WP asks for 'updated growth model' that benefits workers; PAP says its approach has delivered for generations

SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) on Wednesday (Aug 5) called for an updated growth model that will benefit Singapore workers, whereas the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) said the current approach has delivered good results to generations of people in Singapore.Members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle spoke during a debate on a motion tabled by WP Members of Parliament Kenneth Tiong (WP-Aljunied) and Jamus Lim (WP-Sengkang) on an "economy of the future" that works for all Singaporeans.Mr Tiong called for an updated growth model in his speech - one that "cares not only about the headline gross domestic product (GDP) growth figure, but the structure of growth".He asked for an “honest” measurement and prioritisation of what matters from growth, which includes accounting for how much Singapore workers, owners and entrepreneurs have contributed to the national income.

WP chief Pritam Singh reiterated the party’s call for retrenchment support, saying it was time to legislate minimum retrenchment benefits."This legislative omission in our employment laws sits in stark contrast to the reality our workers face, as set out by the ESR report," he said, referring to the Economic Strategy Review which released its final report on Jun 24.