What is the Progressive Wage Model (PWM)?

Unveiled in June 2012, the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) was spearheaded by the Labour Movement to enable workers to achieve sustainable wage increases through better skills and higher productivity. The PWM is based on the key objectives of helping Singaporean workers climb the four ladders of skills upgrading, productivity improvement, career advancement and wage progression. In addition, it aims to help companies make better use of and retain the workforce.

Much has been done since NTUC first introduced the PWM. There is now a greater tripartite focus in our efforts to uplift lower-wage workers as seen in the formation of the Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers in Oct 2020. A multi-prong approach is taken to uplift lower-wage workers through Sectoral PWM in seven industries, implementing Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) for drivers and administrators, using Local Qualifying Salary and implementing the PWM Mark. Collectively, these efforts will impact approximately 234,000 resident lower-wage workers.

The PWM has been implemented in these seven industries thus far:

1. Hospitality and Consumer Business (Hotel, Retail and Food Services sectors)
2. Building and Facility Management (Cleaning, Security and Landscape sectors)
3. Transport and Logistics
4. Healthcare
5. Education
6. Marine Engineering
7. OPEC