Originally posted by LionCity
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Couldn't have said it better myself. Most Singaporeans see themselves as working in a 5 star hotel called Singapore, where the richest and most affluent come to stay and enjoy their stay. The management of the hotel(Govt), bends over its back to welcome guests and repeatedly reminds its staff that its because of this guests that they have a job and they must be thankful that they have a job ! At times, they cut the staff pay just so that hefty discounts could be offered to guests ! I just put in a nutshell what most middle class Singaporeans feel.
The rich are getting richer, while the poor are getting poorer ! Singapore has one of the most widest income gap in the world. One of the main reasons is the import of foreigners who have suppressed the wages of most blue collar jobs. Taking into account inflation, it has remained too low that it's unsustainable for locals to be working in such jobs and raise a family. I'm not taking about branded goods, overseas holiday accessories, but just to put rice on the table ! Businesses then employ foreigners citing the reason that locals are not taking up this jobs. Most foreigners are on different employment contracts from locals, with reduced benefits and pay as the norm. Businesses, on the other hand, enjoy massive profits due to the low wage costs. The SMRT bus drivers strike was an eye opener to the public about this treatment. When this businesses make profits, guess who'll be grinning ear to ear on April 15 ?
NS- All Singaporeans are required by law to serve 2 years of compulsory NS. Even after serving these 2 years, they have to go for annual training that may last from weeks to month till the age of mid 30s. I've heard of Singaporeans who have lost jobs and promotions due to this call ups. Personally, I feel that NS is the biggest point of contention aggravating the local vs foreigner divide. To alleviate this, one thing the Govt could do is give more tangible benefits to those who have served NS other than some measly tax relief. They don't even count for low wage workers. Give them priority in public housing and extra grants ! And this might sound crazy, but the Govt should seriously consider paying market rates for NS ! They are paid less than maids now ! This would, to some extent, level the playing field between locals and foreigners in the labour market. It might also compel PRs to take up citizenship with the benefits in hand. There's just little distinction between a citizen and PR now. K, gotta nod off now ! To be continued...
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