With the increasing trend of companies outsourcing their non-core functions to third-party service providers, many workers are often subjected to the problem of cheap sourcing where service buyers over-emphasized on low prices. The workers’ wages are often depressed in order to reduce costs to win the contract. To push for inclusive growth, the Tripartite Committee for Low-wage Workers and Inclusive Growth (Tricom) was set up. The Tripartite Advisory on Best Sourcing Practices was formulated in 2008 to promote the adoption of Best Sourcing and to correct poor outsourcing practices. Best Sourcing Initiative (BSI) encourages service buyers to buy best value for money services, by evaluating service provider based on both quality and price. Through BSI, it helps companies to establish an effective sustainable business model, where all stakeholders will benefit from better quality services and improved reputation with their customers. Companies are also encouraged to embark on BSI as part of their corporate social responsibility, to enable workers to earn better wages and fairer employment terms. To allow service buyers to have an overview of BSI, the Best Sourcing Step-by-Step guidebook for service buyers was launched on 30th January 2012. With detailed and practical guidance on best sourcing implementation, it will help companies successfully implement best sourcing. Hence, it will be a win-win-win situation for the service providers, service buyers and the workers. If your company is interested to know more about BSI, please feel free to email us at uccw@ntuc.org.sg |