May Day Message 2026 by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng

Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng delivered the May Day Message 2026, celebrating Singapore's workers who keep essential services and industries running. The message acknowledges current challenges including rising geopolitical tensions, energy price increases from the Middle East conflict, rapid AI advancements transforming work, and Singapore becoming a super-aged society this year.

The Government emphasizes its tripartite partnership with unions (NTUC) and employers (SNEF) as a critical strength for navigating crises and seizing opportunities. Recent achievements include 1.6% annual growth in real incomes for median workers over the past five years, and 2.8% faster growth for lower-wage workers through the Progressive Wage Model.

New Budget enhancements support employers uplifting lower-wage workers via the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme and help them upskill through the Workfare Skills Support scheme. For young Singaporeans, the GRaduate Industry Traineeships programme provides real experience to build confidence entering the workforce.

The new statutory board, the Skills and Workforce Development Agency, will empower mid-career workers to navigate labour market uncertainties by keeping ahead, learning, and adapting. Senior workers receive support through co-created age-friendly work arrangements, extended Senior Employment Credit, and Part-Time Re-employment Grant. Retirement security is strengthened via CPF system enhancements, targeted support for vulnerable seniors through the Majulah Package, Matched Retirement Savings Scheme, Silver Support Scheme, and CPF Top-Ups for eligible Singaporeans.

CPF contributions for senior workers will continue increasing until 2027, with the CPF Transition Offset extending to cushion half of employer contribution increases in 2027. The Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package helps companies redesign jobs, invest in people, and build workplaces where workers thrive.

Workplace safety remains a priority with Singapore recording a record low fatal injury rate of 0.96 per 100,000 workers in 2025, moving closer to the WSH2028 goal of sustaining rates below 1.0. MOM formed a Platform Worker Safety Workgroup with NTUC, platform work associations, major operators, and government agencies to enhance safety for platform workers.

An Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity will be launched to drive ground-up solutions to common workplace safety and health risks. Protections against workplace discrimination were strengthened through the Workplace Fairness Act passed last year.

Looking ahead, three areas require collective attention: AI readiness, employment standards, and retirement adequacy. MOM will join tripartite partners under the Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC) to support AI readiness for workers and enterprises. The Government is reviewing the Employment Act and other tripartite instruments to protect vulnerable workers while supporting flexibility for employers and employees.

Retirement adequacy remains a cornerstone of the social compact, with reviews continuing to better support those facing challenges saving enough. The message concludes by reaffirming commitment to stand united, move forward together, and build a Singapore where no worker is left behind.