07 Apr 2020
Ref No.: 070420 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Overcoming COVID-19 Together: ASPRI Advisory on Solidarity Budget 2020
Dear Fellow ASPRI Members,
Last afternoon, DPM Heng announced that the government will be extending the following to employers:
a) a waiver of the foreign worker levy due in April 2020, and
b) a levy rebate of S$750 for each work permit or S Pass holder, based on previous levies paid in 2020.
With the levy waiver and rebate provided by the Government, Employers must treat their foreign employees fairly and responsibly to retain the essential workforce so that businesses can restart after this period.
ASPRI recommends that all members take care of affected low-wage foreign workers, during this Circuit Breaker period by;
a) Paying for the maintenance and upkeep of the low-wage foreign workers living in dorms, with no deductions made to their accommodation, food and utilities, AND
b) Providing a stipend of approximately 75% of their basic salary, up to a cap of $450 for Work Permit Holders, who are not working and live in dormitories.
c) Option to
a. Ask WPH to consume one week of annual leave entitlements, OR
b. Time-bank of 25% of salary to cover overtime work after Circuit Breaker.
d) Foreign employees who continue to work full-time during Circuit Breaker must be paid their prevailing salaries.
While we understand that pay structure for companies may differ, the above advisory serves to provide members with a common reference point.
Members are encouraged to brief their workers and provide a forum for clarification.
During this difficult time, it is important to be fair to our workers and for all our members to take a unified and cohesive approach to overcome this crisis together.
Let us do our best during this period and stay united in to fight COVID-19. Together, we can!
Charles Quek
President
For and on-behalf of ASPRI 12th Executive Council