SINGAPORE — On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, tripartite partners announced that the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) will be extended to cover approximately 1,800 workers in the pest management sector. This expansion includes full-time and part-time pest management workers and licensed vector control technicians who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents.

The PWM is a wage framework designed to provide sustainable pay rises that correspond with workers' skills enhancement and productivity improvements. Employers are required to pay at least the minimum wage for eligible workers based on their job level and ensure training requirements are met.

Previously, the PWM applied to sectors such as cleaning, security, landscape, lift and escalator maintenance, retail, food services, waste management, and occupations including administrators and drivers. The last sector added before pest management was waste management in July 2023.

A tripartite cluster comprising the Manpower Ministry, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and the Singapore National Employers Federation will be established to develop the implementation details for the pest management sector.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash highlighted the critical role of pest management workers in safeguarding public health and mitigating vector-borne diseases, noting that the PWM expansion recognizes their expertise and importance.

Dr Wan Rizal, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC, emphasized the specialized skills required in pest management, including detecting pest activities, applying control measures, and safely handling chemicals to reduce public health risks.

Mr Melvin Yong, assistant secretary-general of NTUC and MP for Radin Mas, described the move as "a meaningful step to raise industry standards and give workers better wages, skills and career prospects."

These efforts aim to attract skilled talent and elevate professional standards in the pest management industry, while enabling employers to support meaningful wage progression and maintain competitiveness.

Sources

Channel News Asia: 1,800 pest management workers to benefit from sustainable pay rises under Progressive Wage Model