress has been made among older workers aged 55 to 64, with 74 per cent of the men in age group still working. This is among the highest level in the world, he said.

Research and innovation to attract new projects
The Government will improve the lives of all by developing the abilities and talents of Singaproeans to the fullest.

It will complement this by building new upstream capabilities through research and innovation to attract new activities and projects, and upgrade and transform our economy.

It will invest in education to equip the young generation to do well and stress quality education for every child.

In the long-term, this is the best way to minimise the problem of low-wage workers, said Mr Lee.

Citing ITE graduates as an example, PM said they are in demand, with 93 per cent of them finding jobs within six months, and drawing good starting salaries of around $1,400, on average.

'This is the way to grow our economy, create more jobs and opportunities, and improve the lives of all workers,' said Mr Lee.

'Not just highly qualified and educated workers, but all collars - from cleaners and security guards to technical and professional staff. Not just young workers, but all ages - from new job entrants, to mid-career and mature workers. Not just local workers, but all nationalities - from Singaporeans to others who are here to help us reach our goals.'

Read PM Lee highlights economic uncertainties, rising costs at May Day rally, S'poreans may lose jobs without foreign workers: PM