From Sept 1, 2016, security guards will have to be paid a monthly starting wage of at least $1,100 under a new progressive wage model for the security sector announced yesterday.
This is an increase from their current $800 basic monthly pay.
Those holding supervisory posts can earn as much as $1,700 in basic wages. With overtime, security guards can earn over $2,100 a month under the new wage model.
Security guards typically work 12 hours a day, six days a week, with the bulk of their pay coming from overtime work.
COMPULSORY
The police, who are responsible for regulating the security sector, will make the wage ladder compulsory as part of their licensing requirements for security firms from September 2016.
The two-year window will allow security agencies to train their guards and adjust to the new wage ladder, The Straits Times online quoted NTUC assistant secretary-general Zainal Sapari as saying.
The NTUC added that it will review in 2017 whether to recommend a reduction in overtime hours. Shortening the overtime hours immediately will lead to a further shortage of manpower, said Mr Zainal.
This article was first published on Oct 30, 2014.
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