Policy update implemented ahead of Singapore government's legislative change
Ground handling services firm SATS Ltd. is raising its retirement and re-employment ages with immediate effect, ahead of the Singapore government's legislative change.
The company announced this week that its retirement age will be lifted from 63 to 64, while its re-employment age will be raised to 69.
The change is expected to benefit more than 700 employees at SATS' Singapore headquarters who are about to reach the retirement and re-employment age this year.
Under the change, SATS said eligible employees at its headquarters who reach retirement age will be offered re-employment contracts up to the re-employment age limit.
The policy comes ahead of the government's legislative plan to raise Singapore's retirement age to 64 and re-employment age to 69 by July 2026.
"This progressive move, undertaken in collaboration with our union partners, reflects our dedication to building an inclusive, future-ready organisation and supporting our mature employees who wish to continue contributing their skills and experience," said Tan Chee Wei, Chief Human Capital Officer of SATS Ltd., in a statement.
"We believe that taking early action enables us to better recognise and retain the valuable contributions of our experienced workforce."
Goviden Sathasivam, General Secretary, SATS Workers' Union (SATSWU), said the change will provide job security to SATS' senior workers.
"We look forward to the continued partnership with SATS in supporting our senior workers and advancing our shared goals," Sathasivam said in a statement.
Meanwhile, SATS said it is also implementing job redesign initiatives to promote long-term employability in the organisation.
It also made a commitment to ensure continuous learning and development for all employees, regardless of age.
"We believe in supporting our employees in building fulfilling and meaningful careers where they feel truly appreciated," Tan said. "Mature employees are provided the same training and development opportunities as their younger colleagues, in alignment with their job roles."
Cham Hui Fong, Deputy Secretary-General of National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Executive Secretary of SATS Workers' Union, said the projects leverage technology for job redesign and provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
"This approach boosts workforce efficiency and enables older workers to extend their careers, remaining valuable contributors within the organisation," the NTUC official said in a statement.
