VACANCIES for low-paying jobs will continue to rise unless a campaign is launched to dispel the negative perceptions of such jobs ("Vacancies rise as locals spurn low-paying jobs"; Jan 28).
Hiring foreign workers is an easy way out but will not solve the long-term problem of labour shortage.
Employers must examine their practices and implement restructuring in their human resource development, career path and wages.
For example, locals do not want to be bus drivers because of the long and irregular working hours, and the need to deal with difficult commuters. What can be done is to break up the working hours into three shorter shifts without the need to work overtime.
Similarly, security guards' 12-hour shifts need to be abolished, and their professional image and work benefits improved.
Retail assistants and waiters are also seen as having low prospects with little scope for advancement. They must be on their feet and serve unappreciative customers. Some firms prefer to hire younger workers but do not pay them well.
These employers should change their mindsets and consider hiring older workers. Commission can be used as a wage component as well.
Although there are minimum wages set for some professions, such as cleaners, sub-contractors often do not follow these guidelines.
High wage increases not supported by productivity gains will lead to high unemployment.
However, high productivity gains without a fair sharing of the gains will lead to unease and unrest.
Francis Cheng
Hiring foreign workers is an easy way out but will not solve the long-term problem of labour shortage.
Employers must examine their practices and implement restructuring in their human resource development, career path and wages.
For example, locals do not want to be bus drivers because of the long and irregular working hours, and the need to deal with difficult commuters. What can be done is to break up the working hours into three shorter shifts without the need to work overtime.
Similarly, security guards' 12-hour shifts need to be abolished, and their professional image and work benefits improved.
Retail assistants and waiters are also seen as having low prospects with little scope for advancement. They must be on their feet and serve unappreciative customers. Some firms prefer to hire younger workers but do not pay them well.
These employers should change their mindsets and consider hiring older workers. Commission can be used as a wage component as well.
Although there are minimum wages set for some professions, such as cleaners, sub-contractors often do not follow these guidelines.
High wage increases not supported by productivity gains will lead to high unemployment.
However, high productivity gains without a fair sharing of the gains will lead to unease and unrest.
Francis Cheng
