Staying Alive in a Global Jungle

60 cents ce s | http://www.ntucthisweek.org.sg p // uc s eek.org.sg | MICA (P) 295/10/2007 25 JULY 2008

Pg 4 Pg 5 Giving Stagﬂ ation And Be Connected And Win A D-Link WDS Organises Mass Pg Spirit Of SSEU Pg Congestion A Wide Berth Pan & Tilt Wireless Internet Camera Hotel Recruitment Drive 6 Soldiers On 11 Staying Alive In A Global Jungle

“In Singapore, we cannot simply attempt to offset By the expected infl ation rate of fi ve to six per cent this year Naseema Banu Maideen with wage increases. This will gradually translate to a wage-price spiral, and a second round of infl ation, which has the potential effect to undermine our economic ou are caught in a wild jungle, with tigers on competitiveness.” the loose. Your adrenalin is pumping and you Singapore has scored well over the years because of think desperately: “What can I do?” Take the its ability to tackle the “same, same problems across the most practical step - take to your heels and world with different solutions”, said Mr Lim. run. In response to questions from the graduands YNot because you can outrun the tigers but at least, on ways to help workers cope with the infl ationary you can outrun others caught in the same bind, and be pressures, Mr Lim said this was best done through well ahead of them. If the tigers were hungry, they’d be enhancing the value of jobs, hence helping workers satiated by the time they do catch up with you. earn more, through quality training and skills upgrading This down-to-earth story was used by NTUC initiatives. Secretary-General Lim Swee Say to capture Singapore’s economic strategy against the current economic backdrop. Mr Lim was addressing the graduands of the Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies at a dialogue session on 15 July 2008. Global economies look to be heading for stagfl ation and Singapore, on its own, will not be able to resist infl ation and slow growth – but it can strive to perform better than the other countries in the world. Words Of Assurance… SG Lim (fourth from left) is confi dent that Singapore will pull through this economic slowdown.

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NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 1 77/24/08/24/08 1:41:121:41:12 PMPM otcigraduandsdialogue • workingfor 3 Better Lives, Even In A Slowdown

Some key takeaways shared by NTUC By Naseema Banu Maideen Secretary-General Lim Swee Say at the session. he Labour Movement has put in place many programmes to help Building A Strong Fort workers live better, programmes Our strength of tripartism did not come that can withstand the heat of easy. Leaders in the Labour Movement both infl ation and slow growth. have built such solid foundations over time. TIn a dialogue at the Ong Teng Cheong Leaders“ of today should build on these Institute of Labour Studies on 15 July foundations and strengthen them. Our ties of 2008, NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee tripartism are very strong at the highest level. We Say reassured the graduands that the have to keep striving to ensure that this effect is Labour Movement will continue to do trickled down to all levels. It is a process that will whatever is necessary to help workers take time; we will keep working to achieve that.” tackle infl ation. For example, the e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) was set up Helping The Hardest Hit in February this year with a series of The contract workers in our workforce are programmes to train the unemployed for among the hardest hit, especially in times jobs. It also trains those who already have of rising cost of living. We, as a Labour Movement, jobs, to tackle even higher-value ones. “can help them tide over by guiding them to ways The e2i also serves as a platform to match of earning better wages. Through initiatives like employers’ and employees’ needs in the the NTUC Job Re-creation Programme, they can job market. upgrade themselves to be employed in better jobs Mr Lim highlighted one such for a better living. This will be an ongoing journey.” programme, the Employability Camp, which equips the long-term unemployed with the right skills and frame of mind to Taking Stress In enter the workforce. There is also an enhanced version The Right Stride of this programme - Employability Camp The reason why Singapore is more Plus, which runs over a longer period of successful than many other countries is time. This helps those who need more not because we have less stress but because intensive training before they take that we“ have been able to manage the stress better step. than anyone else. The ability to cope with stress Today, 70 per cent out of the 100 who is what makes Singapore competitive. The NTUC were on the EC Plus have already found does its part in various ways. The NTUC’s Family a job. Development Unit rolls out events that promote Through such drives, and with the family bonding; The NTUC Club has embarked support of a strong tripartite partnership, workers will fi nd that they can command on regular activity days, especially for low-wage better jobs and better pay packages in workers and their families, at no cost at all. It’s the market. This is the way to go in their all about changing your mindset and looking at pursuit of tackling the challenges of the stress healthily.” current economic climate, said Mr Lim.

A Member In Need Is A Union Indeed

then secured a reasonable retrenchment By package for the affected workers and on top Khoo Li Peng of this, the CIEU negotiated successfully for Senior Industrial Relations Ofﬁ cer, CIEU an additional lump sum of $16,000 from the company for the CIEU’s distribution to its 16 t was a trying period for workers at union members. Mediagate Private Limited. The company “The CIEU was resilient in its negotiation had decided to terminate its manufacturing with the management for the extra lump operations by end August 2008. sum payment to union members. Protecting However, the Chemical Industries members’ interests continues to be our IEmployees’ Union stepped in swiftly and priority,” said the CIEU President Rajendran s/o offered a helping hand to these workers, in Govindarajoo. particular the 16 union members affected. At the retrenchment exercise, the CIEU The union started negotiations with the gave out $50 worth of NTUC FairPrice Through Both Good And Trying Times… CIEU President Rajendran s/o Govindarajoo expresses the union’s appreciation to Mediagate Branch company, which manufactures CD-ROMs and vouchers to its 16 members, to thank them for Secretary Leow Chew Kok other disc forms for optical media replication, being long-time members. almost immediately after the company told The CIEU also keeps in touch with its in other sectors, connecting with other unions. the union it wanted to stop its Singapore branches – it is a channel, matching job Retrenchments are hard for everyone, but operations. vacancies to the workers’ proﬁ le. At the same as the example of the CIEU has shown, being a This was in early June 2008. The union time, the CIEU also explored job opportunities union member does make a crucial difference.

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NTUC Media Co-operative Limited Chairman Seah Kian Peng [email protected] Chief Executive Offi cer Seng Han Thong [email protected] Chief Operating Offi cer Alvin Wong Pek Kin [email protected] Giving Stagfl ation The NTUC This Week Team Managing Editor Shirley Tan-Oehler [email protected] Contributing Editor Leong Ching Deputy Editor Low Wee Poh [email protected] And Congestion Senior Journalist Marcus Lin [email protected] Journalists Jansen Yeo [email protected] Naseema Banu Maideen [email protected] Sim Wei Fang [email protected] A Wide Berth Executive Editor Ho Seo Teck (Chinese) [email protected] Journalist Wong Teck Tian (Chinese) [email protected] By based on the latest GDP estimates. amount of support to the economy Art Director Marcus Lin, Jansen Yeo and Edmund Seah Naseema Banu Maideen This is within our medium term for the rest of the year. These new [email protected] Executive Designers potential rate of growth of 4-6 projects will give rise to new activity Mohamed Nasuhar Soeyoeti [email protected] read-and-butter per cent. Our job market remains and help to create new jobs.” Charles Chong concerns dominated healthy. In the fi rst quarter of He added that “the [email protected] Resident Photographer the Parliament sitting the year, more than 73,000 jobs Government has put in place Alvin Toh Sales on 21 July 2008. Even were created, and unemployment several measures to dampen Joseph Loh [email protected] as the Government remains low. infl ation and to help Singaporeans Jimmy Lim Bvoiced its concerns with a declining “Whilst the momentum of cope with the higher cost of living”. [email protected] Mike Chew birth rate, workers had more economic growth has recently Nevertheless, the onus is still [email protected] Chris Seng immediate concerns. These were slowed, this is only to be expected on companies and workers to [email protected] Anabel Lim refl ected by the questions asked by in view of softer global conditions seize this comparatively lull period [email protected] the MPs. Sam Gan and the above-trend growth of the to upgrade and upskill so as to [email protected] As if high infl ation wasn’t bad last four years. ride the next wave of an economic Gena Ang [email protected] enough, what were the prospects “Moreover, the strong pipeline upswing. Subscription Jenny Liau of Singapore getting stumped of foreign investments and tourism The rising number of Electronic [email protected] Publisher by stagfl ation - that dreaded projects we have secured, including Road Pricing gantries and NTUC Media Co-operative Limited confl uence of factors when the mega-event of Formula One in increasing ERP fees also came Address 1 Marina Boulevard #14-01 NTUC Centre Singapore 018989 prolonged economic inactivity September, will provide a certain under scrutiny. Phone 62360555 Fax 65381068 Printer Times Printers, Singapore meets high infl ation to give birth to The NTUC Family Directory stagnant consumer demand and Nor is it true that if we freeze NTUC Switchboard 62138000 Customer Centre 62138008 rampant unemployment? ERP charges, there are no Business Centre 62138811 [email protected] Senior Minister of State for costs incurred by motorists. The Community Development 62138201 Trade and Industry S Iswaran costs are there - except that they are Social Enterprises “ Childcare 63919233 put paid to such fears, when he hidden in the form of time lost and Club 65829876 (Chalet Reservation) 65891666 (Banquet Sales) categorically said: “Singapore is not extra fuel consumed being stuck in Choice Homes 62138822 ElderCare 62138000 facing stagfl ation.” Yes, infl ation is traffi c. At a time of economic stress, Fairprice 64560233 going to hang around for a while Foodfare 67570330 it is important that we ensure that Healthcare 67440068 yet, but there’s no need to press our economy remains vibrant and Income 63462663 the panic button. LearningHub 64166611 productive. One critical way to ensure Link 62235225 Nothing speaks louder than this is to act decisively to prevent our Media 62360555 facts and fi gures, and Mr Iswaran Thrift & Loan 65347360 roads from being gridlocked.” Affi liate reeled them out: “The Singapore RTRC Asia 62924844 © Copyright 2008 economy registered a 4.3 per cent Transport Minister Raymond Lim The publisher owns the copyright to all photographs and articles in this publication. No photograph or article may growth in the fi rst half of this year, be reproduced in part or in full without the consent of the publisher.

NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 4 77/24/08/24/08 2:12:552:12:55 PMPM thisweekinparliament • workingfor 5

Babies And Working Moms Designing A Singapore Way

Singapore cannot import the their high social spending is funded measures to boost birth rates practices of countries like Denmark by very high taxes. next month. It will focus on wholesale. We are simply too He was responding to the four key areas: Helping singles different. question posed in Parliament by socialise, offering greater fi nancial Deputy Prime Minister Wong NTUC Deputy Secretary-General support to parents, ensuring Kan Seng noted that Nordic Halimah Yacob about the lessons better work-life balance at the countries have combined high birth that can be learnt from countries workplace and providing viable rates of above 1.8, with high female like Denmark so that Singaporean childcare options. labour force participation rates of women can “continue to work but Still, whatever measures Transport Minister between 65 and 75 per cent. This at the same time also have more being taken, Singaporeans Raymond Lim explained: “The is mainly due to generous family babies.” themselves must want to get purpose of ERP is to manage benefi ts which support couples in Singapore’s plan, said DPM married and become parents. congestion on our roads. ERP having and raising children. Wong, is to decide what can work “Such a societal mindset is is imposed or its rates raised But DPM Wong pointed out here, “based on what we can afford necessary before any measure only when traffi c demand that some countries can afford to and our local context”. can take effect,” said DPM Wong. increases to cause the speed give out such benefi ts because The Government will announce on the road to fall below the optimal speed threshold. For expressways, this is 45 kph, and for arterial roads, it is 20 kph. “Many people assume that Protecting Our Cabbies if we do not make changes to the ERP system, our roads will continue to remain smooth fl owing. This is not true. If Sophisticated technology and we freeze ERP charges, the education are the keys to keeping congestion does not go away taxi drivers safe, said Transport but simply builds up on our Minister Raymond Lim. He was roads. responding to the recent spate of “Nor is it true that if we taxi drivers being robbed. freeze ERP charges, there are He mentioned that taxi no costs incurred by motorists. companies have installed security The costs are there - except systems, which make use of the that they are hidden in the Global Position System technology, form of time lost and extra fuel to track the location of the vehicles consumed being stuck in traffi c. when the driver triggers the distress At a time of economic stress, it alarm. is important that we ensure that Besides these, Minister Lim our economy remains vibrant noted that “simple preventive which the taxi companies have Authority will work closely and productive. One critical measures like educating taxi drivers also undertaken, can be more with the taxi companies, Taxi way to ensure this is to act on the dos and don’ts and the effective.” Operators’ Associations and the decisively to prevent our roads appropriate responses to take Minister Lim assured the Police to deter crime against from being gridlocked.” when faced with potential threats, House that the Land Transport taxi drivers.

Be Connected NTUC This Week and win a “Be Connected and win a D-Link Pan & Tilt Wireless D-Link Pan & Internet Camera Contest” Question 1: Name any four of the 12 Social Enterprises in the Labour Movement. Tilt Wireless Answer 1: ______Internet Camera Question 2: What is the name of the cookbook? (UP: $999) Answer 2: ______Question 3: Name one of the catergories in “Looking at U”. Stand to win a D-Link Pan & Tilt Answer 3: ______Wireless Internet Camera, courtesy of AAAs Com Solution! Simply answer three questions Name: ______and post the entry coupon back to Address: ______us! The answers can be found at NRIC: ______DOB: ______www.ntucthisweek.org.sg Terms & Conditions Union: ______Occupation: ______Mailing address: 1. Only 1 form per person. 2. Incomplete enteries will “NTUC This Week Online Contest” be disqualiﬁ ed. Contact Number: ______Email: ______1 Marina Boulevard, #14-01 NTUC Centre 3. All forms must reach us Singapore 018989 by 31 July 2008. Closing date: 31 July 2008

NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 5 77/24/08/24/08 1:42:471:42:47 PMPM 6 commentary Bring Women Back Into The Workforce Paradigm Shift, No Cosmetic Measures

1,000 housewives, a credible ﬁ gure for a new

By programme. Halimah Yacob But our focus cannot be on housewives alone. We need a two-pronged strategy. Even as inister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew we work hard to attract more housewives back recently sparked a debate when to work, we need to deal with the problem of he suggested that Singapore women dropping out of the workforce. could look at how Sweden We have to make it possible for women to managed to improve its birth rate. continue to work, even as they start families. If MMany welcomed the suggestion hoping that we we fail to address this issue, then women who too could introduce the very generous ﬁ nancial want to pursue a career, would choose not to get incentives that the Swedes enjoy. married or not to have children. And those who Others pointed out that the cost would be have children would continue to remain at home, prohibitive as the Swedes pay very high taxes. which is a loss to our economy and society. In June this year, National Trades Union Even with a weakening economy, many sectors Congress Secretary-General Lim Swee Say led continue to need workers. Women homemakers a delegation to Denmark, another Scandinavian constitute an important resource. country with a high birth rate, to understand their The NTUC has been working with our experience. tripartite partners to promote work-life balance. The important lesson that we can learn from This year, our Work-Life Excellence Awards will these two countries is not how to automatically again recognise enlightened companies with transplant their system into Singapore. effective work-life programmes. Rather, we need to identify what are the What we need now is a real paradigm shift Balancing The Shades Right… As we lure more women back into the and not just cosmetic changes. But there is hope ingredients that make it, seemingly, possible for workforce, we cannot afford to lose those who are already a part of it. women to have the cake and eat it. yet. Fifteen years ago, a similar conversation In other words, how is it possible that the the workforce when they become mothers. And would have ended with the conclusion: “Let Swedes and the Danes are able to help women unlike Japan, most women here do not return to women make their own choices.” avoid making the painful choice of either working work after their children are grown up. Today, we are making progress - we say, or having babies, a Hobson’s choice that many At the beginning of this year, the NTUC let’s help women make the kind of choices women in Singapore today face? started the Back-to-Work programme to that will beneﬁ t them and our society. After all, It is true that there are now more women address this problem. With support from the extraordinary times need extraordinary measures working but the fact remains that many leave Flexi-Works! fund, we have found jobs for about - especially when our survival is at stake.

By WDS Organises Mass Sim Wei Fang rom a housewife in her 30s, to another woman twice her age, the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat attracted more Hotel Recruitment Drive than the 270 women in a joint recruitment drive with the Singapore Hotel Association. FThe drive was to help more women enter the workforce, and was conducted on 21 July 2008 from 9 am to 5 pm at the NTUC Centre. These women had previously signed up with NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat, and they zoomed in on the 85 vacancies from 11 hotels. These are part-time and full time positions and to date, 13 positions have been fi lled. Another 72 people have been shortlisted for further interviews. Madam Margariete Johnson , Front Offi ce Manager of Grand Club, at the Grand Hyatt said: “This recruitment drive has opened us to a pool of enthusiastic job seekers who already know what they want. We understand some of the job seekers’ diffi culties such as not being able to commit full-time and we are willing to try to accommodate them as much as we can.” The positions ranged from the food and beverage sector to housekeeping and front desk operations. As most of the jobs are entry level positions, they were targetted at women who are fresh to the hotel industry. The Real Deal… The hotel industry proves an attractive career option for these job seekers. Continued on page 7

NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 6 77/24/08/24/08 2:42:122:42:12 PMPM wds’srecruitmentdrive•workingfor 7 WDS Organises Mass Hotel Recruitment Drive To Fulﬁ ll Continued from page 6 A Passion Feeding Her Family

Having been a housewife for about a year, Madam Halimah Bee d/o Kia Abd Suttiar, 38, is keen to start work, to supplement her Administrative Assistant 61-year old Madam Ong Sai husband’s salary. “I Guat felt uneasy after being unemployed for have 4 children who almost a year. She had wanted to continue are still schooling. With working to keep her mind active. Singapore’s rising cost Having worked in various jobs, Madam of living, it is difﬁ cult to Ong felt that her interest lies in the F&B make ends meet, when industry. However, at her age, she was we just depend on my worried that she would be at a disadvantage husband’s income,” when looking for a job. Hence, when WDS said Madam Halimah, called her up to tell her of this recruitment whose last job was a drive, she was determined to give it a try. room attendant with a “Since this recruitment drive was student hostel. “Since organised by WDS, I thought I might stand this is an industry that I’m a higher chance of being employed and familiar with, signing up not have my age or gender being seen as for this recruitment drive a liability. I’m happy to give this a shot no has opened up more matter what the results are,” said Madam opportunities for me.” Ong.

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NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 7 77/24/08/24/08 1:43:181:43:18 PMPM workingfor • yntucdialoguewithluituckyew Take The Cue From Bosses

By Naseema Banu Maideen What more can be done to enhance our system? n a cosy atmosphere, with Mr Lui Tuck Yew shares his some coffee and toast to make vision for the education system. things friendlier, some Young NTUC activists gathered for a “kopitiam” discussion on 18 July The 3 I2008. This was the second round of Beyonds such discussions and participants were game to share their thoughts and Abilities with Senior Minister of State, Beyond Studies Ministry of Education and Ministry of Beyond books, exams and Information, Communications and grades, students must aim to the Arts Rear Admiral Lui Tuck Yew. Top Notch But Can Be Better develop some knowledge on a NTUC Assistant Secretary- whole range of other aspects. Employers, not only in Singapore but across the region, General and Adviser to Young They should grow to have a generally have high regard for our output, whether they NTUC Josephine Teo and Young quality in them that shines NTUC Chairperson Benjamin Tang are diploma-holders or university graduates. Singapore students brighter than their academic were leading the discussion. They “seem to uphold qualities such as trustworthiness, reliability and achievements. facilitated an open conversation honesty. Many employers, at the same time, have also expressed - there were no right and no wrong that, it would be better if they are more inquisitive, explore more Beyond Self answers and certainly no grades. and are able to discuss views across a range of topics.” Students should be inculcated This relaxed atmosphere allowed Lui Tuck Yew to identify the needs of the the participants to voice candid community. They should be thoughts on the education system in exposed to different cultures Singapore. system, is not the teachers, parents to produce the right people who and pick up other skills areas of While there were some who or the Ministry, but the employers. can compete in the global market. interest such as sports, music applauded the Government’s “If employers can come forward Educators play an important role in and dance. That brings us to support for lifelong learning and say that what they are looking this too, he added. the emphasis of community programmes, there were others who for is not always found in students “The ‘Teach Less, Learn More’ involvement programmes questioned the system’s approach in with the best grades but is found principle is a journey. The process and extra curricular activities the pursuit of excellence, elitism and in students with varied abilities, will take a long time just as a huge programmes in schools. In innovation. who have gone through different tanker will take time to change its other words, they should Discussions also centred on the experiences, have interacted with a course. develop some capacity within “Teach Less, Learn More” approach. great spectrum of people, and have “For educators who have been themselves to take on these Will this approach mould students, developed that value-add, then that trained in a certain path of teaching new aspects. and inspire them with creativity will make the spark. within the school system, this during the learning process? What is “When employers share more change will take a while. The good Beyond Singapore the true value of an ideal education openly on what they hope to see thing is that we have some new It’s also about adaptability. They system? Mr Lui had an insightful in graduates and diploma holders, educators coming in; therefore, right should be willing to open up reply. that will make a difference in the way from the start, they train in a different to the world, think beyond just “The group that is most quiet but people, especially parents, view the mode. With the fusion of this new following the books and explore potentially has the greatest impact education system.” water joining the stream, the water to improvise and excel. on how people view the education Teaching styles should evolve quality will be changed over time.”

After the signing of the MOU, Kenwood Strikes Gold UWEEI held a communication session and road show in Kenwood’s by of last year. At the time, UWEEI premises when the remaining eligible Marcus Lin requested that the Kenwood staff were convinced to sign up as enwood Electronics management considered extending UWEEI members. Singapore was witness the scope of limited representation Kenwood has also come out in to a rare testimony to its executives. support of this year’s National Wages of the strong union- The discussions were Council guidelines by giving out a business ties in concluded after 2-3 months, and $200 one-off lump sum payment KSingapore – the managing director under this MOU, executives in junior and an average 3 per cent annual himself signing up to join a union, Going For Gold... Kenwood gives strong support to the positions and who are not working increment to all bargainable staff, to union’s gold collar initiative. and then urging his own staff to do with confidential information, would help them cope with the rising cost of the same. Mr Mizuhara promoted the have limited representation. living. Kenwood Managing Director Mr membership to his Japanese staff. Ryo Mizuhara signed up for union The company, a manufacturer membership after the signing of a of electronic products for car Memorandum of Understanding entertainment and communications, UWEEI Reaches Out To PMETs with the United Workers of has always been a strong supporter Under its Gold Collar initiative, UWEEI has lined up a series of outreach Electronic and Electrical Industries of strong labour-management programmes for the Professionals, Managers, Executives, Technical on 15 February 2008. relations. Today, it has taken their People. Besides Kenwood, the union is talking to other companies in the This MOU was to extend the good ties a step further by strongly electronic sector to recognise limited representation for their executives. scope of limited representation to supporting the Gold Collar Initiative. The union will be hosting a movie and wine tasting session for its the executives in the company. UWEEI and Kenwood had PMETs on 3 August 2008. It wants to forge a stronger link with the PMETs Then, in a gesture of support and opened discussions on a new through the networking session and by sharing of what is does for its trust of the strong partnership, Collective Agreement at the end members. 101010 workingfor Infusing New Blood Into An Old Skill By Jansen Yeo We have always acted horthand writing is a dying trade. like a big family as In the age of our members shared about computers and the“ same problems at work. keyboards, there is little Through our networking demandS for this old-fashioned skill. system, we lend support to Employers are becoming more tech-savvy themselves and have one another and build on little need for shorthand writers. each other’s strength. Our This has certainly posed shared identity enabled us to a problem to the Singapore overcome a lot of obstacles Government Shorthand Writing despite its size.” Association. The union has faced the issue of leadership renewal SGSWA General Secretary Fok Wing Sew (left) and declining membership, discussing union matters with SGSWA President especially in recent years. Koh Kiang Chay. While technology may seem to be the cause of the declining members at each Triennial General membership of SGSWA, it has Meeting but even that is a tall order. The Singapore also provided the means of “We have many members who Government communication to forge stronger could lead the union. Unfortunately Shorthand Writing E Is For bonds within the union. they cannot spare much time Association was SGSWA General Secretary for the union due to their work established in 1953 E-Learning and Fok Wing Sew explained: “All commitment,” said Mr Fok. and represents our members could be reached The union has gained a those employed Employability via email at any one time. It has lot, in terms of experience and by the Singapore made bonding that much easier. ﬁ nancial resources, following its Government under We have always acted like a big afﬁ liation to the National Trades the Shorthand Writers’ family as our members shared Union Congress in 1991. Scheme of Service. It about the same problems at Mr Fok said: “Through encompasses Private work. Through our networking increased exposure and our Secretaries, Personal system, we lend support to one attendance at the various Assistants and another and build on each other’s seminars, meetings, overseas trips Verbatim Reporters. strengths. Our shared identity and membership at the various It has a current enabled us to overcome a lot of committees, SGSWA’s leaders are membership of 125 obstacles despite our small size.” able to widen its network and to members, all Ordinary The union tries to bring in two gain very useful insights into the Branch members. to three new Executive Committee Labour Movement as a whole.”

Healthy Concerns

Singapore Tamil As long as they remain in Government service, health coverage Teachers’ Union is not an issue for SGSWA members. The concern is that after Executive Committee retirement, they will have to accept a lower level of medical 2008–2011 coverage and to foot hefty medical bills by themselves. More than half of SGSWA As Mr Fok pointed out: “This does not apply to members President members are above the age S Samikannu who are pensioners. But for many others who have converted of 55. To stay employable, Deputy President to the CPF AR Mashuthoo especially after the age of 62, Vice-President scheme, this is a K Chandramoorthy members have to learn new skills. General Secretary dilemma. There Because of the nature of their S Nalluraj is, of course, Deputy General Secretary job, many of their members serve Singaravelu Kuppusamy MediShield their employers on a one-to-one Assistant General Secretary to help out, Vickneswari Rethinam basis, making it difﬁ cult for them General Treasurer but if medical A Visvalingam to attend courses. Electronic Assistant General Treasurer portability had Learning is a good alternative. Bhupathi Sadasu been in place, Members “Anything can be learned via Pon Sundararaju it would have Vijayarani Murthi the Internet and we should look Maanvili Pandiyan helped to resolve at training from that direction. Kasi Veerasamy many of these A Mallika This is really the way to go,” said Shanthi issues.” Mr Fok Wing Sew. Kamaladevi

NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 1100 77/24/08/24/08 1:43:381:43:38 PMPM sseu8thtriennialdelegatesconference•workingfor 11

Spirit Of SSEU Soldiers On

The lesson that we learnt is that it is very easy to destroy, but it “takes a long painful time to rebuild.”

Thomas Thomas

Gone But Not Forgotten… (from left) NTUC Assistant Secretaries-General Seng Han Thong and Josephine Teo, outgoing SSEU General Secretary Thomas Thomas, NTUC President John De Payva, Singapore Shell Companies Chairman Lee Tzu Yang, SSEU Advisor Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say remember Dr Ong Chit Chung.

concluded on 1 January this year, and would who was stepping down after more than hold till 31 December 2010. 30 years’ service. He will now focus his by Marcus Lin She said: “The new CA settlement attentions on his role as Executive Director of is a signifi cant one for SSEU and Shell the Singapore Compact for Corporate Social mid the speeches and applause Management as we aligned the terms and Responsibility and various other appointments. at the Singapore Shell Employees’ conditions for both Shell Eastern Petroleum Mr Thomas, who in his own words, Union’s 8th Triennial Delegates’ Private Limited and Shell Chemicals Seraya. “became a unionist by accident when I was Conference last week, there was a “We now have a single Collective very young, very naïve, very idealistic in 1971”, minute of silence. Agreement for all employees in the Shell went on to become the Shell Branch Secretary AIt was initiated by outgoing SSEU Group of companies in Singapore. In line with in 1978 and General Secretary from 1984. President Alice Lim, who called for the fair employment practices, all bargainable He was also a Labour Nominated Member poignant gesture from the delegates and employees in Shell will now be entitled to the of Parliament as well guests. It was in tribute and remembrance of same terms and conditions under a common as General Treasurer Singapore Shell Adviser Dr Ong Chit Chung who suddenly died CA. and President of the Employees’ Union on 14 July 2008, just three days before the “It also presents more opportunities to staff United Workers Of Executive Council event. affected in times of restructuring, to fi nd new Petroleum Industry. (2008 To 2011) He had touched many lives as one of jobs within Shell and its related companies. Looking back on President SSEU’s Advisors and also as a longstanding “This Collective Agreement is another three very eventful Jayakumar Mannar effective Member of Parliament for Jurong milestone that strengthens our shared vision.” decades, Mr Thomas Vice-Presidents Hamad Jumadi GRC. This 8th TDC also saw the farewell of thanked the NTUC Ong Teck Beng In her speech, Madam Lim applauded SSEU General Secretary and former NTUC and Shell for the General Secretary Azman Abdul Jalal the new Collective Agreement. It had been Central Committee member Thomas Thomas chance to serve, and Assistant General Secretary shared that good Fared Osman Executive Secretary labour-management Samuel Tan Boon Hui We now have a single Collective Agreement for all employees General Treasurer relations should not Melvin Chan Kam Foo in the Shell Group of companies in Singapore. In line with fair be taken for granted. Assistant General Treasurer employment practices, all bargainable employees in Shell will now be Oh Beng Chu “The lesson that Members entitled to the same terms and conditions under a common CA. we learnt is that Abdul Ghaffar A Rahim “ Tan Wee Khim It also presents more opportunities to staff affected in times it is very easy to Abdullah Sani Amin of restructuring, to fi nd new jobs within Shell and its related destroy, but it takes Abu Bakar Mohd Ali companies. Paul Kong Sieng Chong a long painful time to Mohd Amrith Mohd Yassim This Collective Agreement is another milestone that strengthens rebuild,” he said. Victor Teo Soon Heng our shared vision.” Viktor Ye Kok Khong Internal Auditors Elizabeth De Costa Alice Lim Raja Mohd Lokman Raja Aziz

NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 1111 77/24/08/24/08 2:39:472:39:47 PMPM 12 engaging • nationalday2008 NTUC An Honourable Powers Up Challenge or someone who has never taken part in the marching contingent for the National Day Parade, For The being nominated as the reserve NTUC contingent commander was an honour that Mr Ahmad Shaharuddin Abrahman, 34, did not expect. Nation FNevertheless, the Branch Committee Member of the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees, was game enough to step out of his comfort zone By Sim Wei Fang and take up this challenge. “It is my pride and honour to his National Day’s Human be able to represent the Labour Flag Event organised by Movement to do something for Young NTUC will defi nitely the nation,” said the Repatriation be the biggest show by the Offi cer with the Immigration and Labour Movement. It is a Checkpoints Authority. Whether at the parade or behind the scenes, NTUC record-breakingT feat – with a 12,288- has a strong presense at ndp 08. Mr Ahmad, who had led the man formation team. contingent three times so far, National Transport Workers’ Union is one such union which is taking recalled how he made a mistake part in this show of unity. during one of the rehearsals, as NTWU sent 300 participants – although, being one of the bigger a result of his nervousness. unions, they have many more who would have liked to come. However, However, the contingent they are unable to participate because they have to cater to the commander Mr Fang Chin Poh, increased demand for transportation services during this public holiday. reassured him, saying that it was “A lot of our members would love to be part of the event but many of natural for fi rst-timers to make our Bus Captains and Service Leaders have to drive chartered buses to mistakes. After that, Mr Ahmad Putting His Best Face Forward… Despite his inexperience, Mr Ahmad is proud to be part of ferry the National Day Parade marching contingents and performers from felt more confi dent and was able the marching contingent. various organisations,” said NTWU Youth Representative, Mr Mak Mun to take things in his stride. Whai. “It can be stressful at times, but I still treasure this Another supportive union is the Union Of Power And Gas rare opportunity. It is all part of the challenge to pick Employees. Mr Mohamad Nazir Sani, Youth Representative of the myself up - and I will not feel discouraged because of union said: “It is diffi cult for many of our members who are working shift one mistake,” said Mr Ahmad. jobs to participate in this event. We may not be physically present to Now, an excited Mr Ahmad cannot wait to support the Labour Movement’s participation in the Human Flag Event participate on the real day itself. “I’m sure the but we are equally glad to work behind the scenes to power up for the atmosphere will be really different. We have all been nation.” training hard and I’m sure every participant will be Whether it is the ground work or the behind the scenes, it is clear putting in his best efforts for the nation. My family and that the Labour Movement is going all out to give the nation a good friends will probably try to spot me on television and I show, in the coming National Day. really want to do them proud.”

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NTUC FairPrice Supports $1.5m To Team Singapore Pen your support for Team Singapore Lighten heading for the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games. NTUC FairPrice Foundation has committed to give $300,000 to the Higher Cost Singapore National Olympics Council for the development of sporting talent. It is also lending its support to Singapore’s Of Living Olympic aspirations by placing the book entitled “One Nation Behind You” TUC FairPrice at NTUC FairPrice Xtra AMK Hub on Foundation, a Saturday, 26 July 2008 and NTUC registered charity FairPrice Tampines Mall on Sunday, 27 fully funded by NTUC July 2008. Go to either of the branches Fairprice Co-operative between at 2 pm and 5 pm to write a Limited,N has given out $1.5 million small note of encouragement to our worth of NTUC FairPrice vouchers Chairman of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited and also NTUC FairPrice Foundation Ng Olympians. to help needy families affected Ser Miang presented the $1.5 million cheque to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Racial The book will be presented at the offi cial Harmony Fiesta@Jalan Kayu. Prime Minister Lee was the guest of honour at the event held on by the higher cost of living. 20 July 2008. Looking on is NTUC Fairprice Chief Executive Offi cer Tan Kian Chew. send-off at the airport on 2 August 2008. As a Labour Movement Social Enterprise, NTUC Fairprice Co- operative Limited has been at the forefront to help moderate the higher costs of living for workers and the larger community. It has pledged to donate $50 million to the NTUC FairPrice Foundation over the next 10 years. The latest gesture is given as part of the NTUC FairPrice Million Dollar Scheme. To date, the Social Enterprise has given $5.5 million to ease the fi nancial burden of the poor and needy in the community. The $1.5 million NTUC FairPrice vouchers will be distributed through grassroots organisations and selected welfare organisations.

Employers And Unions Address Seafarers’ Problems

eaders of international maritime employers and unions came together for a 2-day meeting in Hong Kong on 16 and L17 July 2008 to discuss issues outstanding from the last round of pay negotiations at the International Bargaining Forum in September 2007. Among the issues that unions are pushing for are increased bonus payments for crew members and a more effective mechanism to identify high risk areas for maritime transport. The outcome of the discussions will be given at the next meeting scheduled in November 2008.

NNTUCTW25July08.indTUCTW25July08.ind 1133 77/24/08/24/08 5:01:445:01:44 PMPM 14 moments Quest For Skills Upgrading

he NTUC Club’s subsidiary, Leisurequest Private Limited was presented with the Tourism Workforce Skills Qualifi cations New Approved Training Organisation Award at the Association of Singapore Attractions Annual Dinner on 3 July 2008. It has developed two modules approvedT under WSQ for its theme park operations namely, Operate Amusement Rides and Provide Safety and Security to Guests. The award capped the effort of NTUC Club to develop Bowling For Better Ties WSQ modules to upgrade It was a very the skills of its staff. The Club good programme One hundred and seventy-four bowlers from various has developed two modules branches of the National Transport Workers’ Union as I picked up new - Service Guest Room and competed in its annual Bowling Tournament at Orchid skills“ about making Handle Guest Arrival - for its Bowl, Orchid Country Club on Sunday, 13 July 2008. resorts divisions as early as room and interacting Organised by the union’s Quality Lifestyle Committee, 2007. To date, all the room with guests. I am now its management partners from SBS Transit Limited stewardesses are certifi ed more confi dent on how and SMRT Corporation Limited took part in the Special under the Service Guest Room to interact with guests Invitational Team event. Jurong Port Private Limited’s module. They have received such as answering management did not bowl as they were held up by other positive feedback from guests and colleagues on their service some of their common commitments. standard. questions.” NTUC Club is looking at a Alijah Amat Bujang, who has been new module on Work Safely for working in Costa Sands Resort its 80 staff working in the resorts (Downtown East) for 20 years. and theme parks.

Night Riders Ninety-one members from Young Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union challenged themselves to a grueling overnight 50-km cycling on 12 July 2008. Despite fatigue and soreness, the night riders enjoyed the cool night air and camaraderie as they meandered through the near deserted roads passing by prominent landmarks like Changi Village, Downtown East, IKEA Tampines and back to their start point at East Coast Park. NTUC Club Director for Resorts and Theme Parks Ringo Leung receiving the Tourism Workforce Skills Qualiﬁ cations New Approved Training Organisation Award from Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports, and Transport Teo Ser Luck. Mr Phun Teow Kie, Chairman of Association of Singapore Attractions is on the left.

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