Clarifications regarding Security Progressive Wage Model

The Ministry of Manpower would like to clarify misconceptions purported by a recent social media video about the Security Progressive Wage Model (PWM), especially regarding the increased salary requirements with effect from 1 January 2024.

Clarifications on the Security PWM

The Security PWM was first implemented in 2016 to provide career pathways, increase wages, and upskilling to improve the productivity of security officers. In 2021, the Government accepted the Security Tripartite Cluster (STC)’s recommendations on the review of the Security PWM, which included the following:

1. From 1 January 2024, the basic PWM wages for security officers will increase.

   • Full-time security officers will receive at least $2,650 in basic wages per month, compared to at least $1,650 in basic wages a month currently. By 2028, the basic wages for entry-level security officers will increase to $3,530, an increase of 33% from 2024.

   • This increased basic wage includes wages paid for extra hours worked above the standard 44-hour work week. However, the number of extra hours will continue to be capped at 72 hours per month under the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD)’s licensing conditions, as opposed to the claims that officers will be asked to work up to 96 extra hours. This ensures security officers do not work excessive hours.

   • The new wage schedule assures security officers of sustainable wage growth without needing to clock excessive hours for a higher gross wage. They will be able to negotiate for better employment terms, including working hours, with their employers. The STC has never recommended a compulsory 72-hour work week for security officers.

   • The STC Report is available online at www.ntuc.org.sg/tripartiteguidelines

2. The employment rights of security officers will continue to be protected under the Employment Act and PLRD’s licensing conditions.

   • As security officers will be earning more than $2,600 per month, they will no longer be covered under Part 4 of the Employment Act, which covers the hours of work, rest days, and other conditions of services for lower-paying jobs.

   • However, security officers will continue to be protected by other parts of the Employment Act, including Part 10 on holidays, annual leave and sick leave entitlements. For more details on the Employment Act, please visit: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/employment-act/who-is-covered

   • MOM conducts proactive checks through audits and Workright inspections to educate employers and help them to comply with PWM requirements. Most firms follow the PWM requirements and firms with identified non-compliance are required to correct their practices.

   • If security officers believe that their employers are not following the Security PWM requirements and/or are not complying with the Employment Act, they are encouraged to engage their employers to clarify their doubts. If further help is needed, security officers can approach MOM for assistance at 6438 5122, or report Employment Act violation(s) at http://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/report-an-employment-act-violation.

Please visit MOM website at https://go.gov.sg/pwm for the latest information on the PWM.