22 JUNE 2014 60 CENTS MCI (P) 183/12/2013
YOU ARE NOT ALONE LM launches the ‘Appreciating U’ Movement to honour all workers, starting with cleaners in our midst. 2 FEATURE NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 A Big Thank You! NTUC is bringing back the ‘P’s and ‘Q’s with a nationwide ‘Appreciating U’ Movement to ignite the spirit of kindness and recognition towards workers at all levels.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Zainal Sapari (in orange T-shirt) joins guests in giving guests a big thumbs up to cleaners.
By Ramesh Subbaraman and An appreciation lunch treat, especially for the outstanding work performance. Naseema Banu Maideen 115 cleaners working in the vicinity of HDB The SLF has also granted a $2 million fund Hub, was organised by NTUC U Care Centre for over two years towards this movement he Labour Movement believes the and the Housing and Development Board and for low-wage workers initiatives . ‘Appreciating U’ movement is all Staff Union (HDBSU). T set to rev up the momentum for SG Lim joined NTUC Central Committee TOUCHING MORE LIVES more people to recognise the invaluable members and management partners in Already, more than 200 organisations, contributions of working people to society. donning aprons to be on the serving side of including private companies, government The initiative also aims to cultivate a spirit the buffet. agencies, town councils and educational of kindness towards the workers, starting off The event was supported by the Singapore institutions have pledged to show their with a special group of unsung heroes – the Labour Foundation (SLF) and the Building appreciation to their cleaners since June cleaners. Construction And Timber Industries this year, in the form of high tea and lunch Held at HDB Hub, the ‘Appreciating U’ Employees Union (BATU), treats, as well as presentation of recognition launch event on 16 June 2014 was attended SG Lim also presented recognition certificates and vouchers. by NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee certificates to 26 cleaners from HDB Hub, Said SG Lim: “We are not stopping with Say, NTUC Central Committee members, public streets and town councils who were cleaners. We will reach out to more groups of with cleaners as the main guests of honour. nominated by their employers for their workers and recognise their efforts and make
On the whole, Singapore is clean, green and safe. It is important to recognise that many Singaporeans and foreign workers work very hard to keep it this way. Without them, Singapore will be a very different place. We should explore ways to make their jobs Easier, Smarter and Safer. By showing our appreciation to them, we aim to create NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say is all smiles greater awareness in every Singaporean.” as he dishes out servings of lunch to cleaners at NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say the event. NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 FEATURE 3 The Ones Who Add A Shine These workers go beyond work to warm the hearts of people like you and me. The guests-of-honour, the cleaners, enjoying a light-hearted moment. their job a better job. And this year will be the year Madam Ang Geok Kheng of breakthrough with the Progressive Wage Model Even at 85, Madam Ang Geok Kheng for the cleaning, security and landscape workers.” is full of smiles and zest at work. She In total, more than 10,000 cleaners will enjoy has been taking a 15-minute walk these special treats, with more organisations slated from her home at Toa Payoh Lorong to come on board in the coming months. 1 to her workplace at HDB Hub every morning for the past 13 years. She UPPING WAGES takes great pride and dedication in Speaking at the event, NTUC Assistant her daily work. Secretary-General (ASG) and NTUC U Care Centre Director Zainal Sapari said that for the past two years, NTUC and its tripartite partners have worked very hard to push for cleaners to earn better wages. From 1 September this year, all cleaning companies will be licensed and many workers will be paid wages according to the Progressive Wage Model. ASG Zainal explained: “As a labour movement, NTUC knows that helping the cleaners must go beyond the call for better pay through the Progressive Wage Model. As a society, we must give them the recognition, pride and dignity that they are playing an important role. Workers of today, even low wage workers, also want the satisfaction and identity, beyond sustenance, that define them as a worker contributing actively to our nation building.”
AWARDS FOR ROLE MODELS Also announced at the event was a national- level ‘Appreciating U – Our Cleaners’ Awards to recognise exemplary cleaners, cleaning Madam Tagamas companies and their service buyers who treat The move from working their cleaners well. in schools to offices The award will also recognise customers who three years ago needed have gone the extra mile to make the cleaners some form of adapting around them feel appreciated. A dinner will be for Madam Tagamas, 68. held on 27 June to honour the winners. But she coped fine and is now enjoying her job as a cleaner at HDB Hub. Mr Mohamed Buang Ali “After all, it is all Mr Mohamed Buang Ali, 57, never about cleaning and taking frowns or sighs when residents at the responsibility in your The Labour Movement rolled out the area he cleans make additional requests job. I know that as long Progressive Wage Model (PWM) on to help them discard their bulky items as I learn the correct way 21June 2012 to level up workers in the from their flats. areas of productivity, career, wages and of doing things, I will be “It is all part of my job, and I am skills. Starting with the cleaning industry, okay,” she said. PWM today is impacting all other sectors happy to do it,” he said. of the workforce. 4 APPRECIATION NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014
#TributeTo Cleaners2014 #SelfieContest Check out the candid shots taken by everyday people to thank cleaners for keeping our Lion City beautiful! NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 APPRECIATION 5
The Pic With The Most Likes! 112K LIKES! 1.7M PEOPLE SAW THIS POST!
icknamed Dr. JiaJia, this six-year-plus boy has been warming the hearts of many with a pic he took with cleaner Anthony Nfor the #TributeToCleaners2014 #SelfieContest organised by the Labour Movement .
Posted on his Facebook June 17, 2014, with the help of big brother and family members: Hi Everyone, this is Uncle Anthony, he works at Marina Square Shopping Centre as cleaner for six months. He is 57-year-old, single. He does not have mobile or home phone. My mother said if this photo win a $100 voucher (Tribute to Cleaner...s Contest) for Uncle Anthony, we will bring it to him personally. Please like this picture to help Uncle Anthony to win the voucher. Thank you very much & Good luck to Uncle Anthony
Posted on June 18, 2014 This really surpass our expectation. We never expect our picture with cleaner uncle Anthony will reach 1.7m people and garner 112k likes 18 hours after posting it. Thank you all so much for your kind support to help uncle Anthony wins a $100 voucher for the Tributes To Cleaners Contest.
Some of the heart-warming comments on Dr. JiaJia’s post: ➩ “Can only like once. Does this help? Like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like…” ➩ “Good luck to jiajia and uncle anthony. As a 23 year old, Young cleaner myself, it’s really nice and heartmelts to see there are still kids still appreciating cleaners like us…” Selfie Time! ➩ “Winning or not, uncle Anthony, we are all behind you 100%.” In an effort to get more of the general public involved, the ➩ “What a beautiful thought with such noble intentions!” NTUC U Care Centre launched its first ‘Tribute To Cleaners’ ➩ “Great boy with a heart of gold. Thanks for showing us that kind selfie contest, whereby individuals can submit photographs people still exist today.” taken with their cleaners together with a description of how “If i could give a million like to uncle anthony, i will do it because their cleaners have made a positive impact in their work and ➩ my father is also a cleaners or we call it a janitor and im very living environments. These entries can be submitted to the proud of him…” NTUC U Care Centre’s, ‘I Care For My Cleaners’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/icareformycleaners) with the ➩ “Jiajia. That is really sweet thing to do for Uncle Anthony. Hope he hashtags #TributeToCleaners2014 #SelfieContest. The best gets enough likes and wins. You and your family are really lovely submissions of each week win $100 worth of NTUC FairPrice people to try and help Uncle Anthony.” vouchers for their featured cleaners. Contest ends 30 June 2014. ➩ “A noble profession and I salute his happiness and good nature. He deserves highest respect for public service.” 6 PROTECTION NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 Gem At Work Meet 77-year-old re-employed security officer Mr Kadar, whose one special quality is the way he shines in his line of work.
By Naseema Banu Maideen
he robust and sprightly mature worker is clearly an outstanding T role model for his younger colleagues. Mr Mohammad Kadar Allah Pitchay, 77, works as a Security Officer with Triple ‘S’ Protection Private Limited. He is one of the company’s re-employed workers. The company hires 70 workers, and of them, 10% are re-employed and continue to earn the same pay. Mr Kadar starts work at the premises of Hong Seng Marine Engineering (Private) Limited at 7pm every evening on a 12-hour shift. Throughout his years of service, Mr Kadar has not once been on medical leave and has never been absent without valid reasons. “I like my job a lot and am very comfortable with this shift. I also make sure that I stay strong and keep check on the food I eat and monitor my health regularly,” shared Mr Kadar. This dedication and work attitude have made his employer, Mr Saravanan Rajoo, Managing Director of Triple ‘S’ Protection value mature workers’ contributions and Mr Mohammad Kadar Allah Pitchay taking down records of his daily rounds at work. retain them in the company beyond the retirement age. offer re-employment contracts of at least to approach workers and sit through Even when the Retirement and Re- one year, renewable up to age 65, the discussions on re-employment contracts employment Act requires employers to company, which is unionised under the six months before they reach the age of Union of Security Employees (USE), has 62 years old. taken the extra mile to let its willing and The enlightened employer has also capable workers continue to work as long as taken a step towards the Progressive Wage they can. Model (PWM) and is already increasing its employees’ wages in batches, way before STRONGER WORK ETHICS the legislation kicks in. “We feel that mature workers have a stronger work ethic, holistic knowledge, greater experience and higher loyalty. We are heartened to Also with their years of experience and have forward-thinking expertise, they are able to better manage customer expectations, are good in companies like Triple ‘S’ problem-solving, have strong work-skills, Protection which look into and provide guidance to the younger various aspects of our staff. They also have shown loyalty to the workers’ employability and organisation by staying on the job for a longer period of time,” said Mr Rajoo. productivity. We hope more “Our older workers, like Mr Kadar, security companies will take are always punctual for work, hold low or the lead too.” no records of absenteeism and are good Union of Security Employees (USE) decision makers. They add value to the Mr Mohammad Kadar Allah Pitchay (right) with his employer, President Hareenderpal Singh Mr Saravanan Rajoo, receiving a token of appreciation for his organisation,” he added. dedicated service, in January this year. The company has set in place a policy NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 PROGRESSION 7
The Report highlighted that unemployment remained low while job openings continued to outnumber job seekers. Pushing For Productivity We catch up with NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say to hear what he has to say about the latest Labour Market report findings. By Naseema Banu Maideen
nemployment remained low, ➩ Fewer workers were made redundant in “Instead of looking for more ways to although it edged up slightly in the first quarter of 2014 (3,110) than in bring in more manpower, we should ask UMarch 2014, and job openings the preceding quarter (3,660), though ourselves how to make better use of every continued to outnumber job seekers – in a this was higher than in the first quarter person that is already in the workforce. nutshell, that’s what the Labour Market, First of 2013 (2,120). “And how can we make better use of Quarter 2014 report showed. It was released every resident person who is not yet in the by the Ministry of Manpower’s Research and ➩ Job openings continued to outnumber workforce? For example, for the back-to- Statistics Department on 13 June 2014. job seekers, though the ratio has work women, and mature workers, we can eased. The seasonally adjusted ratio of make our workplace more family-friendly Here are some of the report’s key job vacancies to unemployed persons and age-friendly. findings: declined from 1.43 in December 2013 ➩ The overall seasonally adjusted to 1.33 in March 2014. A BETTER WORKER unemployment rate rose from 1.8% in “These will help slow down workforce December 2013 to 2.0% in March 2014. RAISING PRODUCTIVITY growth, and yet at the same time, increase This could reflect an increase in job search NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee our productivity in a sustainable way. And activity as more residents, especially the Say commented on these highlights that is the key thrust,” he emphasised. less educated, were encouraged to enter on the sidelines of the ‘Appreciating U’ Elaborating on mature workers in the the labour force, given more job openings Movement launch on 16 June 2014. cleaning industry, SG Lim said: “Many of and an increase in wages, with the “The high job vacancy tells us that we our cleaners are matured workers. Many tightening of foreign manpower controls. still have a lot more to do in improving of them would like to continue working. productivity in the labour intensive To create more opportunities for them ➩ Total employment grew by 28,300 in sectors. The Singapore economy last year to work longer, we have to continue to the first quarter of 2014. This brought grew by 3.9%, driven mainly by a 4.1% redesign their jobs to make their jobs total employment to 3,552,200 in March increase in labour force. easier, make their jobs smarter and safer. 2014, 4.0% higher than a year ago. He pointed out that this high rate of job As a Labour Movement, with our tripartite and manpower growth is not sustainable partners, we are committed to be worker- ➩ The long-term unemployment rate stayed for Singapore to succeed and that upping centric, and respond to their challenges low at 0.6% in March 2014. productivity remains the way forward. and aspirations.” 8 PROGRESSION NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 Looking Out For Workers The second session of the Dialogue with National Leaders Series sees Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin diving straight into the issue of protecting workers.
By Florina Oo
rganised by the Ong Teng Cheong has different considerations and needs. So Labour Leadership Institute (OTC we are working on that… and see what else OInstitute), the candid and frank we can do to make sure there is adequate session drew some 150 union leaders on 4 protection. I encourage all those who are June 2014. We bring you some of the key self-employed to contribute to their CPF that happens all over the world. No highlights. regularly. These contributions will help in government can guarantee your job because times of need.” restructuring will happen. If we intervene, On Protection For The Self-Employed and force or have too much control, And Freelancers On Safeguarding Against Redundancy companies will not want to operate here as “The freelance sector has many different “Restructuring and retrenchment is they want the flexibility. But what we can types of freelancers. Each particular area a reality. To be fair, it is something do is to place more emphasis on retraining, reskilling, lifelong learning and training. Individuals must look after their own proficiency and keep themselves relevant.”
On Job Opportunities For Older Workers “It is improving – more older workers are coming back to work. I want to emphasise that I am not forcing all of you to work. Actually, there are many people who do want to work. If you want to work, the Government wants to make sure there are Many questions were asked but the focus remained strong on the issue of protecting workers. opportunities out there for you.” Mid-Year Bonus Announcement
NTUC welcomes mid-year bonus for civil servants, especially for lower-waged officers.
By Ramesh Subbarraman servants for their contributions. 2014/2015 for Division III and Division IV In a statement following the officers was accepted. he Public Service Division (PSD) announcement, NTUC Assistant The Labour Movement is especially of the Prime Minister’s Office Secretary-General (ASG) Cham Hui Fong heartened that Division IV officers will T announced civil servants will said the Labour Movement applauded the receive equitable NWC-recommended receive a mid-year Annual Variable special and continued attention given to wage increases even though their salaries Component (AVC) of 0.5 month. the lower-waged officers. slightly exceed the $1,000 mark. Division III and Division IV officers ASG Cham added: “We also call on the The NWC guidelines, released on 30 will receive an additional built-in wage PSD to continuously review the wages of May this year, encouraged employers to increase of $30 and $70 respectively. the lower-waged officers to ensure they give a built-in wage increase of at least $60 This will be in addition to their annual enjoy real and sustainable wage growth.” to workers earning a basic monthly salary increment in 2014. NTUC and the civil service unions of up to $1,000. NTUC and its seven affiliated civil are also glad that its strong proposal to In all, the Civil Service’s NWC service unions have welcomed the increase wages reasonably in line with the adjustments will benefit about 9,000 Government’s move to reward civil National Wages Council (NWC) guidelines Division III and IV civil servants. NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 PROGRESSION 9 Tripartism, The Singapore Way Manpower Minister explains the benefits of tripartism.
The Model Employer
Resorts World Sentosa shows By Ramesh Subbarraman
the way in hiring. anpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said tripartism plays an important role in tackling economic and employment By Nicholas Lee M challenges in Singapore. Speaking at the 103rd Session of the International Labour esorts World Sentosa (RWS) is a true supporter of the Conference in Switzerland on 10 June, he explained that as Labour Movement’s call to value mature workers for their Singapore presses on with restructuring and productivity efforts, R experience and skills – one of its employees is 74 years old, the country will leverage on its history of strong tripartite and still happily working with the organisation. cooperation to balance the interests of employers and workers. RWS is always on the lookout to recruit and re-employ mature Tripartite partners comprise the government, employers and the workers who meet work requirements and are able to continue Labour Movement. working. Promotion opportunities are not just restricted to He said: “We will continue to work closely with our tripartite younger workers but older workers as well. Point in case – a 67 year partners to build a productive and skilled labour force which can old employee was promoted from Sales Associate to Lead Sales respond quickly to global competition.” Associate in one of RWS’s retail outlets. INCLUSIVE GROWTH AWARD WINNER Turning to supporting low-wage workers, Mr Tan told the global A May Day Model Partnership Awards winner under the audience that inclusive growth has always been Singapore’s Management and Union Partner category, RWS has worked priority. with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and “Apart from supplementing incomes and supporting skills community partners to hire the retrenched, the back-to-work upgrading of our lower-wage Singaporeans, we recently made it mothers, ex-inmates and other vulnerable Singaporeans. mandatory for cleaning companies to pay their cleaners wages that Mr Goh Chye Boon, Executive Vice-President, Resort are commensurate with their skills, training and productivity,” he Operations, Resorts World Sentosa shared: “This award should added. go to not just the management of the company but really all our Mr Tan said the tripartite partners have worked closely together workers who have made our attractions, our hotels, our F&B to develop a Progressive Wage Model, which puts in place a clear services and everything else work like clockwork.” progression path for cleaners to upgrade and secure higher incomes.
NTUC THIS WEEK
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The Labour Movement, Now Closer To U On The Go! IPHONE & IPAD Scan here for mobile app My NTUC featuring exclusive content: get the latest news, special offers, merchants listing and a lot more! ANDROID 10 PRIVILEGES NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014
What you should know about Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
Why I need to know about PDPA? • If you collect, use or disclose member’s Personal Data in your day to day work. • Help you to better understand how to protect and handle member’s Personal Data. • Guide you in your day to day handling of member’s Personal Artist’s impression of the new resort’s main block. Data.
What is Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)? The PDPA governs the way personal data is collected, used and disclosed by organisations and will come in force on 2nd Downtown July 2014. What is Personal Data? Any data that can be used to identify a person, such as NRIC, Holiday passport number, personal email address and photos. What to do when recruiting members…
NTUC Club bids farewell to its • Check that you Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Data are using the new 1. I consent to my personal data being collected, used and retained by NTUC and my union/association for the purposes of processing, administering and Costa Sands Resort (Pasir Ris) membership application managing my membership. 2. I consent to my personal data being disclosed amongst: form which has the (i) NTUC and the affiliated union/association of which I will be a member for the purposes of managing my respective membership; and and looks forward to hosting new Personal Data (ii) NTUC/affiliated union/association, the Employment and Employability Institute, and NTUC Social Enterprises for the purposes of managing Protection clauses. and increasing membership benefits and privileges. 3. I consent to be contacted by NTUC and my assigned union/association via holiday-lovers with a brand • If you are helping email, text messages, fax and/or post for matters relating to employment and employability, industrial relations, training and education, social and someone to fill in the recreation as well as to give my opinion/feedback on such matters. 4. For the purposes of industrial relations and employment-related issues, new resort in 2015. membership application I consent to NTUC and my union obtaining my personal data and any relevant data relating to my employment from my company. form, you must obtain 5. I understand that I am also applying for membership to the PLUS! By Joshua Joseph Programme (“PLUS!”) administered by NTUC Link Private Limited (“NTUC their verbal consent for Link”). I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of PLUS! I acknowledge and consent to: - you to do so. (a) the collection, use and retention of my personal data by NTUC Link for the purposes of fulfilling, servicing and managing my PLUS! hose looking for a • If you have collected a membership; (b) the disclosure of my personal data between NTUC/union/association filled application form, and NTUC Link for the purposes of processing, servicing and managing staycation, mark your my PLUS! membership; you cannot use any (c) the disclosure of my personal data by NTUC Link to its Linkpoints calendars for the second Partners/Merchants for the purposes of fulfilling, servicing and Personal Data in the managing my PLUS! Membership; T (d) I further consent to be notified by NTUC Link on benefits and privileges quarter of 2015 because there is form and you must pertaining to PLUS! via email, text messages, fax and/or post; and (e) I can visit www.plus.com.sg to manage my PLUS! membership a new resort at Downtown East hand the form in for (including withdrawal of consent) after my successful enrolment to PLUS! coming your way! The new resort processing as soon as 6. For any enquiries on personal data protection matters, please email to [email protected]. will comprise 387 rooms of varying possible. accommodation types, which What to take note of when collecting Members’ Data… include suites with separate dining • Members’ data must be collected for a purpose, and living rooms. example for membership application. Designed to blend in with the • Members need to know and consent to the purpose natural setting of the Pasir Ris and collection. landscape, the resort will feature three clusters of rooms offering How can you use Members’ Data… beach view, park view and mangrove view. • Members’ data can only be used for the purpose which it has been collected. RESORT AT PASIR RIS TO CLOSE How can you protect members’ data… Focusing its resources on the Refreshing Downtown East project, • Access the Personal Data of others only when you are NTUC Club, which manages Costa Sands Resort, has decided not authorised to do so. to renew the land lease for the nearby Costa Sands Resort (Pasir • Handle all Personal Data with care. Ris) located at Jalan Loyang Besar which expires in August 2014. • Keep all hardcopy documents that contain Personal Data In line with the Labour Movement’s pledge to Value Every under lock and key. Worker, NTUC Club is already working on redeploying the 30 • Keep all softcopies Personal Data with password. staff currently working at Costa Sands Resort (Pasir Ris) to other • Do not use public free email such as Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo to suitable roles within the organisation. store or send member’s Personal Data. Contact your Union’s compliance manager if… • If you lose Personal Data. • If you receive a complaint. • If your union member asks you how his PD is being used etc. Guests who are looking to enjoy one last getaway at Costa Sands Resort (Pasir Ris) can book their stay till 19 July 2014 at: http:// For more information… www.costasands.com.sg and checkout on 20 July 2014 . Bookings • Contact Union’s Compliance manager for Costa Sands Resort at Downtown East and Sentosa are also • Look up the Info Portal Link available on the website, with attractive deals available for the June school holidays. • Email [email protected]
NTUC logo with discriptor CMYK
CMKY C:0.0 M:95.0 Y:100.0 K:0.0 NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 WEEK IN REVIEW 11 Snapshots A quick round up of what went on in and around the Labour Movement recently.
By NTUC This Week Team
Serving The Underprivileged MEMBER’S CORNER Dr Tan Lai Yong, also known as the “Wandering Saint of Singapore”, delves into the world of the underprivileged and marginalised. Speaking at the Young NTUC CROSSROADS session on 28 May 2014, Dr Tan shared how he uprooted his family from the comforts of Singapore to a mountainous village in Yunnan, China to help their underprivileged community for 14 years. Participants got to hear about Dr Tan’s interesting encounters with the villagers, his experience of helping to train doctors in impoverished villages to carry out vaccinations and diagnose common ailments, and the Polygram Forever Live Concert life lessons he gained. Dr Tan is a firm believer in the Relive the golden era of Cantopop on 19 July, 8pm, at the importance of relationships and the community and Singapore Indoor Stadium. Marking the 30th anniversary encouraged all to think out of the box and find platforms of the legendary label, the star-studded concert line- up boasts Hong Kong superstars Priscilla Chan (陈慧娴), to reach out to the needy. Daniel Chan (陈晓东), Shirley Kwan (关淑怡), Linda Wong ( Want to learn more from Dr Tan? Sign up for the course 王馨平) and Tat Ming Pair (达明一派). Hidden Communities at the National University of Singapore’s College of Alice & Peter Tan. Exclusive 10% OFF all Ticket Categories (except $68 Category) for NTUC Members. To book tickets, log on to www.sportshubtix.sg. Quote “NTUC” in the “Singapore Let’s Get Flexible Sports Hub Affiliate Program” promo box to enjoy the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS) just saw the successful run of their discount. Promotion valid for online purchases only. first U Flex workshop in May. The first of six workshops, WDS hopes to equip more employers and employees with the knowhow to start the conversation on flexibility, Singapore Zoo Presents ‘Sleep With implement Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) and make FWA sustainable. The Beasts’ The first run, attended by Family camp doesn’t get better than this! Pack your sleeping bags for a unique and specially-tailored family 35 participants comprising of getaway at the Singapore Zoo. From 26 to 27 July, you management representatives and will learn about the fascinating animals through exclusive HR practitioners, was conducted behind-the-scene tours and animal feeding sessions. Plus, by work-life harmony champion get a rare chance to get up close and personal with your Ms Ean Yeo. Through an favourite creatures! interactive approach, participants were given an insight into the changing workforce trends, and how, upon recognising the different working styles, needs and challenges, enable companies to implement and manage flexibility at work. Case studies and role play were also integrated into the workshop to enable participants to better understand and apply the knowledge learnt. For more information on upcoming U Flex workshops, email [email protected] or call 6213 8270.
Movie Privileges By Peggy Chen Executive Secretary, Singapore Chinese Teachers’ Union
As part of Singapore Chinese Teachers’ Union’s (SCTU) May Day celebrations, over 150 teachers enjoyed a free movie screening of local Child (3 to 12 years old): $155.15 (inclusive of 7% GST), production Meeting The Giants on 17 Adult: $181.90 (inclusive of 7% GST) May 2014. Members were able to invite their fellow Chinese teacher friends who are To register, kindly contact Audrey Lim at audrey.lim@wrs. not yet members of the union to watch the movie and encourage them to sign up as com.sg (Closing date: 4 July 2014). For more information, on the spot to enjoy the privileges of union membership. SCTU Executive Committee visit www.powerofu.sg and search ‘Sleep With The Beasts’. members also took the opportunity to distribute the May Day ‘Better Energy’ Bands Terms and conditions apply. to participating members to wish them a Happy May Day. 12 EVENTS NTUC This Week 08 JUNE 2014 Theatre Workshop What’s For Seniors Happening, 24 Sessions from 24 Jul 2014 – 29 Jan 2015* Where 7pm – 10pm Goodman Arts Centre Wakeboarding Tired of the thrills and spills on land? Satisfy your adrenalin rush cravings with wakeboarding. U Sports organises wakeboarding sessions for both beginners and seasoned wakeboarders Some artists believe that the stage is a reflection of on a quarterly basis, with attractive rates for members. life. Being at the prime of your life, you possess a Make a team of four or sign up as an individual. lifetime of experiences which shape your thoughts, To register as a U Sports member or find out more about this actions and words. Through theatre, these memories interest group, email Sequeena at [email protected] or call her at 6582 3459. and moments can be revisited and relived. This 24-session workshop developed by local theatre company, The Necessary Stage, equips participants with the fundamental skills of theatre.
Join us to start your journey in theatre and find out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Family Fun, All more about the elements that go into creating a Defending yourself just got more Year Round theatrical performance! interesting with Brazilian Jiu- The Family Recreation & Jitsu, a martial art, combat sport Fun (FRF) Carnivals aim to and self-defence system all rolled into one! strengthen family bonding and promote Curriculum includes: Focusing on ground fighting with joint locks a greater work-life balance and better well-being by enabling low income union and chokeholds, it promises to help a smaller, members to enjoy a day of fun with their families at Downtown East at no cost. weaker person stand up to a bigger, stronger assailant. • Acting There are three more runs available on: Every Wed, 8pm-10pm, Orchid Country Club, 1 Orchid Club Road, $135* • 16 November 2014 (OCC Member), $140 (NTUC/Aranda Country Club Member), $150 (Guest) • 30 November 2014 For registration, call Gym at 6750 2199. For enquiries, call Christian at 9228 6306. • Playwriting and Production • 7 December 2014 *Fees are for eight sessions. Applications open for union members until 3 Sep 2014. Eligibility criteria apply. To apply, members may approach their respective unions or apply directly at NTUC • Devising Graduation Showcase Aqua Zumba @ Wild Members Hub, NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard, #B1-01 or call Wild Wet 6213 8008. U Live members, this one’s for you! Enjoy a splashing good session of Aqua Concert In The Dark – REGISTER NOW Zumba on Wild Wild Wet in celebration of The Sound Of Colours their 10th Anniversary! Of course, you can Registration fee is $120 per person. also enjoy the other exciting rides at the You’ve heard about dining in the dark, now try enjoying music in the dark. Forget shimmering recently refreshed water theme park. Contact Ms Carolyn Yeo at 6582 3605 or email [email protected] stage sets, stunning visual effects and big banners, 2 Aug, 11am & 3.30pm, Wild Wild Wet, the only concert in Southeast Asia held in complete darkness by 18 July 2014. Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Free* will blow your mind with music in its rawest, most powerful (U Live Members), $19 (Public) form. Features local and international performers and visually- Strictly for NTUC Members aged 55 years & above who are able to commit to the impaired talents including Wu Jiahui, The Freshmen (插班生) programme dates. No prior experience in theatre is required. All we need is your To register, kindly email
Some artists believe that the stage is a reflection of life. Being at the prime of your life, you possess a lifetime of experiences which shape your thoughts, actions and words. Through theatre, these memories and moments can be revisited and relived.
This 24-session workshop developed by local theatre company, The Necessary Stage, equips participants with the fundamental skills of theatre.
Join us to start your journey in theatre and find out more about the elements that go into creating a theatrical performance!
Curriculum includes:
• Acting
• Playwriting and Production
• Devising Graduation Showcase
REGISTER NOW Registration fee is $120 per person.
Contact Ms Carolyn Yeo at 6582 3605 or email [email protected] by 18 July 2014.
Strictly for NTUC Members aged 55 years & above who are able to commit to the programme dates. No prior experience in theatre is required. All we need is your availability, openness and enthusiasm! T *Visit www.ulive.sg for a detailed programme schedule. Venues, dates and timings for the workshopsSLO may be subject to further changes.
Co-organised by: 14 FLASHBACK NTUC This Week 22 JUNE 2014 This Week In History NTUC This Week turns 50 this year. It was first published in November 1964 as a monthly titled Perjuangan NTUC. Perjuangan means struggle in Malay, and the title captured the spirit of the times. From our 3 January 2014 issue onwards, NTUC This Week will pull out excerpts of main stories from past issues, starting with the very first until the present. This week, we look at July 1971 and January 1972.
By Marcus Lin
July 1971: The First Annual General Meeting of INCOME was held on 25 June 1971 under the Chairmanship of Dr Goh Keng Swee. The meeting was well- attended. While welcoming the members, Dr Goh put forward his thoughts for safeguarding the citizen’s family against unforeseeable misfortunes. He advised the wage earner who bought a Housing Board flat on monthly installments over a period of years to take up an endowment policy for the same value and period. If the wage earner dies before completing his installments, the family will get the full amount insured plus accumulated profits. Dr Goh observed that most Singaporeans were unaccustomed to long-term planning and that the Singaporean was “an incurable optimist”, at least when things were going reasonably well as at present. But habits would change. There were several elements in the local situation today which would compel Singaporeans to make long-term calculations. “One of these elements is house ownership. The remarkable success of the Housing Board scheme to sell flats to our citizens could be one of the important factors making for change of this kind.”
January 1972: On 23 December 1971, in Not Over Bonus the name of justice, dignity and self-respect The strike is NOT over higher bonuses as for workers in The Straits Times, journalists alleged by The Straits Times management. struck work at 11 a.m. followed by the entire It was a deliberate LIE cooked up by the printing staff at 3 p.m. management to cover their multiple sins. Thus the first blow was struck said a In the words of the two unions: “We are union statement “against the primitive, on strike for dignity, justice, self-respect penny-pinching, exploiting and anti-people and an end to exploitation, and over the Straits Times’ money empire.” management’s high-handedness, threats While “the low-down Straits Times and intimidation.” employers” groped in the dark after receiving this stunning blow, they also dragged the helpless English reading public into a news blackout. The two unions – the Singapore National Union of Journalists and the Singapore Printing Employees Union – continue to jointly deliver devastating blows for “an end to the FEAR that these employers have used against our members for so many years.”
2014年6月22日 售价 60c MCI (P) 183/12/2013 感激不尽！ 全国职工总会展开全国“由衷感谢”行动，不但弘扬善心也肯定全国工友的贡献。
工 运 相 信 展 开“ 由 衷 感 谢 ”行 动 能激发更多 林瑞生表示：“我们不止于善待清洁工友，还打 整体而言，新加坡是清洁、 人肯定工友对社会所作的宝贵贡献。 算向更多工友群体表示肯定他们敬业的精神。而今 绿 化 和 安 全 的 。所 以 肯 定 那 职总此举也旨在培养人们从善待清洁工友这个 年将是渐进式薪金制取得突破的一年，清洁工友、 些努力维持优良状况的清洁 特定群体的无名英雄做起，进而对所有工友展现 保 安 人 员 和 园 艺 工 友 将 从 中 受 惠 。” 新工友便显得相当重要。没有他们， 爱心。 随着更多机构预计会在接下来加入“由衷感谢” 职总秘书长林瑞生于2014年6月16日出席“由 行动，1万名以上的清洁工友将享受到特殊待遇。 新加坡将变成完全不同的地方。通过 衷感谢”行动的开展仪式，陪同的还包括多名职总 推 展“ 由 衷 感 谢 ”行 动 ，我 们 希 望 能 够 中央委员会成员，以及仪式主宾——清洁工友及其 改善待遇 引起每一名国人对清洁工友的重视。 雇主。职总U关怀中心也与建屋局职员联合会安排 职总秘书长林瑞生和U关怀中心署长再纳两人都在 — 职总秘书长林瑞生 了一场自由餐感谢宴，招待115名在建屋局中心服 讲话时指出，过去两年来，职总及其劳资政伙伴一直 务的清洁工友。 设法提高清洁工友的薪金。 午餐时间，职总秘书长林瑞生、职总中央委员 自今年9月1日起，所有的清洁业者都须执行渐进 自拍比赛！ 会委员和管理层伙伴也亲自在场招待清洁工友享用 式薪金制，并遵照既定模式给清洁工友发薪水。 为了吸引更多公众参与“由衷感谢”行动， 午餐。 也是职总助理秘书长的再纳解释：“职总作为工 职总U关怀中心也举行题名为“向清洁工友 “由衷感谢”行动获得新加坡劳工基金和建筑 运团体，认识到改善清洁工友的薪金待遇还须在推 致敬”的自拍比赛。凡是有兴趣参赛的人士， 与木业工友联合会的支持。 行渐进式薪金制之外多做努力。在社会上，清洁工友 都可以呈上他们与清洁工友的合照，并随 在仪式现场，林瑞生颁发表扬证书给26名在建 扮演重要角色，我们一定要给予他们应有的肯定，顾 照片附上一段文字，说明该清洁工友如何造 屋局中心、公路和市镇理事会工作的清洁工友。他 及他们的自尊心和尊严。当今的工友，包括低薪工友 福自己的工作和生活环境。作品请寄交职总 们都是获得相关机构提名的杰出员工。 在内，他们不但为生计忙碌，也想在积极为国家建设 U关怀中心的面簿：www.facebook.com/ 为支持“由衷感谢”行动，劳工基金特别拨款 作贡献之余获得满足感和认可。” icareformycleaners，主题标签请注明 200万元以辅助两年的活动经费。 奖励模范 #TributeToCleaners2014 #SelfieContest。每周 造福更多工友 6月16日的活动包括颁发“由衷感谢——清洁工友” 优胜者的奖品是面额 截至目前，已有超过200家机构，包括私人企业、政 奖状肯定优秀的清洁工友，以及那些善待清洁工友 100元的职总平价礼 府部门、市镇理事会和教育学府自今年6月起承诺 的清洁业者和服务购买者。 券。比赛截止日期是 通过茶会和午餐会，以及颁发表扬证书和购物礼 这个奖状也肯定那些赞赏清洁工友的顾客。 2014年6月30日。 券 ，对 清 洁 工 友 表 示 谢 意 。 6月27日将有一场晚宴，表扬其中的优胜者。