News

Some NSMen Are Getting 1 Day Off From Work Because #NS50

2017-08-26 , 2:16 pm

So, according to TODAYonline, “in celebration of Singapore’s 50th year of conscription, some of those who are in the public service get an off from work.”

Wa, so cool ah? I remember the golden days back in unit, serving the country with a deadpan expression, and having to wait for that elusive off day to be given to us.

I didn’t know even NSmen get off days too. And it’s not even off day from service, but off day from work.

It would be great to have an off day…

Oh wait.

It’s for some in the public service.

Note the key words: some, and public service.

The one-time perk apparently applies only to public servants in certain agencies. After checks with employees, it was discovered that so far, the Economic Development Board, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the National Parks Board (NParks), the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Public Service Division are among those to have been granted the perk.

Hah, alright. Cool. It’s not like I’m salty or anything. No, boss, if you’re reading this, I’m not salty at all.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible, you must have served NS full time in the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force.

In certain statutory boards, employees who have been regulars in these three forces will also be considered eligible.

Time limit

The day off must be taken between Aug 1 and Dec 31 this year. Guess the off day works just like any discount coupon, huh?

Mindef’s confirmation

When TODAY reached out to MINDEF, they said that “in commemoration of 50 years of National Service (NS50), it has also given a day off to all its non-uniformed employees who are past and present operationally ready NSmen, in recognition of their contributions to NS. They were also given letters of appreciation”.

Boards have complied

NParks has sent out a memo saying that all permanent and contract employees can take the day off, and letters of appreciation will be delivered by the end of the month. The off day, however, isn’t applicable to soon-to-quit workers, and cannot be split into two half days.

NEA has offered appreciation letters to its qualifying employees. STB has also complied.

Some ministries and statutory boards have not yet responded, however; the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, national water agency PUB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority are just some of the many that have not got back to employees regarding the perk.

Other NS50 perks

All past and present national servicemen would have received S$100 worth of NS50 vouchers. Those still serving, or have finished their operationally ready NS, are given an extra one-year membership at either Safra or HomeTeamNS clubs.

I think they should hand out another round of $100 vouchers next year. Because NS51.

51 is important too, okay?

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

Click Here to Download the App!

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com