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Under the PWM, the six-year schedule of sustained wage increases is expected to increase the monthly baseline wage of an entry-level crew worker from S$2,210 in 2023 to S$3,260 in 2028.
The Singapore Government has accepted the recommendations by the Tripartite Cluster for Waste Management (TCWM), on the implementation of a Progressive Wage Model (PWM) for the waste management industry. This PWM aims to benefit up to 3,000 waste management workers over the next six years through the four following areas.
First, the implementation of the PWM provides clearer career progression pathways through proposed separate career ladders - particularly within the waste collection and materials recovery sub-sectors. The Government accepts both career ladders, which aim to provide workers with clear pathways to higher wages, better skills, and increased job responsibilities.
Second, the PWM also stipulates mandatory Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) training requirements across all job roles to increase productivity. The training requirements will provide waste management workers with the knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely and efficiently. The new recommendations further require entry-level workers to obtain a minimum of two WSQ training modules, with a higher number of WSQ modules for higher-level job roles. Waste management firms are recommended to ensure that their workers attain the training requirements by 1 Jul 2023.
Third, the PWM sets a six-year schedule of sustained PWM wage increases from 2023 to 2028, with initial PWM wage levels taking effect from 1 July 2023. A review on this is scheduled for 2025.
This schedule is expected to increase the monthly baseline wage of an entry-level waste collection crew worker from S$2,210 in 2023 to S$3,260 in 2028, translating to a growth rate of 48% over the six-year period, which is consistent with the guidance by the Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers (TWG-LWW). For reference, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has provided a chart depicting the intended increase, as seen below.
Last, the PWM introduces a mandatory annual PWM bonus for eligible workers. This bonus, starting January 2024, will help employers better attract and retain waste management workers. It will also complement their efforts to invest in their workers’ training to enhance productivity.
In support of the PWM, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad visited Paya Lebar Quarter's waste management facility to learn more about sustainability and the use of technology in waste management. Following the visit, he expressed his thoughts in a Facebook post: "Our waste management workers, often unseen and unheard, play a vital role in keeping Singapore clean and liveable. The Government and tripartite partners will look out for their wellbeing." 
Lead photo / Singapore MOM's Facebook
In-line image / Minister Zaqy Mohamad's Facebook
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