15 AUGUST 2008 Sshinehine Oonn Ssingaporeingapore 照照亮新加坡亮新加坡

15 AUGUST 2008 SShinehine OOnn SSingaporeingapore 照照亮新加坡亮新加坡

Shine, we certainly did! 12,888 NTUC Members, families 照亮新加坡，他们做到了！8月9日，1万2888名职总会 and friends showed up to outshine last year’s effort 员及其亲友聚集在一起展现一幅巨大的人砌国旗。去年 to form Singapore’s Largest Human Flag. On 9 August 2008, we did it bigger and better – twice. We proudly 他们打破了纪录，今年他们做得更大。正当滨海浮动舞 stood as a day fl ag, singing the National Anthem as the 台上国歌高唱，巨幅国旗从空中飘扬而过，他们光荣竖 State Flag was fl own over Marina Bay where the National 立，在草场上编织星月旗遥相呼应；到了夜晚，国庆庆 Day Parade was held, and brightly shone as a night 典上传来宣读信约的声浪，他们亮起了系在手腕上的液 fl ag, reciting the Pledge, in synchrony with absolutely everybody at the Parade. Young NTUC organised the 晶灯，构成闪亮的旗海，与庆典的庄严气氛互相映照。 event at the Padang. Way to go, Labour Movement! 职总青年团做得好，新加坡工运加油！

Main picture by Young NTUC, shot from OCBC Tower. Picture of ﬂ ypast at top by Darren Colin Goh.

CCoverover wrap1a.indwrap1a.ind 1 88/14/08/14/08 33:11:55:11:55 PMPM Nothing Is Humanly Impossible Pictures by Alvin Toh.

We are here today, with our relatives and friends, as a group of 43 to celebrate the nation’s 43rd 今天是我们庆祝新加坡的43岁生 National Day. The spirit here is just excellent and I am 日，我很开心能够到现场跟职总一起庆祝 glad to be part of the Labour Movement spirit as we stand together proudly to celebrate the Singapore spirit.” 国家的生日。” Mohamed Shukor Kasmin (right), Port Officers’ Union 保安业雇员联合会会长席尔瓦

It is great fun to come together Once again, we have shown that when the Labour Movement 今天的活动非常的成功。我很开心 and celebrate National Day with 见到那么多人到政府广场来支持这项活 so many people.” decides to do together, we are able to do so Lim Lee Lee, much more.” 动，共同庆祝国家的生日。我们过去几个 who has been visually impaired since young. Josephine Teo, 月非常努力进行彩排，付出很大的心血。 NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Advisor to Young NTUC 我们再一次打破人砌国旗的记录！” I’ve been on the wheelchair for the past three months due 职总青年团主席邓俊伟 to joint pains but it’s not going to stop By Jansen Yeo and Naseema Banu Maideen 王得天报道 me from being part of this year’s human 去年我们通过一个地点分发礼包 flag. I’ve been participating in the Labour Movement’s National Day celebrations he rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 12,288 绵绵细雨，浇不息1万2000名青年表演现场向兴致勃勃的旗队致谢和给公众人士，造成人潮拥挤的现象。我们 for more than 20 years and it feels odd participants at this year’s human flag formation, organised 团员和群众的热情。国庆庆典当天，打气，气氛非常热烈。而在两次配合从中吸取经验，把分发礼包的地点增加到 if I’m not involved this year. I love the by Young NTUC as part of the Young NTUC Celebrates! 他们聚集在政府大厦草场，套上红色电视转播呈现人砌国旗之后，青年艺六个，解决了拥挤的问题。” atmosphere and enjoy being in the National Day 2008 event. 的雨衣，手持塑料拍板和闪亮的液晶术表演团pLaY!也登台演出45分钟的 T 职总青年发展署助理署长陈秉禾 presence of so many of my brothers and Braving the wet weather, the participants put on their red 灯，以利落的动作和身姿，向全国人歌舞节目，把工运庆祝国庆的气氛推 sisters.” ponchos, waved their paddle pops, flashed their LED light strobes 民展示最大的人砌国旗。向最高潮。 Zaleha MS Marican, and helped the Labour Movement enter the Singapore Book of 这是职总青年团继去年之后，再职总青年发展署助理署长陈秉这是我第一次参加国庆日的表演 Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore Records with the largest human day and night flag formations. 一次为我国工运创下光辉的纪录。正禾对于旗队在当天的表现非常满活动。经过大约两个月的彩排，我终于能 With last year’s successful flag formation still in their memories, 因为他们去年的创举获得了好评，今意。“我们筹备了九个多月，今天总算够在众人面前呈现舞蹈表演。” Last year, we were sitting many union members wanted to be part of this year’s celebrations outside, watching in as everyone 年的入场表演票早在国庆之前的一个获得圆满成功。很欣慰能够见到那么 and they snapped up all the tickets within a month. pLaY!表演艺术团成员茜蒂 had fun. This year, we decided to be part 月便分发一空。这说明青年团的亲友 On 9 August 2008, they marched into the Padang with their 多的人亲临现场。去年有8000多人参 of the crowd. Everyone was enjoying 都争着要在国家生日的这一天，参与与这项活动，今年吸引了1万2000多 themselves, singing and dancing. families and friends in tow, all eager to be part of the historical 我和同事合唱FIR组合的歌曲《天创写历史的时刻。人参加。” Seeing the night flag on the screen moment. Even when the showers came, they did not flinch from 天夜夜》。我们练习了三个月。为了演出， their positions, staying on gamely and patiently for the time to do 当天下午4时许，职总会长德培职总助理秘书长兼职总青年团顾 was an emotional sight, even for non- 我尽可能不吃酸辣的食物，并经常喝白开 Singaporeans like us.” the Labour Movement proud. That they did. 华、职总秘书长林瑞生、职总副秘书问杨莉明表示：“旗队的成功，再一次 Bangladeshi worker Iqban Hussein (left), And when the giant LED screen replayed images of their efforts, 长哈莉玛和王志豪、职总助理秘书长说明了工运队伍团结一致，就能实现水润喉。参加国庆表演是一生的荣幸。” with his friend. the sense of pride in their faces was evidential. It was a sense of 成汉通和杨莉明等，趁着前往滨海浮理想，就能够多做贡献。” pLaY!表演艺术团成员林道钦 pride of being part of the Labour Movement. 动舞台参加国庆典礼之前，亲临旗队 nationaldaycelebrations • special 3 Of The President’s

Tan Kok Seng, Willie Men General Secretary of 5 the SIEU since 1991, Brother Willie Tan Kok Out of a total of 3,514 individuals in 22 award categories Seng has contributed who received National Day Honours this year are fi ve to the success of many tripartite unionists with a combined track record of more than 100 initiatives and activities years. Though coming from different industries, they were in the insurance sector. One is all awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service the Insurance Workgroup on the Employability of Older Workers Medal) for their shared desire to serve fellow workers. convened under the auspices of the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers formed in 2005 to formulate strategies and measures Fang Chin Poh Employees’ Union-Shell Thrift and to raise the effective retirement General Secretary Loan Co-operative. He has been age beyond 62. It is a signifi cant of NTWU, Brother union representative to the Industrial achievement as the insurance Fang Chin Poh Arbitration Court Panel and NTUC industry is one of the fi rst to have has been in union representative in the Public Transport an industry-wide agreement on the work since 1981. Council. Brother Karthikeyan is a strong re-employment of retiring workers, He is a member of advocate for workers’ skills upgrading placing it in good stead to meet the the NTUC Central and continuous learning. He serves as challenge of an ageing workforce. Committee, the a union representative in the Singapore In 2004, Brother Willie served as a NTUC Membership Committee Workforce Development Agency Board member of the Insurance Working and alternate member of the NTUC of Directors and is a member of the Group on Wage Restructuring International Relations Committee. Ministry of Manpower’s Workplace formed under the Tripartite Taskforce He also serves as a member of the Safety and Health Advisory Committee. on Wage Restructuring. NTUC Club (Celebrations) Advisory He also serves as Chairman of NTUC Committee. In 2005, together with Workplace Health & Safety Committee. Wong Weng Ong the NTUC, NTWU and SBS Transit Ltd, Brother Chin Poh worked for Tan Cheng Choo, President of SMEEU the implementation of the Job Re- and Branch Chairman creation Programme to attract more James of Keppel Shipyard Singaporeans to drive the public Deputy Executive (Benoi) Branch, buses. Secretary of ESU, Group Brother Wong Weng Human Resource Offi cer Ong has served Karthikeyan of NTUC Childcare Co- his union since operative and Industrial 1988. He leads the Krishnamurthy Relations Consultant for negotiations in his Branch’s Collective General Secretary the PUB Employees’ Agreements and annual increments of UWPI, Brother Union, Brother James and represents union members on Karthikeyan Tan Cheng Joo has been with NTUC grievances and workplace issues. Krishnamurthy since 1989. In his various portfolios, When NTUC mooted the Job Re- has served in the he has shown a strong sense of creation Programme, Brother Weng petrochemical unions mission and dedication to further the Ong lent his strong support to the since 1986. He was interests of workers. Over the years, Marine Job Re-creation Programme. instrumental in overseeing the Brother James represented NTUC In 2006, he convinced his smooth merger of the Singapore Members in numerous negotiations management to grant an ex-gratia Petrochemical Complex Employees’ with their employers on their Collective payment to trainee supervisors. His Union and UWPI in 2001. Brother Agreements, grievances and other advocacy in Keppel Shipyard had led Karthikeyan is a member of the Industrial Relations issues. He has also to other shipyards under the MJRP NTUC Central Committee, serves worked closely with many of these to also pay their trainee supervisors as Board Member of the NTUC companies and the union members on ex-gratia payments in recognition of Thrift & Loan Cooperative and is restructuring exercises to enhance the their contribution to their companies’ a Trustee of the Singapore Shell companies’ competitiveness. operations.

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hey came in droves for the party of the year and nothing was going to drive them away. Perhaps the Theavens were in a playful mood, teasingly spraying Singaporeans with raindrops and competing for attention. But rain or no rain, they stood their ground and stood up to be counted for Singapore.

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Be Connected And Win NTUC This Week An ASUS EEE-PC 4GB Be Connected And Win An ASUS EEE-PC 4GB White Model (UP $599) Contest Question 1: Name any 2 articles featured in News Break. White Model UP $599 Answer 1: ______Question 2: How many Social Enterprises are there in the Labour Movement? Win an ASUS EEE-PC 4GB White Model Answer 2: ______(UP $599), courtesy of AAAs Question 3: What is the cost of NTUC This Week for NTUC Members? Com Solution! Answer three Answer 3: ______questions and post your entry coupon back to us. The Name: ______answers can be found at Address: ______www.ntucthisweek.org.sg NRIC: ______DOB: ______Union: ______Occupation: ______Terms & Conditions Contact Number: ______Email: ______Mailing address: 1. Only 1 form per person. “NTUC This Week Online Contest” 2. Incomplete enteries will be disqualiﬁ ed. Closing Date: 31 August 2008 1 Marina Boulevard, #14-01 NTUC Centre 3. All forms must reach us by Singapore 018989 31 August 2008.

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Reports by Marcus Lin, Naseema Banu Maideen and Jansen Yeo Promising Times Ahead A Melting espite the economic uncertainties, Pot Of the marine industry Dwill remain robust with Success promises of good growth this year. This assurance was impressed upon the 1,000 workers present at the National Day Observance Ceremony, organised by the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union, on 8 August 2008. Minister for the Environment and Water Our efforts in Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said that the maintaining Singapore’s current order books of the major shipyards are full until 2011. competitiveness must “High oil prices and the increasing level of “continue. This will help oil and gas exploration activities underpin the us retain full employment strong growth in the marine sector. According situation and to provide to industry sources, all three sectors of the continued wage increases for industry – offshore, ship repair and conversion, and shipbuilding – have beneﬁ ted from the all our workers for the long demand surge. It has also ﬁ ltered down to term.” shipyards, oil rigs and ship owners.” Dr Yaacob Ibrahim Dr Yaacob added that this augurs well for employers and workers in the marine and offshore sector. Technologies Marine, President of ST Marine, It also creates more platforms for Mr Chang Cheow Teck announced a National Singaporeans who are seeking jobs in this Day bonus for staff in recognition of the hard sector. work and contributions to the growth of the At the ceremony held at the Singapore industry.

Working Together For Our Workers

2008 IS A WATERSHED year for the public land transport landscape as the Government announced a slew of revolutionary changes during the Land Transport Review earlier in the year. The National Transport Workers’ Union, with strong support from the management, has been going to the ground, visiting its members at their workplaces to have a better understanding of their concerns. These visits also provided an ideal opportunity for the union and management to explain the rationale for the introduction of these policies. “We are confi dent that such regular visits will, in the long run, help build a stronger bond and community between workers, union and the management. As long as we work together, there’s a lot we can do for our workers,” said NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTWU several key challenges including job re-design as both parties move forward to meet new Executive Secretary Seng Han Thong and the re-employment of older workers. challenges. at ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited’s Over the years, union and management have In the words of ComfortDelGro Managing National Day Observance Ceremony on 8 also established strong Labour-Management Director/Group Chief Executive Offi cer, Mr August 2008. Relations based on trust. The next few years Kua Hong Pak: “We have done well.” Both the union and management had are exciting times for the industry and this Yes, and together, we can do more. set up a tripartite workgroup to deal with good LMR will serve as a fi rm foundation

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Prime For Better Time o survive and succeed in the future, Singapore must remain an open city that welcomes talents from all over the world. Likewise for Keppel Offshore & TMarine Limited. This was mentioned by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community, Development, Youth and Sports, during the National Day Observance Ceremony organised by Keppel FELS Employees’ Union on 11 August 2008. Keppel Offshore & Marine is doing extremely well with its order book full till 2012. Every worker, regardless of where they come from and what jobs they do, is s Singapore navigates into uncertain short history and have always rallied together playing an important role in the success of global economic currents, tripartite and tackled them successfully. We will do so the company. partners play a signiﬁ cant role in again.” “What this company has shown is facilitating a smooth sail. Mr Heng also commended the Prima Group that if you work together, work hard and In this light, NTUC Deputy for its caring approach to employees’ welfare and are well-led, success can be achieved. ASecretary-General Heng Chee How lauded the prospects. The group is giving a one-off payment So despite our different backgrounds and harmonious labour-management ties between of between $200 and $500, to employees regardless of the job that we do, each and Prima Group and Food, Drinks and Allied earning a monthly salary of up to $2,500 and every single one of us has a role to play Workers’ Union at the National Day Observance contract older workers. It also presented long in the success of the country and in the Ceremony on 11 August 2008. service awards to 38 staff and 10 scholarships success of this company,” said Dr Vivian. Some 200 employees and management for tertiary education to employees’ children. At the NDOC, Keppel Offshore & representatives attended the ceremony Mr Primus Cheng, Chairman and Chief Marine acknowledged the hard work and organised by FDAWU. Executive Ofﬁ cer of Prima Group, announced dedication of employees who have served NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee that the new manufacturing factory for Prima a minimum of 10 years. How said the trust built on this tripartite platform Taste in Senoko will be ready by early 2009. A total of 122 employees received is the essential lubricant to getting employees to This will free the space at 201, Keppel Road Long Service Awards including 10 who go the extra mile in service and in excellence. for its expansion plans involving Prima Deli and have served the company for 40 years. “Singapore and Singaporeans are not Baking Industry Training Centre operations. He

averse to dealing with challenges. We have also touched on the company’s export of ﬂ our to encountered many difﬁ cult tests in our nation’s Japan and Korea.

More Room For Safety

embcorp Marine Limited and Jurong Shipyard Private Limited have been reaping rewards for the continuing good times. However, this has come at a highS price. The marine sector’s workplace fatality rate was 6.9 per 100,000 employees in 2007. This is signiﬁ cantly higher than the national rate of 2.9. As the sector continues to progress, some 6,500 workers and employers were At the same time, Mr Gan commended the As a nation, we are taking reminded of the constant need for safety at efforts of the Association of Singapore Marine the National Day Observance Ceremony on Industries and the Workplace Safety and it a step further. The Prime 11 August 2008. Health Council on working with 40 shipyards Minister set the new target to At the ceremony organised by in implementing better safety systems. Jurong “reduce the national workplace Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Shipyard was also lauded for its investment in fatality rate to 1.8 per 100,000 Employees’ Union, Acting Minister for considerable efforts and resources in the area employees by 2018. He challenged Manpower Gan Kim Yong said more of safety management. resources will have to be committed to He commended Jurong Shipyard for re- all of us to innovate and devise improve the safety records. employing more than 70 older workers and better systems and strategies to He urged industry leaders to undertake hriring 30 supervisors under the ASMI Super-V improve workplace safety.” the challenge to lower the industry’s rate to Programme as part of the Marine Job Re- 2.9. creation Programme. Gan Kim Yong, Acting Manpower Minister

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ST Aerospace Skills Training Growth Parallels The Pays Off For All Singapore Story

ingapore Technologies Aerospace Limited has been able to compete against the big companies in the global market and n his speech at Okamoto (Singapore) Private Limited’s become a leader because they have a very strong team. National Day Observance Ceremony held on 8 August At the National Day Observance Ceremony jointly 2008 at Riverside Road, Metal Industries Workers’ Union organised by ST Aerospace and the Singapore Industrial General Treasurer Loo Say Tuang called on companies to Sand Services Employees’ Union on 7 August 2008, Minister for Finance remain competitive by innovating, improving productivity and Tharman Shanmugaratnam likened the ST Aerospace success story to managingI costs. Singapore’s own growth. Mr Loo said: “The next frontier of competitive advantage “We’re not very different people from the rest of the world, man for is the knowledge and skills of employees. Continuous training man, woman for woman. But as a team, we’re stronger. In companies like is essential for workers to remain relevant. I am glad that the ST Aerospace, we showed how a strong team can beat the world,” said management of Okamoto together with the branch union, Minister Tharman. NTUC Employability Enhancement Department as well as NTUC ST Aerospace strongly believes in the development of its workers and LearningHub are currently working together to send their workers their efforts have reaped results. for training under the Certifi cate in Generic Manufacturing. Minister Tharman elaborated: “The company invests every year in its Workers with none or little educational qualifi cations or from workers. It works closely with SISEU to make sure workers get training other industries would gain from this certifi cation.” and upgrading every year. It makes sure that workers have good worklife Mr Loo also spoke of the need to maintain good relations balance through the Flexi-Time scheme. It makes sure that when people which are important during diffi cult times: “I am glad the strong do well, they’re rewarded. ties between the union and the management had served both “Just by continuous attention to quality, by taking care of its workers, parties well over the years. Together, we had braved through working closely with the union so that year after year, productivity goes up, diffi cult and good times. I am confi dent that this will continue to wages go up. And that’s in a way the Singapore story. Play amongst the be in the many years ahead as both the company and the union best and be the best.” progress ahead as one.” More Can development since independence.” And Will He said the plans include the Marina Bay developments; extensive new plans for the Jurong Lake Be Done District, Paya Lebar Central and the Kallang Riverside; self-suffi cient espite the uncertainties public housing estates with reduced around, Singapore’s strong travel time, energy consumption and economic fundamentals can more greenery. still achieve good growth and Minister Mah expressed job creation this year. confi dence that a better Singapore DMinister for National Development Mah Bow Tan spoke awaits: “There may be some short-term adjustments of the plus factors at the Ministry of National Development’s which we would have to manage, but by developing in National Day Observance Ceremony on 7 August 2008 at the a sustainable manner, we will be more competitive as an Building Construction Authority Academy. economy, and more liveable as a city. There is much work As Co-Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on to be done. But together, with the support of businesses Sustainable Development, Minister Mah outlined “a blueprint and the community, I am confi dent we will build a better to provide for not only economic and population growth, but Singapore for ourselves and for generations to come, also a quality living environment. Sustainable development making this a distinctive global city and our endearing is, in fact, not new to Singapore. It has been our model of home.”

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Younger Than The Mountains Older Than The Trees 43 Milestones Of The Labour Movement

The Singapore Labour Movement was formed in 1961 – 5 years before Singapore became an independent nation. We present 43 milestones of the Labour Movement to mark Singapore’s 43rd National Day on 9 August 2008. This list of 43 milestones of the Labour Movement is by no means complete, as milestones are marked for every good thing that we do for our workers and their families daily.

1961. Split From SATU, Start Of 1963. PIEU For Pioneers. As NTUC. The NTUC was set up in 1961, Singapore industralised, the following a split in the Labour Movement manufacturing sector became a fast 1over a political issue – whether Singapore 3 growth sector. Pioneer Industries should join the Federation of Malaya and Employees’ Union was formed in 1963 to become independent within a large political organise workers in Singapore’s pioneer entity. Communist elements in the political industrial estate, Jurong Industrial Estate. and trade union circles preferred Singapore to remain under British control so that they could 1964. First Newspaper. NTUC’s continue to whip up anti-colonial passions, ﬁ rst newspaper was called as a prelude to a communist takeover. NTUC Perjuangan. It was published in supported the position taken by the People’s 4 November 1964. In his Foreword, Action Party that it would be in Singapore’s best Ho See Beng, who was NTUC interests to become part of Malaya. President (1964 to 1966) said the “journal” would serve the larger interests of workers “as it was becoming increasingly difﬁ cult 1961. First NTUC Chairman And for trade unions to air their views through Secretary-General. Among the the columns of the press.” CV Devan early leaders of the Singapore Labour Nair, NTUC SG (1961 to 1965), was 2 Movement were NTUC Chairman the Editor. The lead article in this issue Mahmud Awang (1961) and NTUC Secretary- carried details of the proposals for General CV Devan Nair (1961 to 1965). We amendments to labour legislation raised have since seen 4 Chairmen, 9 Presidents by NTUC to Labour Minister Jek Yuen and 9 SGs. Among them, 11 have also served Thong. as Labour Members of Parliament and 2 as Singapore President – CV Devan Nair (1981 to 1985; died 6 December 2005) and Ong Teng Cheong (1993 to 1999; died 8 February 2002).

NTUC LEADERS

NTUC PRESIDENTS NTUC SECRETARIES-GENERAL NTUC CHAIRMEN* Term of Offi ce Term of Offi ce Term of Offi ce 1. Ho See Beng 1964-1966 1. CV Devan Nair 1961-1965** 1. Mahmud Awang # 1961 2. RA White 1966-1967 2. ST Nagayan 1965-1966 2. Ho See Beng 1962-1964 3. Peter Vincent 1967-1970 3. Ho See Beng 1966-1967 3. Phey Yew Kok 1979 4. Phey Yew Kok 1970-1979 4. Seah Mui Kok 1967-1970 4. Yu-Foo Yee Shoon 1980-1985 (March) 5. CV Devan Nair 1979-1981 5. CV Devan Nair 1970-1979 * Position abolished in 1985 (April) # Chairman of Pro-tem Committee 6. Peter Vincent 1981-1985 6. Lim Chee Onn 1979-1983 Source: Perjuangan, May Day Annuals, NTUC ODC/TDC, Various Years. 7. George Chua 1985-1986 7. Ong Teng Cheong 1983-1993 8. Oscar Oliveiro 1986-1997 8. Lim Boon Heng 1993-2006 9. John De Payva Since 1997 9. Lim Swee Say Since 2007 ** Devan Nair held the position of Secretary of Pro-tem Committee in 1961 & General Secretary in 1962.

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1965. Formation Of The NTUC Research Unit. The Labour Research Unit, set up by the Ministry of Labour, 5was incorporated into the National Trades Union Congress in 1965 and became known as the NTUC Research Unit. The Unit’s primary function was to advise the trade unions on industrial matters. It was renamed NTUC Administration and Research Unit in April 1996, to reﬂ ect its expanded scope in serving and growing the Labour Movement.

1968. The Employment Act And Other Labour Legislation. The Employment Act was passed in 6 1968 to promote industrial peace and discipline among the workforce. Subsequently, Section 18(2) of the Industrial Relations Act was introduced to prohibit trade unions to raise any bargaining demands on the promotion, internal transfer, recruitment, retrenchment, Times. Courtesy of SPH-The Straits dismissal or reinstatement of an employee 1969. Modernisation Seminar. The including the assignment or allocation of duties seeds of the NTUC as we now know it 1969. Confrontational or speciﬁ c tasks to him. The result was that were planted at the epochal “Trade Union No More. Arising from the these personnel matters not only could not Seminar on Modernisation of the Labour “Modernisation Seminar”, form part of collective bargaining but they could 7 Movement” in 1969. Prior to that, the founder of 8 collective bargaining became not form the basis of a trade dispute. modern trade unionism in Singapore, CV Devan collaborative and not confrontational Following the establishment of the National Nair, was an elected Member of Parliament for and workers were helped to achieve Wages Council to regulate wage increases, Bangsar in Selangor when Singapore was merged a better quality of life through better Section 34 of the Industrial Relations Act with Malaya in 1963, while at the same time NTUC education and training. The cornerstone was amended to stipulate that in certifying a SG. Singapore’s expulsion from Malaysia in 1965 of the constructive industrial relations Collective Agreement or in making an award, was soon followed by the British decision to that followed lay in the tripartism efforts the IAC may pay due regard, among others, withdraw their bases from Singapore. Faced with of unions, employers and Government to the recommendations made by the Minister high unemployment, labour legislation was redrafted to share a common purpose. in relation to wage increases suggested by in 1968 to attract investors and Devan Nair was the NWC. This signiﬁ cantly affected collective asked to return. After much review and discussions, bargaining on wages since the Court, paying Devan Nair led the “Modernisation Seminar” in heed to NWC’s recommendations, allowed November 1969. Other key players at the seminar variations in wage terms only when parties included the present Elected President SR Nathan, convinced the Court of special circumstances Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, former Deputy Prime or employers established that they did not have Minister Goh Keng Swee and Professor TH Elliott the capacity to pay the NWC recommended from the University of Singapore. wage increases.

1970. NTUC Income Insures Workers. At the “Modernisation Seminar”, Dr Goh, the economic 9 architect of Singapore, suggested that NTUC begin ﬁ rst with an insurance cooperative. NTUC responded. NTUC Income was established in 1970 with a modest capital of $1.2 million. Until NTUC Income came on the scene, low-income workers were left without insurance coverage. When breadwinners were stricken down, their families were left in desperate straits. NTUC Income developed schemes for unions to buy insurance for members, with the low premiums co-paid by the unions and the workers themselves. Then came NTUC Comfort which dealt with the problem of people operating as unlicensed taxi drivers because jobs

were so hard to get. Under NTUC Comfort, of Singapore. Archives courtesy of National By MITA, they became taxi owners and were able to earn a decent living. The cooperative has since become a listed company. The third cooperative was NTUC Welcome (now NTUC Fairprice), in 1973, which immediately moved against rampant proﬁ teering, and brought much relief to Singaporeans. These are the current NTUC cooperatives – Childcare, Choice Homes, ElderCare, Fairprice, Foodfare,

Healthcare, Income, Media and Thrift & Loan. Times. Courtesy of SPH-The Straits

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1970. SILO Formed. The 1980s. Back To The Future recession in 1984-1985. It was an eye-opener Singapore Industrial Labour With IUs And HUs. 9 industrial as Singapore found itself less economically Organisation was formed unions were formed following competitive because of the high wages and rigid 10 to meet the needs of the 14 the break up of SILO and PIEU seniority-based wage structure. Overnight, some growing population of Industrial workers in view in 1986. These IUs subsequently birthed house companies shut down or pulled out of Singapore of the expansion of industries in Singapore. The unions. From SATU came CIASEU, SATSWU and many workers lost jobs and could not fi nd idea was mooted at the “Modernisation Seminar” and SIASU. From SMEEU formed Far East another job that matched their previous high held in 1969. SILO and PIEU had almost half of Levingston Labour Organisation (FELLO) and salaries. NTUC’s membership. The following year, SILO Jurong Shipyard Employees’ Union (JSEU). From set up the SILO Multi-Purpose Co-operative UWPI came SSEU-Shell. At that time, HUs like 1985. CPF Cut And Wage and operated supermarkets, a printing press, UTES, K’FEU and NEU were already formed, in Freeze. Singapore spiralled canteens and a travel agency. It also owned Big 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively. HUs which into a recession as wage Splash at East Coast Park. PIEU likewise set up have now become either defunct, renamed or 16 increases overtook productivity PIEU Supermarkets. merged with another union include Metal Box gains. Understanding the need to lower costs, Employees’ Union (MBEU), POSB Employees’ NTUC supported moves to freeze wages 1972. Beginning Of NWC. Union (POSBEU), Resources Development – and even accepting cuts in the employers’ National Wages Council, with Corporation Employees’ Union (RDCEU), contributions to workers’ CPF, from 25 per cent equal tripartite representation Singapore Broadcasting Corporation Staff Union to 10 per cent. NTUC supported a second CPF 11 from the Government, (SBCSU) and Singapore Petrochemical Complex cut in 1999, from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, and employers and union, was set up in 1972. One Employees’ Union (SPCEU). The formation of a third cut in 2003, from 16 per cent to 13 per of the main reasons for the success of the NWC, HUs was a divisive topic within NTUC at that time cent. To further enhance the fl exibility of our wage according to Prof Lim Chong Yah who was and something that the Labour Movement no system, the Monthly Variable Component was Chairman from 1972 to 2001, lies in the closed- longer encourages. Union mergers took place in introduced in 1999, an idea that NTUC mooted. door deliberations which permit participants the 1990s, right into the 2000s. Textile Industrial to step down from previously stated positions Workers’ Union (TIWU) merged with SISEU, 1986. Wage Reform. NWC without loss of face. POSB Employees’ Union (POSBEU) became recommended that Singapore DBSSU, SMRT Employees’ Union (SMRTEU) adopts a wage system that 1977. SLF Towers For joined NTWU. Kindergarten and Childcare 17 is responsive to fl uctuating Workers. The Singapore Centres’ Staff Union (KCSSU) as formed in 1992 economic conditions so that wages can be Labour Foundation took form and now, KCSSU is no more, having merged with adjusted downwards during recessions and 12 in 1977 to promote the welfare ESU on 1 April 2008. restored when the economy recovers. The of NTUC members and further the development Wage Reform Committee published its report of the trade union movement. It is funded by 1984-1985. Recession. in 1986, introducing a Flexible Wage System, in contributions from unions, cooperatives and After the oil crisis in 1973- the form of variable bonus, performance-driven its NTUC members. The SLF, in turn, helps the 1974, Singapore developed assessment, profi t-sharing scheme, KPI bonuses. NTUC and its unions fi nance social, cultural and 15 uninterruptedly for the next 10 Subsequently there were improvements to the recreational activities. NTUC affi liated unions, years when many workers enjoyed high wages Flexible Wage System. Social Enterprises and related organisations need and the good life. All this came to a halt when The Singapore Civil Service adopted a to be affi liated to SLF. Singapore was hit by its fi rst major economic Flexible Wage System in 1987. Singapore also took steps to move towards a more broad- based economy so as not to be over-reliant on 1980. Restructuring Of Chairman), Ong Ah Heng (4th Vice-Chairman), only certain sectors and workers’ skills training SILO And PIEU. NTUC Lew Syn Pau (Secretary) and Othman Haron was further encouraged. SG Lim Chee Onn formed Eusofe, Lim Boon Heng, Dr Wan Soon Bee, 13 a taskforce in March 1980 Sidek Saniff, Ong Yen Her and Lim Chin Siew to restructure the 2 omnibus unions, SILO as Members. The 2 groups offi cially merged on and PIEU, into 9 industry-wide unions and 1 July 1981 with Silo Co-operative absorbing 4 house unions. Members of the taskforce all the assets of PIEU Co-operative. As a result, were SG Lim (Chairman), Chin Harn Tong the enlarged SILO Multi-Purpose Co-operative (1st Vice-Chairman), Pang Jong Meng (2nd Society benefi ted from greater effi ciency and Vice-Chairman), Goh Chee Wee (3rd Vice- economies of scale. 1990. From SILS To OTC Institute. The idea for a labour college was mooted 18 at the Modernisation of the Labour Movement Seminar in 1969 and realised in 1990 as the Singapore Institute of Labour Studies. The Institute was renamed Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies in 2002 to honour the memory of Singapore President Ong Teng Cheong who died on 8 February that year. He was NTUC SG from 1983 to 1993, and concurrently Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister from 1990 to 1993, when he contested in the Presidential Election and became President from 1993 to 1999.

1994. OCC, A Country Club For Workers. In 1991, NTUC SG Ong Teng Cheong mooted 19 the idea of a golf and country club for workers which would allow them to have “a fair share of the fruits of Singapore’s economic

Courtesy of SPH-The Straits Times. Courtesy of SPH-The Straits progress” in recognition of their contribution. He envisioned a golf and country club that would

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GRC was jobs. “I need a job. What can you do about it if I vote for you?”, SG Lim, a PAP candidate in Jurong GRC, was frequently asked. Several colleagues in the union movement who volunteered to help SG Lim in the campaign then set up a job-placement task force. Within 2 days, more than 1,000 workers looking for jobs registered. After the General Election, NTUC JobLink was set up. (Picture at bottom.) And now, there’s CareerLink@ntuc&wda.

2002. Partial Representation Of Executives. The 23 union represents Ordinary members in wage negotiations and workplace issues. General Branch members do not have such representation rights. However, they enjoy the same social benefi ts such as NTUC Fairprice rebates, discounts for use of chalets, access to golf privileges and NTUC Club facilities. Most executives may join as General Branch members. Since September 2002, the law has been amended to allow partial representation of executives. be affordable to workers as he did not want golf 2001. NTUC JobLink, to become a “game for executives only”. Orchid And Now, CareerLink. Country Club, believed to be the fi rst country club Before the Asian Financial for workers in the world, was completed at end- 22 Crisis crunch, NTUC SG December 1994. Lim Boon Heng worried about the relocation of manufacturing operations from Singapore to 1996. SRP For Older cheaper locations. More workers were being Workers With Low retrenched and his concern was if there was Education. Skills a tipping point and the relocations came in a 20 Redevelopment Programme fl ood. He suggested that NTUC set up a job was conceptualised to promote certifi cation placement agency even though NTUC did of skills to improve the employability of older not have the know-how; he thought NTUC workers with low education. The courses lead should learn those skills when there wasn’t a to certifi cations recognised at the national and big problem. SG Lim coined the name, NTUC industry levels with as much as 80 per cent JobLink. In the run-up to the 2001 General reimbursement for course fees and 70 per cent Election, one big issue in working-class Jurong for absentee payroll. As at 2007, the number of training places completed under SRP was 78,500.

1997-1998. Rising From The Asian Financial Crisis. Through no fault of its own, 21 Singapore was right in the middle of the Asian Financial Crisis when it hit in 1997-1998. However, Singapore coped with it better than most Asian economies because of policy responses to the crisis by using the exchange rate and wage instruments effectively during the crisis. Singapore’s managed exchange rate system allowed it to quickly depreciate the Singapore dollar in response to the loss of its export competitiveness arising from the collapse of the regional currencies. As the crisis dragged on into 1998, Singapore decided not to tinker with the nominal exchange rate but instead worked towards direct cost-cutting measures such as wage and operating cost reductions to maintain its competitiveness. Despite the crisis, Singapore has pressed ahead with ﬁ nancial reforms including liberalising the Singapore dollar, to ensure the long-term competitiveness of its economy and to preserve workers’ jobs.

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2003. Overcoming The SARS Crisis. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome was a 24 test of conﬁ dence for Singapore and the Labour Movement. Those hardest hit were union members in the hospitality, healthcare and airlines industries. LM went about negotiating with employers on ways to help their workers keep their jobs in these difﬁ cult times. The unions, working closely with the management, ensured that adequate protective measures and precautions were taken for healthcare workers and airline staff. Workers, in particular hotel employees, went on unpaid leave, took pay cuts and took up paid training places, all this to help their employers cut down on costs. Taxi drivers were especially affected during this period when the general public shunned public transportation, causing their earnings to plummet. LM set up a task force to spearhead efforts to help these taxi drivers, getting taxi companies to provide rental and diesel rebates to the drivers. Leaders of the various Taxi Operators’ Associations also volunteered their time to help man the 17 checkpoints where taxi drivers had their temperature checked.

2003. WDA Charged To 2004. NTUC Lead In Lifelong Learning. Centre/One The Singapore Workforce Marina Development Agency 25 27 Boulevard. was launched in 2003, less than 7 months NTUC moved home to NTUC after the Government accepted the Economic Centre at 1 Marina Boulevard, at Review Committee’s recommendation to form a the gateway of the new downtown Continuing Education and Training (CET) body that will rise in the years ahead. to help Singaporeans cope with economic NTUC Centre was offi cially restructuring. The agency was charged with opened by Prime Minister Goh the responsibility of building a fi rst-class lifelong Chok Tong on May Day, fulfi lling education and training system for workers. a promise which he made 14 Our union leaders searched out ways in which years before, that the Government their employers could tap on the Government’s would build a new headquarters ADVANTAGE! Scheme to re-design work systems for NTUC. to aid older workers in their work. 2005. Young NTUC For The Future. Formerly known as the National Trades Union 28 Congress Youth Committee, 2004. JRP For Better unemployed to get back into the workforce. Young NTUC was launched Pay. Job Re-creation JRP was gradually introduced in various in 2005 as the offi cial youth wing of the Labour Programme was initiated industries from cleansing, hospitality, Movement. Working closely with the youth 26 to transform existing landscaping to the security and public chapters of the 62 NTUC-affi liated unions and low paying jobs into more attractive ones to transport sectors. As at 2007, the number through activities and interest groups like bowling help Singaporeans, especially mature ones of jobs re-created was 15,000 and the and photography, Young NTUC seeks to engage with less education, to earn more through number of placements in re-created jobs the young workers of Singapore. It is the largest higher productivity. It also encouraged the was 7,339. youth movement in Singapore with 155,000 members below 35 years old.

2006. NTUC Is 45. 6 September 2006 marked NTUC’s 45th Anniversary. 29 On this day, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew addressed some 1,000 unionists, tripartite partners and students from various institutions at the Singapore Conference Hall. During the lecture, “Labour Movement in Nation Building: Past, Present and Future”, MM Lee shared many interesting insights that spoke of his involvement with unions as a young legal advisor in the 1950s. He also emphasised on the importance of a strong bond of trust between the political leaders, unionists and workers to meet the challenges of a globalising economy. MM Lee also lauded the Labour Movement and Singapore’s working together that has contributed to Singapore’s progress.

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2006. Singapore To The World. NTUC became the 2006. LM2011 – All CAN. The Labour Movement 2011 is a vision to fi rst trade union organisation unite all NTUC-affi liated unions, taxi associations and Social Enterprises 33 to host a seminar on in its effort touch the lives of all Singaporeans, from the young to the tripartism, doing it as part of the offi cial 30 old. Task force teams called dragonboats were formed to engage programme of the IMF/World Bank Meetings in workers of all Collars, Ages and Nationalities and improve every possible aspect of work, Singapore in September 2006. live and play. Starting with 9 dragonboats, there are now 15. 2007. UCCW For Contract And Casual Workers. The Unit for Contract Workers 34 was set up in 2006 with the objective to assist lower income contract workers in areas relating to employability, medical benefi ts and fair employment terms. With an increasing trend of more contract and casual workers in the labour scene, it was renamed as Unit for Contract and Casual Workers in 2007. Through this unit, more intense efforts are channeled to enhance the economic and social well-being of the low-wage contract and casual workforce by communicating and advocating the adoption of Best Sourcing Initiatives by all stakeholders. The unit also looks into enhancing the workers’ welfare in areas of medical and insurance needs. It also ensures that workers remain gainfully employable for life with skills upgrading, re-training or job expansion and re-design.

2006. Birth Of ESU. 2006. NTUC Is The formation of this new Represented In ITUC. union to represent workers The international labour 31 in the private education 32 movement founded the new services sector came with the corporatisation of international body, the ITUC, with the merger of Nanyang Technological University and National International Conferation of Free Trade Union University of Singapore in April 2006. With and World Conferation of Labour, in November the corporatisation, these two entities could 2006. As an ICFTU afﬁ liate, NTUC played an no longer be represented by the branches active role in ITUC’s founding. NTUC President of Amalgamated Union of Public Employees. John De Payva was elected as Titular Member ESU started with 4,500 members from the of the General Council of ITUC and ITUC-AP AUPE branches from NUS and NTU as well as (the new regional organisation) and Chair of the education service branches from the Singapore ITUC-AP Executive Bureau. Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union and Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union. 2007. A Labour Of Love. In 2006, the idea for a musical 35 was mooted and it led to the formation of p.L.a.Y!, Young NTUC’s performance arts group. A Labour of Love told of one couple’s touching love story set against the history of NTUC. It also showed the hard work and sacriﬁ ces of the workers of yore to make Singapore what it is today. Young NTUC took up this project to express the Labour Movement’s gratitude for our union leaders, past and present, and honour their commitment. The sold out musical was attended by PM Lee Hsien Loong.

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2007. STF, Where 2007. L3 For Top 3 In opportunities to stay employable for life. It is an Tripartism Works. Unions. The Labour initiative of NTUC in partnership with the WDA As one of the LM2011 Leadership Lighthouse was and SLF. e2i was offi cially launched by PM Lee 36 dragonboats, the 37 launched to engage the top Hsien Loong on 1 February 2008. Singapore Tripartism Forum got the biggest three leaders in each union on key issues. More pat on its back with the endorsement of than 70 union leaders engaged with NTUC SG 2008. The New U In All Of PM Lee Hsien Loong. (Picture below.) Lim Swee Say and President John De Payva Us. New look. New focus. He addressed an audience of 500 union on the development of the Labour Movement New mindset. The Labour leaders, management partners and DNA at its fi rst meeting. L3 is now a regular and 41 Movement embraces this Government offi cials at the Inaugural STF important platform for the top union leaders and freshness together with its existing core values dialogue session on 24 January 2007. The senior cooperative executives to meet and align that are embedded within its roots. The new U STF will provide a platform for the tripartite efforts on a regular basis. is an extension of Labour Movement’s collective partners to come together and work out a commitment to serve the working people of consensus to create win-win situations for 2007. 500,000 NTUC Singapore and stay united as one Labour all. The spirit of tripartism has come a long Members. The Labour Movement. way since the establishment of the NWC in Movement welcomed its 1972, and currently, 24 tripartite committees 38 500,000th member in have been formed, with the latest being the September 2007. Membership Department has Tripartite Implementation Workgroup (Re- adopted a profession-based approach in its employment of Older Workers), in October recruitment drive, like welcoming members of the 2007. Institute of Engineers of Singapore and Institute of Estate Agents.

2007. First Physical Picture by Colin Darren Goh. Colin Darren by Picture Tripartite Infrastructure. The Tripartite Centre for Fair 2008. Fight Infl ation. The 39 Employment was launched Labour Movement, together in November 2007. Staff are seconded full-time with its tripartite partners, has from the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore National 42 been pooling its resources Employers Federation and NTUC to provide a to help low-wage workers and their families helping hand to both employers and workers. cope with the rising cost of living. With infl ation predicted to be 6 to 7 per cent this year, the 2008. e2i For Training NTUC Care and Share fund will be doubled from And Job Opportunities. $5 million to $10 million. NWC recommended e2i (Employment and one-off lump-sum payments to help lower-wage 40 Employability Institute) is workers cope better. Our unions have succeeded a one-stop, skills-based institute that equips in ensuring that managements support this workers with the mindset, skills and job recommendation. 43 2008. Formation Of Singapore’s Largest Human Flag. On the day when Singapore celebrated its 43rd year of independence, the Labour Movement celebrated it with a place in the Singapore Book of Records for the Largest Human Flag Formation. This event was organised by Young NTUC for the second successive year. Last year, nearly 9,000 NTUC Members, families and friends packed one half of the Padang to achieve this feat. This year, 12,288 turned up to form fi rst, a day fl ag and then a night fl ag, that the Labour Movement can be proud of. Picture by Young NTUC. Young by Picture

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By Shona Tan-James

t is just three months since NTUC unveiled its new look and all of us in the Labour Movement adopted the U Hallmark to represent the spirit of an ever progressive and dynamic Labour Movement, which is Ialso at the heart of the new NTUC identity. For the Labour Movement to succeed in serving working people of all Collars, all Ages and all Nationalities at work, live and play, the new representation of what we do would have to be simple, yet deeply meaningful. For those who had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the new U, or be part of the May Day events and activities that followed, we hope that through these activities you have been able to see the new U in action. It is also heartening to see that, in such a short space of time, various parties within the Labour Movement have taken the opportunity to “U-tify”. “U-tify”, our new internal code word

for when we want to align something with the In Action For U… With a refreshing new identity, the Labour Movement continues to serve the working people of Singapore with the same passion. new U, means to beautify something with the U and by this we mean two things: Firstly, that we Labour Movement through the stories that they adopt, for example, the U in their union have incorporated the new look and secondly, share with us every week. Stories of how as a t-shirts and the various “taglines” of Working that the manner in which we organise or execute Labour Movement, we care for the lower-wage for U, Caring for U or Fun for U on their various something is guided by the values of caring, worker to sharing the unrelenting passion of programme materials. passionate, trustworthy and working people union leaders who work hard behind the scenes The easiest part so far has been the centric. for their members. adoption of the new look in terms of how we Take for example this newspaper that you In other instances, our Social Enterprises design and create our communication collateral. read every week... The NTUC This Week Team such as NTUC Club has, at every opportunity, The harder part moving forward is how we has not only given a refreshing new “U” look helped us to promote our new look by adopting permeate the value of what the U stands for to the publication but they have made the the U in their premises, from balloons to in everything that we do in an exciting and additional effort to showcase the Spirit of the banners. Unions as well have been eager to meaningful way that can help us create a strong emotional connection to the lives that we touch. As we work on deepening both the economical benefi ts and emotional engagement with our members, we must also be mindful that we do so in a manner which represents our values. For this, we must consider every touch point that we have with our existing and potential members as a great opportunity to create a strong and lasting emotional bond. The response and support has been phenomenal in this short space of time and over the new few months, you will start to see many more such “U-tifi cations”, so look out for more U-tifi cation updates coming your way!

One-Off Payment For 3,800 UOB Staff

he infl ation rate in Singapore rose to a new 26-year high at 7.5 per cent This is indeed a National Day gift to in April 2008. the staff. We would like to thank the In line with the National Wages Council’s recommendations and to UOB Group for extending a helping hand to help its staff cope with the high costs of food, housing, transportation and the like, the United Overseas Bank Group has made a one-off “employees to cope with infl ation. The union Tpayment to 3,800 rank-and-fi le staff and those earning less than $3,000 per month. looks forward to other banks emulating Each of them has been given between $200 and $300. UOB’s enlightened gesture.” Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer, UOB Group, said: “Some of our staff may fi nd it challenging coping with rising costs. This one- Max Lim, Vice President, Singapore Bank Employees’ Union and UOB’s Union Branch Secretary time special payment is our way of doing our bit to help them during this diffi cult period.”

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here was much rejoicing among members of the Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Employees Executive Committee when they learnt in February this year of theT prospect of losing their Deputy General Secretary. This is because Mr Sithambaram s/o Kathavarayan had been promoted to Technician and he was going to become a monthly-salaried staff. “Of course you must accept the offer. A Salute To Daily-Rated This promotion will give you and your family Employees… The book a better life. Think of your children,” said that puts on record the contributions of the daily- General Secretary Muthukumarasamy s/o rated clan towards a clean and green Singapore was Govindasamy, when Mr Sithambaram, 38, a launched on 7 August daily-rated worker for 15 years, hesitated to 2008. (From left, NTUC SG Lim Swee Say, AUPDRW accept the offer from the National Environment GS Muthukumarasamy s/o Agency – because that would mean he could Govindasamy and AUPDRW President P Ganesan.) no longer represent daily-rated workers.

This story, published in a book The Uns The

commemorating AUPDRW’s 16th Anniversary,

ung Her ung touched NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee oes

Say deeply. He and NTUC President John also be seeking approval of the NTUC Central Silent The

De Payva have since mounted an intense Committee to contribute $50,000 under the Of Work

campaign to help the remaining 946 AUPDRW NTUC Education and Training Fund towards Daily-Ra members move up to better jobs so that they this fundraising effort. Emplo ted

can enjoy better pay and live better lives, and GS Muthukumarasamy was affected by yees their children can have better education. this huge show of support. He said: “When we At the book launch of “Unsung Heroes came up with the idea to publish a book, it was The – The Silent Work of Daily-Rated Employees” to put on record the hard work that daily-rated on 7 August 2008, SG Lim said when word got workers do and how our essential services Unsung around that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew will contribute to a clean and green Singapore. be autographing 10 copies of the book to help “Of course we wanted to use the book as Heroes the union for low-wage workers raise money a tool to raise funds too. We set the ‘price’ The Silent Work Of for the AUPDRW Education and Training Fund, at $500 a copy. Now, so many kind-hearted Daily-Rated Employees two Labour Movement Social Enterprises, two people have come up with pledges of LM management partners, ﬁ ve unions and $10,000. Singapore Labour Foundation quickly offered to “I thank all of our donors, I thank SG and

AUPREW cove “buy” copies of the book at $10,000 each – all Presidentr.indd 1 for their support, and most of all, within hours. I thank MM for adding so much value to our “I read the book from cover to cover and book. I was very inspired. I encourage all of you to “It is my wish and that of our Executive Praise For ‘Unsung Heroes’... NTUC SG Lim Swee 7 /29/08 5 read the stories that are published in the book Committee that all our remaining members Say said he was inspired by the stories published :47:31 PM in ‘Unsung Heroes – The Silent Work of Daily-Rated – stories that tell of how parents who did not undergo training and move on to become Employees’. The book was written by NTUC This Week have the opportunity for higher education monthly-salaried workers, and their families live Journalist Naseema Banu Maideen Pitchay. are now making personal sacriﬁ ces for their better lives.” children so that they don’t also miss out on the chance to do better for themselves; stories of children undergoing tertiary education who take up part-time jobs to help ease their parents’ ﬁ nancial burden,” said SG Lim. After hearing SG Lim relate some of the stories, more unions, LM Social Enterprises and management partners came forward to make donations. SG Lim and President De Payva then jointly sent out a letter appealing for more support. At Up And On... Brother Sithambaram s/o Kathavarayan (left of picture) and Brother press time, AUPDRW has received donations Ramdau Slamat were both promoted to and pledges totalling $325,000. NTUC will monthly-salaried staff in Fenruary 2008.

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We’re going directly to the farms. We put in our By own certifi cation. We are able to, on the average, Jansen Yeo sell our organic produce by as much as 50 per cent “cheaper than some certifi ed organic products.” herry tomatoes, baby corn, carrots Ng Ser Miang, Chairman, NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited and lettuce: just the ingredients you need for a simple and healthy stringent requirements,” explained Mr Ng. salad dish. Healthier still when Pasar Organic produce will be available at they are all organic products. And the Just Organic section of NTUC FairPrice Finest affordableC because they belong to NTUC Fairprice engaged as an independent third-party auditor to Thomson Plaza and nine other NTUC FairPrice supermarket’s range of housebrand organic ensure Pasar Organic produce meet with NOAP outlets. The Just Organic section offers over 800 produce. standards. varieties of organic products, from condiments, NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited unveiled The development of the NOAP shows NTUC baby food, fruits and vegetables to snacks as well Pasar Organic, its new housebrand range of FairPrice’s intent to maintain the quality of its as household cleaners. organic produce during the offi cial opening of the products. As Mr Ng puts it, the second NTUC FairPrice second NTUC FairPrice Finest outlet at Thomson “Even as we face escalating food prices Finest store takes the supermarket giant a step Plaza on 31 July 2008. worldwide, we do not and cannot compromise on “closer to bringing the fi ne life to a larger segment “Over the last few years, consumers food safety and quality. We work closely with the of the community” and with Pasar Organic, healthy worldwide have become more health conscious AVA to ensure that our food imports meet AVA’s and affordable choices for its customers. and the demand for organic food has grown. Recognising this increasing demand, we embarked on our journey to deliver truly organic produce at affordable prices to our customers,” Pasar Organic The Logical Choice said NTUC FairPrice Chairman Ng Ser Miang. For housewife Stephanie Taylor, 43, NTUC FairPrice’s The supermarket giant has also taken the housebrand organic produce is the only choice. She strolled extra step to ensure the quality of its Pasar into NTUC FairPrice Finest at Thomson Plaza, walked Organic produce. It sourced the organic produce towards the organic vegetable section, saw the prices of directly from organic farms certifi ed by Thailand’s the imported produce, compared them with Pasar Organic Department of Agriculture. It also developed the produce and immediately put two packets of Pasar Organic NTUC FairPrice Organic Assurance Programme, carrots and one packet of lettuce into her basket. with input from Agrifood Technologies Private “It makes a lot of sense to buy these housebrand organic produce. It’s cheaper and just Limited, a fully-owned private subsidiary company as healthy, so why not?”, said Madam Taylor, who shops two to three times weekly at the of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of NTUC FairPrice supermarkets at Ang Mo Kio Hub and Marine Parade. Singapore. Agrifood Technologies has also been Congratulations

Mr James Tan Cheng Choo Deputy Executive Secretary, Education Services Union

on being conferred the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (The Public Service Medal)

From Executive Council, Members and Staff of

Education Services Union

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The Unsung Heroes The Silent Work Of Daily-Rated Employees

AUPREW cover.indd 1 7/29/08 5:47:31 PM

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