The call comes as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in his National Day Rally speech, acknowledged that Singapore is entering its ‘next chapter’ in difficult circumstances, marked by geopolitical conflict, trade barriers, and slower growth.
Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) warned that global economic uncertainty would weigh on hiring and wage growth, especially in outward-oriented sectors.
Wage expectations have already declined in financial and insurance services, professional services, and transportation and storage.
“Against this cautious backdrop, the Workers’ Party urges the government to engage widely and explore all solutions tabled in good faith, including previously untapped ones, ” the party stated on 17 August, adding that Singapore “should leave no stone unturned in our collective efforts to build a truly resilient nation for the future and keep our Singapore flag flying high.”
Workers’ Party response to economic taskforce
The Workers’ Party noted recent government initiatives, including the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and a forthcoming Economic Strategy Review, with recommendations expected by mid-2026.
It also acknowledged a new jobs-matching initiative run by community development councils.
However, it stressed that present concerns such as rising rentals, underemployment, and sluggish income growth require urgent attention.
Over the past five years, real income growth has averaged just 0.7 per cent per year.
The WP argued that unless these issues are addressed, business viability and workers’ livelihoods could be jeopardised.
Calls for fair wages and industrial space reforms
The party reiterated its manifesto proposal for JTC Corporation to expand its share of industrial space.
It urged JTC to continue offering lower-cost options for small and medium-sized enterprises alongside private-sector facilities.
The WP also renewed its call for a statutory minimum wage and urged the government to track and publish underemployment data regularly.
This, it said, would provide transparency on whether policy efforts are genuinely matching underemployed workers to suitable jobs.
The party welcomed the government’s renewed focus on jobs matching, but asked that implementation be accelerated.
Many jobseekers, it said, currently receive only counselling rather than actual placement opportunities through existing programmes such as e2i.
“In our experience, many residents referred to e2i often receive career counselling, but not the direct job-matching support they truly need. ”
“The new approach reflects what many job seekers are looking for: not just advice, but real opportunities and connections to employers who are hiring, ” added WP in a statement.
Preparing for an AI-driven economy
PM Wong has also highlighted Singapore’s plans to embrace artificial intelligence to drive productivity while safeguarding job creation.
The WP cautioned that while AI adoption can boost innovation, it will permanently alter the labour market, potentially displacing workers.
To mitigate this, the party emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Manpower.
It called for a three-tier feedback system involving industry: in curriculum design, targeted funding for skills gaps, and structured career guidance.
This approach, the party said, would ensure students and workers are prepared for high-value careers in Singapore and abroad.
The party also advocated smaller class sizes supported by more allied educators.
It argued that education must prepare students with soft skills—such as empathy, adaptability and collaboration—that AI cannot replicate.
In line with this, the WP proposed shifting away from high-stakes examinations toward continual assessment and through-train learning models.
Strengthening safety nets in the AI era
The WP highlighted the social risks posed by technological disruption.
It renewed its call for redundancy insurance and mandatory retrenchment benefits for workers at companies with at least 25 employees.
These measures, it said, would help protect displaced workers and provide dignity during periods of transition.
Safeguards for new traineeship programme
PM Wong also announced a new government-funded traineeship scheme to support young graduates and mid-career professionals.
The WP welcomed the initiative but urged safeguards to prevent misuse.
It cautioned that companies should not treat state-sponsored traineeships as a source of cheap, subsidised labour.
The party pressed for transparent performance metrics, obligations to consider trainees for full-time roles, and basic protections such as paid sick leave and safe workplaces.
These conditions, it said, were vital to ensure traineeships genuinely supported career development.
The WP secured 10 elected seats in the 2025 General Election, retaining Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang SMC.
It will also be represented by two Non-Constituency Members of Parliament in the 15th Parliament.
Its Members of Parliament said they look forward to championing these proposals in the new session of Parliament, aimed at improving the lives of Singaporeans amid ongoing challenges.
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