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"Workers should be more open-minded about the productivity-linked wage
system. I am sure employees will be encouraged to work harder if they are duly
rewarded.
<p>"However, it does not mean that one’s seniority in the company is ignored
in the evaluation process. </p>
<p>"The ministry wants employers to have a special component for taking productivity
into consideration when rewarding employees," he said after visiting the
Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) plant here yesterday. </p>
<p>Dr Fong said although companies had begun to accept the productivity-linked
wage system, the acceptance was "not to the extent that we want it to be."
</p>
<p>He said the mechatronics, automation and export-orientated sectors were more
receptive to the system. </p>
<p>Dr Fong said wage increments and other perks related to productivity and seniority
would encourage workers "to put their heart and soul" into their job.
</p>
<p>"Workers and unions have to accept that job security is getting scarce
in a globalised world that recognises productivity." Dr Fong also commended
ASSB’s apprenticeship programme, saying it would help to enlarge the pool of
skilled workers.
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