Newspaper Review 1:

Date: 5 November 2008
Title: Poly, ITE Lecturers may get less leave
Section: Home PageB10

Summary:
It seems that the lecturers in polytechnics and the institute of technical education ( ITE) are soon to be given a choice of choosing money or vacation. This is to make teaching more appealing and to steam the flow of lecturers from polytechnics which usually loses about 6 percent of teacher each year. Well, the ploy lecturers could chooses to take a 14 day-cut in annual leave while getting a 6 percent pay rise roughly and a bonus or chooses to stay on the current scheme which gives them 42 days vacation. But, if the lecturers chooses to stay for the current scheme could end up losing in the end. And when their contracts come for a renewal they will immediately be placed on terms for new hires. This also goes for the lecturers in ITE. They can choose their leave to be reduced to 28 days yearly. Many of the lecturers have chosen the new scheme reluctantly. Many of them complained especially those who had a family to support and children. They have complained that it would eat up their family time and it would not be so drastic. Those without families too were unhappy about this issue. According to some lecturers that have been working long terms, stated that the pay increase was not enough to compensate the loss of annual leave. Though there were others who welcomed the new change. The salary review will align salary scales and career paths for staff in Singapore’s five polytechnics. Due to this, it might actually lower the relatively high registration rate. And by raising salaries to better match the industry standards would steam the outflow of talent.


Reflection:
I feel that almost every jobs in Singapore Is having a pay cut due to recession. But I feel the lecturers are reasonable in their thoughts. By cutting down on their vaction, it would sure to minimise their time spenditure with their family and their loved ones. But looking at different point they are also given an increase in 6 percent for their pay. Not all jobs are enrolled with this new scheme. Hence by following accordingly to the new scheme, they will be able to enjoy their job and their holidays without having the fear of losing their job.

Submitted by Rupini =]