New Progressive Wage Mark To Identify & Support Companies Paying Progressive Wages To Workers
Consumers and service buyers are now better able to identify and support companies that pay Progressive Wages to their lower-wage workers1 following the unveiling of the new Progressive Wage (PW) Mark. The PW Mark is an accreditation scheme that recognises such companies, which can then use the Mark to profile themselves as businesses that support better wages for lower-wage workers. This is part of a whole-of-society effort to uplift lower-wage workers. This scheme was recommended by the Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers in August 2021, and is administered by the Singapore Business Federation on behalf of the tripartite partners (Ministry of Manpower, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation). The PW Mark was launched today by Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Manpower, at a visit to Uniqlo, a PW Mark-accredited company.
PW Mark & PW Mark Plus
2 All employers who hire at least one local worker covered by Sectoral or Occupational Progressive Wages2 are eligible to apply for the PW Mark. To receive PW Mark accreditation, employers must (i) pay the relevant workers Progressive Wages, and (ii) pay all other local workers at least the Local Qualifying Salary3.
3 Additionally, employers who go one step further in adopting the Tripartite Standard on Advancing Well-being of Lower-Wage Workers (TS-LWW)4 will be accredited with the PW Mark Plus. The TS-LWW outlines progressive practices that provide better support for our lower-wage workers in workplace safety and health, training and career development, and rest area provision. Please refer to the Annex for logos which accredited companies can use to display in their stores or websites.
PW Mark required for eligible Government suppliers
4 For new tenders called from 1 March 2023, the Government will require eligible suppliers and their subcontractors to be accredited with the PW Mark for the duration of the contract period. This requirement will extend to procurement done via quotations from 1 March 2024.
Application for PW Mark via GoBusiness
5 Employers who wish to apply for the PW Mark can do so through GoBusiness5. Upon approval of accreditation, employers will be able to download a digital certificate that can be used to profile their companies to consumers. Since applications opened in December 2022, about 1,900 companies have been accredited with the PW Mark.
Whole-of-society effort to uplift lower-wage workers
6 We encourage employers to do their part by paying Progressive Wages and getting their companies accredited with the PW Mark. Consumers and service buyers can also contribute by supporting PW Mark-accredited companies. The list of accredited companies can be found at go.gov.sg/pwmarklist.
7 Tripartite partners are progressively implementing the expansion of Progressive Wages to cover more lower-wage workers. From 1 March 2023, the Food Services Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and Occupational Progressive Wages for Administrators and Drivers will take effect. The Waste Management PWM will also be implemented from 1 July 2023. To support employers as they adjust to the Progressive Wage requirements, the Government provides co-funding support through the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme6.
8 These milestones are part of a broad range of Progressive Wage moves to refresh our social compact and help uplift our lower-wage workers.