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Additional one-off payouts of up to $250 will also be given to civil servants in selected grades.
All civil servants in Singapore will receive a mid-year Annual Variable Component (AVC) of 0.45 month, the Public Service Division (PSD) announced on Thursday (20 June 2024).
As shared in a statement, civil servants in grades equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14 will receive an additional payment of S$150 while those in grades equivalent to MX15 and MX16, and those in the Operations Support Scheme (OSS) Grades III and IV will receive an additional payment of S$250.
Detailing the decision, the PSD said the payment "takes into consideration both the better economic outlook and downside risks that remain in the global economy", citing the improved growth in the economy in Q1 this year, as well as the labour market performance in the quarter. According to the Ministry of Manpower's latest report, total employment in Singapore continued to expand albeit at a moderated pace in Q. At the same time, unemployment rates remained low and within the range observed during non-recessionary periods.
Looking ahead, the Division stated: "The Government will continue to monitor the economic situation closely. It will take into consideration the guidelines by the National Wages Council which will be released later in the year, in determining the year-end AVC payments."
Unions respond to the announcement
In response to the above, Cham Hui Fong, Deputy Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said: "Given this year’s positive economic growth, despite uncertainties ahead, the Government’s mid-year AVC payout of 0.45 months is reflective of the economic performance and acknowledges their efforts. The additional lump sum also demonstrates the Government’s progressive support for our junior officers."
"The unions also extend our deep appreciation to all civil servants for their professionalism and dedication in serving Singaporeans and members of the public", she added.
Moving forward, she concluded, NTUC encourages civil servants to continue upskilling and upgrading, to stay relevant, competitive, and employable in the face of future challenges.
Meanwhile, Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, General Secretary, Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) expressed the union's gratitude for the additional one-off lump sum payments, noting that they "would give a boost to the morale of our civil servants. "While there are still uncertainties ahead, this payout fairly acknowledges the efforts of our officers and demonstrates progressiveness by ensuring lower-income officers can cope with inflation and rising living costs."
Photo: 123RF
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