Civil servants to have their mid-year bonus restored
TEMASEK REVIEW
In yet another sign that the elections will be called anytime soon in the latter half of the year, Singapore civil servants will see their mid-year bonus restored which will see them getting an Annual Variable Bonus of half a month’s salary, plus a one-off payment of S$300.
As expected, the PAP is quick to claim credit for it.
PAP MP and deputy secretary-general of NTUC claimed that the bonus was decided after “close consultation and negotiations” between the government and unions as if Singapore civil servants owe them a “debt of gratitude”.
“As we continue to ride the economic upturn, the labour movement will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners to focus on enhancing workers’ capabilities and improving productivity in the public sector so that productivity gains can be shared with our workers,” she was quoted as saying in Channel News Asia.
What she forgot to mention is that PAP ministers and senior civil servants are expected to receive a 8.8 percent or more pay hike this year thanks to the growing economy.
An unknown percentage of their pay is pegged to GDP growth – the higher the growth, the more money they bring home.
The restoration of mid-year bonus and cash handouts for the civil servants may be timed precisely now to “sweeten” the ground ahead of the next election and to prepare for their own impending pay hike.
The government is the largest employer of Singaporeans. Given the short memories of Singaporeans and the “good” news being churned out daily by the state media in the days ahead, it appears that the PAP will be guaranteed another “overwhelming mandate” again at the next general election.