6 September 2015 60 CENTS MCI (P) 044/12/2014

A VOICE FOR

Meet the familiar faces from the Labour Movement who will be contesting in the coming election to better represent your interests at the workplace.

Chan Chun Sing

Ang Hin Kee 2 GENERAL ELECTION FOCUS NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015

Candidates From The We want to keep this country special! Labour Movement We are not contented in Dissolution of Parliament on 25 August 2015 and making it normal! Other countries with a big Nomination Day on 1 September 2015 are done. land mass and huge And now Singaporeans are gearing up to go to the resources can be polls this Friday on 11 September 2015. We are normal but we just as excited on our side to see familiar faces are determined and strong voices from the Labour Movement that even stepping up to the candidates line up to contest with our finite in the General Election. Here, we introduce the resources, we Labour PAP candidates... will continue to be special. That we will Compiled by NTUC This Week Team have a home that is special so that our Mr people will be proud After filing his papers on Nomination Day, NTUC Secretary-General Chan to call themselves Chun Sing, 45, now officially anchors the five-member PAP Tanjong Pagar GRC Singaporeans … Never team for the coming General Election. Mr Chan, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, was a PAP believe those who tell candidate in Tanjong Pagar GRC at the 2011 General Election. you that they want Formerly Social and Family Development Minister, he joined NTUC full- to make time in April 2015 and took over the helm as Secretary-General on 4 May ordinary. If Singapore is 2015. His many goals for the Labour Movement include developing a future- average, who will come ready workforce that can rise up to meet the challenges of global competition. here to invest? Who will come here to create jobs? Who will build this Our Labour Chiefs have always country for us? Nobody!” helped our workers, especially the low-wage workers. They have helped increase the salary of low-wage workers and now the pay is higher, especially for workers in the transport sector. Our Labour MPs have helped us and now it is time for the unions to support them.” Mr Ong Leong Chin, Executive Committee Member of National Transport Workers’ Union

In this term of the government it has created many jobs, grown wages for all income groups, introduced GST Vouchers and progressive wages Opportunities For All and enhanced Workfare to help low-wage workers. The PAP envisions a bright future for every Singapore where In this abridged version of the People’s Action opportunities abound and there is pride and recognition in every job. Party’s (PAP) Manifesto, we take a look at Together with employers, industry and workers, the PAP said what the Party has lined up for workers and it will: Singaporeans. u Help Singaporeans acquire skills and progress in their careers through SkillsFuture; u Invest in every Singaporean to help them get good jobs, upgrade and make the best in life; In the PAP Manifesto, Party Secretary-General and Prime Minister Lee Hsien u Provide more support and job assistance for PMETs; and Loong said the country did not avoid tough problems, and during the global u And help businesses with manpower resourcing, talent retention financial crisis, the nation tightened its belts and weathered the storm. and development. NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 GENERAL ELECTION FOCUS 3

Mr Heng Chee How Mr Heng, 54, is NTUC Deputy Secretary-General. He was a Member of Parliament for Whampoa Single Member Constituency before the last Parliament was dissolved on 25 August 2015. It was then announced that he would be fielded in the Jalan Besar GRC after Whampoa became part of it in the Report of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. He joined NTUC in 1995 and is currently Centric Director of Union and Social Enterprises, Executive Committee Chairman of the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute and Executive Secretary of the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries. Over the years, he has held various portfolios and championed many causes, including the re-employment of older workers.

Brother Heng has always had the heart for our workers, especially in the area of re-employment for older workers. He worked hard for many years to have the re-employment age raised from 65 to 67, till Prime Minister I will continue to devote my announced at this energies to advocate for the year’s National Day Rally that the re- interests of mature workers to enhance employment age would be raised to 67 their employment and skills upgrading in 2017.” prospects, workplace health and fair Mr Cyrille Tan, United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries treatment.” Consultant

Mr Zainal Sapari An NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), Mr Zainal, 49, also leads NTUC U Care Centre and NTUC Care & Share Department. He concurrently serves in the Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU) as its Advisor and Executive Secretary. In his time as Labour Member of Parliament, he spoke up for Singapore’s low-wage workers and played an instrumental role in pushing for the Progressive Wage Model in the cleaning, security and landscape sectors. Following Nomination Day on 1 September 2015, Mr Zainal has had his candidacy for - GRC confirmed. His six-member People’s Action Party team is led by DPM , and will contest against the Singapore Democratic Alliance.

The union fully supports our brother, Zainal Sapari. He has been our champion for the betterment of the lives of Singapore’s low-wage workers. This of course includes his work in pushing for the Progressive Wage Model in the security industry. We wish him all the I will forever speak up for the rights of workers, especially low-wage workers. best for this election, and we would Struggling for this cause is like joining a like to see him win.” race without a finishing line. There is still Mr Hareenderpal Singh, President of Union of Security more we can do for this group, and this is Employees what I will continue to work on if re-elected.” 4 GENERAL ELECTION FOCUS NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015

Mr Patrick Tay Previously from Nee Soon GRC, NTUC Assistant Secretary- General Mr Patrick Tay, 44, is part of the team contesting the West Coast GRC for this year’s General Election. Mr Tay is also the Director of both the Legal Services and the PME Unit in NTUC. He has lobbied for greater workplace protection for PMEs, leading to the announcement of the Fair Consideration Framework and changes to the Industrial Relations Act, which allows rank-and-file unions to collectively represent PMEs. Mr Tay also serves as an Executive Secretary to The Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union.

From the low-income workers to the PMEs, We will continue our efforts towards building Patrick knows the ground well the Singaporean core and ensure we level and he has shown that he truly the playing field for our PMEs. We will also look to has the workers at heart.” implement SkillsFuture initiatives, sector by sector, Mr Nakalingam Silva, Immediate Past President of to upskill them (PMEs) and ensure they remain Union of Security Employees future-ready.”

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang Mr Yeo, 54, will be contesting in Aljunied GRC after his candidacy was confirmed on Nomination Day. Mr Yeo currently holds the position of Assistant Secretary-General in NTUC and is concurrently the Director for the Labour Movement’s Small and Medium Enterprises Secretariat and Workplace Safety and Health Secretariat. As Chairman of the Migrant Workers’ Centre, he called for employers to spell out key terms of employment clearly to migrant workers when they start work in Singapore. The Employment Act was amended on 17 August to require employers to issue itemised payslips and key employment terms.

I will continue to advocate for fair employment practices. We have seen more PMEs (Professionals, Managers For Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, I wish and Executives) worried about work and their job security. It is important for us to him all the best. I believe he continue to strengthen the measures in may give us some good results.” these areas to achieve the objective of Mr Lim Heng Khee, President of Singapore Industrial & Services creating better jobs for each and every Employees’ Union Singaporean.” NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 GENERAL ELECTION FOCUS 5

Mr Desmond Choo Mr Choo, 37, is currently the Director of NTUC’s Youth Development Unit. He is also the Deputy Director of NTUC’s Industrial Relations Unit and serves as the Deputy Executive Secretary for the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union. Apart from advocating for youth development in Singapore, Mr Choo has also been speaking on family issues and work-life balance by calling for more companies to increase paternity leave and to adopt flexible work arrangements at the workplace. Mr Choo had his candidacy confirmed on Nomination Day and is part of the the five-member PAP team contesting against the National Solidarity Party in GRC.

Desmond Choo has worked with a few unions in his time with the Labour Movement. He also brings with him insights from the private sector. AREU has much to gain from his experiences and There are two things that I’m passionate about. guidance. We are fully behind him One is the increase in parental leave and making sure that policies and workplaces support and we truly believe that he will Singaporeans in raising families, in order for them be an effective and outstanding to balance family time and pursue their career Labour Member of Parliament.” aspirations. The second thing is the upgrading of our Mr Mohamed Riaz Mohamed Omar, General Secretary workers. With the transitioning economy, our current of Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union workers and youth would need a lot of assistance to make sure they continue to get good jobs. “

Mr Mr Ang, 49, first became a Member of Parliament in 2011. Prior to that, he served as the CEO of NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute). For this General Election, he is fielded in the Ang Mo Kio GRC, helmed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Mr Ang serves as Assistant Secretary-General in NTUC, where he is also Director of the Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit. His work has helped give a voice and job protection to this group of people. He is also Executive Advisor to the National Taxi Association and Executive Secretary of the Education Services Union.

From the very first day that Mr Ang has been a part of the National Taxi Association, there have been many improvements to the welfare of the drivers. It makes us I will urge more to be done to feel like our voices are heard.” support efforts for the self-employed workers to save for their retirement and Mr Haniff Mahbob, Executive Committee Member of the National Taxi Association medical needs.” 6 GENERAL ELECTION FOCUS NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 The Rallies Labour Movement PAP candidates go to the heartlands to speak. We bring you the highlights.

By Ramesh Subbaraman and Fawwaz Baktee

Tanjong Pagar GRC LABOUR CANDIDATE: MR CHAN CHUN SING The PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians) are facing a lot of challenges. Some people will like to give us sweet words by saying that we can protect our jobs by closing our shores. Yes (it) may in the short term. But in the long term, the jobs will walk. “In NTUC, we are determined to equip our PMETs to make sure they are not just competitive in Singapore but in the region and beyond.”

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC LABOUR CANDIDATE: MR ZAINAL SAPARI If we have minimum wage, many employers will not pay more than the minimum wage. They will also not increase your salaries because they have already paid the minimum. Some older and physically challenged workers may lose their jobs because companies do not want to employ them because of high minimum wages ... In the NTUC, we have worked very hard with the support of the Government to help low-wage workers. Instead of minimum wage, we have progressive wage where the more you improve yourselves with better skills and better jobs, you will have better pay.” NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 GENERAL ELECTION FOCUS 7 Singapore, Future-Ready The local workforce is growing, but the next challenge for Singaporeans is to be ready for the future, says Manpower Minister at the East Coast GRC Rally.

Story and photos by Ryan Chan

PAP SECRETARY-GENERAL LEE HSIEN LOONG ON MR CHAN CHUN SING Chan Chun Sing, he came in as a General from the Army, but if you see him today, you will not guess he was a General because he has learned a new job … He made friends on the ground, in the constituency, Tanjong Pagar, in the unions … I think Chan Chun Sing in NTUC will do good for the workers at the same time as he is serving you.” inister for Manpower Lim Swee Say shared that Singapore’s local workforce has been steadily growing over the years. M The overall ratio of the local to foreign workforce is now 2 to 1. However, the construction sector forms majority of the foreign workforce, with a considerably lesser number in other sectors. This ratio of the local to foreign workforce in other sectors stands at 4 to 1. Speaking at the East Coast GRC rally, Minister Lim explained that changes to the inflow of foreign workers made in 2010 have tightened the labour market. “During my time in the Labour Movement, we believe that jobs are the best welfare. The tripartite partners have always worked together to make sure that the labour market in Singapore is tight, so that workers have good jobs, good pay and are able to live a good life,” he said. With the policy changes to foreign workers in 2010, the number of foreign Professionals, Aljunied GRC Managers and Executives (PMEs) has dropped from LABOUR CANDIDATE: MR YEO 45,000 to just 13,000 in 2014, according to him. GUAT KWANG He said: “Many SMEs in Singapore employ The wide array of foreign workers. As a result of tightening the inflow platforms on which I of foreign workers, many companies are now feeling serve has helped me to the pinch. As a result, they are now strengthening the Singaporean core. Of every 10 local workers understand the day-to- today, seven work in SMEs.” day challenges faced by our workers at LOOKING AHEAD various levels. Most of all, Minister Lim spoke about what more can I feel very strongly about be done for the Singaporean workforce strengthening the now. One of the challenges is to ensure Singaporean Core of that the economy remains competitive. our Workforce. The He said: “Through the SkillsFuture Progressive Wage Model initiative, we can train every and Portable Medical Singaporean, young and old, to have skills Benefits will make real for the future to remain competitive and improvement to the employable. working conditions and “We will give our very best to ensure that Singapore will be among the first lives of our workers. I will nation in the world to be able to move champion these.” into the future – through having skills of the future, to have jobs of the future, to build a career of the future.” 8 UNION NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 Embracing Transformation The healthcare sector is set to see big changes, with many new challenges for HSEU.

By Ramesh Subbaraman

ingapore’s healthcare sector will undergo and home care services, and the number of coming in to complement the local workforce. a major transformation in the next 10 to healthcare workers in Singapore would increase SG Chan said HSEU will have to find ways to S 15 years and there is much work in store tremendously. out to them and bring them on-board to for the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union “When we imagine the membership of grow as one united healthcare sector. (HSEU) to meet these challenges, said NTUC HSEU, we may go beyond just the hospitals Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing. and polyclinics, and in time to come include Speaking at HSEU’s Third Quadrennial the private hospitals also. This is a tremendous UNION ACHIEVEMENTS Delegates Conference on 4 September 2015, SG opportunity for us to provide services to take Also speaking at the Conference was HSEU’s Chan said the union has made much progress care of healthcare workers and also at the same President K Thanaletchimi who reported that in the past few years and pointed to three areas time value add to their life,” explained SG Chan. the union’s membership has grown 72 per cent to 37,980 from 2011 till end June 2015. which would need attention. Another challenge is to improve productivity Outlining the union’s work, she said some and there will be the sectoral manpower plan to 5,000 low-wage healthcare staff have TACKLING EXPANSION achieve this. seen their monthly salaries go up by 15 SG Chan noted that Singapore will be The rapid expansion of the healthcare sector per cent since 2012. expanding the network of community hospitals would also mean foreign healthcare workers Leadership Growth To bring the union forward, HDBSU is helping leaders acquire the necessary skills and capabilities.

By Shukry Rashid

mphasising the growth of its union Leadership Institute, we have put in place a HDBSU Vice-President Toh Leng Swee who leaders – that was one of the key messages training roadmap for our union leaders. We said that he noticed more Branch Officials Ethat Housing and Development Board have made it compulsory for all delegates to are being elected, who are eager to take on Staff Union (HDBSU) President Michael Koh go through the certificate courses in industrial leadership roles to better serve the union’s highlighted during the union’s 2nd Quadrennial relations up to Advanced Certificate in members. Delegates’ Conference (QDC) on 26 August 2015 Industrial Relations to help them acquire the He added: “I’m also 63 this year and not at NTUC Club Downtown East. skills and competencies required to perform getting younger. I think it’s time to make Amongst those present were Guest-of- more efficiently as a union official.” way for newer, younger leaders. I feel that Honour HDBSU Honorary Advisor Tan Soo leadership renewal is also the right way to go Khoon, 71 delegates, NTUC union leaders and FLOWING ON to make sure an organisation is sustainable.” HDB management staff. A number of senior Executive Council (Exco) The QDC resulted in 18 elected officials. Of Mr Koh said: “To grow our union leaders, in members also ‘flowed on’ to make way for the 18 positions, nine were uncontested and collaboration with Ong Teng Cheong Labour younger leaders. One of them was former nine were elected. NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 PRODUCTIVITY 9

IRON CHEF CUISINE Taking Care Specialising in western food such as chicken chop and producing for its Collin’s Grille Bento restaurants currently, Iron Chef Cuisine plans Of Business to expand the company further. It decided to invest in equipment used F&B businesses are going leaner in at its central kitchen in order to become more productive and efficient manpower and upping productivity by in food preparation. Through the IGP, the company using technology. invested in Tilting Kettle with Mixer By Fawwaz Baktee that allows for easy preparation of sauces, and the slice and portion cutter that makes work easier and ow to be lean and mean in the F&B industry? Three companies faster. One employee can prepare show how it’s done, and at the same time make things better for 300kg of meat in only 4.5 hours, Htheir business and employees. compared to the two days for two Vaner Investment, Iron Chef Cuisine, and Montreux Patisserie employees previously. showcased their productivity projects in a learning journey organised by The company also invested in a NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) recently. All three refrigeration system that gives extra companies tapped on e2i’s Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) in 2014. storage for food at any one time, reducing the need for multiple food purchases. VANER INVESTMENT A company specialising in food preparation for chargrill bars in coffee Before Implementation After Implementation shops, Vaner Investment found it a challenge to meet operational demands with the equipment they had to marinate food and make Time taken for various 192 hours/month operational tasks: 240 hours/ (20% improvement in productivity) hamburger patties. month To overcome the problem, the company acquired a Vacuum An increase of 20%-30% in wages Tumbler and a hamburger forming machine. for 14 workers The Vacuum Tumbler reduces the time needed to marinate food, while the hamburger forming machine is able to produce hamburger patties in various weight, shapes and sizes. Before acquiring the Vacuum Tumbler, the company took 10 MONTREUX PATISSERIE minutes to manually marinate 10kg worth of food. The company can In the business of whipping now marinate more than 50kg in the same amount of time. up pastry and desserts for With the hamburger forming machine, the company is now able to hotels, restaurants, cafes, produce 40kg of hamburger patties in one hour as compared to the 3 clubs, hospitals and schools, hours required to produce the same amount previously. Montreux Patisserie also supplies to big events such as the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix. To deal with the huge demand, Montreux Patisserie tapped on the IGP to purchase the Bravo Trittico Executive EVO 120 – an automated cooking machine that allows a quick and consistent production of pastries and other confectioneries. Previously, employees had to manually prepare food items. The machine’s two chamber system, on the other hand, lets pastry chefs cook and freeze in one automated process, allowing the company to produce more and expand its production lines.

Before Implementation After implementation

Before Implementation After Implementation 60 mins to prepare food items 15 mins to prepare food items Time taken for various Long cleaning procedure for Automatic cleaning 240 hours/month tools, accessories and various operational tasks: 300 hours/ (20% improvement in productivity) process of machine month small equipment used An increase of 7%-10% in wages An increase of 9%-10% of wages for 10 workers for 15 workers 10 PRODUCTIVITY NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015

In The Right Direction Cleaning Express has its workers’ well- being in mind and takes every effort to make work better.

By Geraldine Peters

Mr Abdul Aziz believes in taking advantage of technology as they innovate to increase productivity.

EO of Cleaning Express Mr Abdul Aziz Yusof not just wants the best for his C company and those in it, but for the industry as well. He started off as a cleaner in 1989, working part time for Cleaning Express. “I saw it as something interesting, as I saw the possibility of career progression as a lot of buildings were coming up at that time. So I thought to myself, why not make a career out of this?” he said. Eight years later, Cleaning Express was incorporated as a Private Limited and has since expanded with subsidiary companies Greenserve & Landscape and Express Pest Solutions – all of which serve over 100 worksites with a team of over 800. The company was started by his father Mr S H Yusof in 1987. Mr Abdul Aziz, on the other hand, started out as a cleaner in the company and then moved on to eventually become a supervisor and then the CEO. He owes much of his success to attending upgrading classes and training. All his staff undergo training as well as Workforce Skills Qualifications for leadership, customer service, and communications soft skills.

MAINTAINING RELATIONS Labour-management relations (LMR) has played a big part in the company’s growth. The company worked closely with the Building Construction at these sites have seen an increase in salary. BEYOND TECHNOLOGY And Timber Industries Employees’ Union to Mr Abdul Aziz believes in taking advantage Mr Abdul Aziz is also a big believer in keeping introduce technology into its work processes of technology and sees the company going green his staff happy through various engagement through the Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP). as they innovate and enhance their existing efforts. The Ride-on Sweeper and the Ride-on equipment. Workplace safety is also seen as important Scrubber are a few examples which are helping These efforts have not gone unnoticed as and essential to the organisation, with staff cleaners at six worksites. Cleaning Express was awarded the May Day being given regular briefing on proper safety The time taken to clean floors at all six sites Model Partnership award in the Management practices as well as dialogue sessions on has reduced sigificantly, resulting in a 70% Category this year for making workers’ jobs risk assessment. Safety training is given to reduction in labour hours. Many of the workers better through productivity improvements. managers and supervisors as well. NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 PRODUCTIVITY 11 Redesigning Jobs NTUC’s e2i and partners take steps to address manpower challenges in the housekeeping sector.

By Fawwaz Baktee

2014 survey conducted by the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union (FDAWU) found that for every three A housekeeping staff in Singapore, only one was local. According to the Association of Singapore Housekeepers (ASH), many locals are unwilling to take up jobs in the housekeeping sector due to the perception of it being too labour intensive, with little or no proper skills training, and lack of career progression opportunities. Jobs For All “The shortage of labour is a major problem we have today. The foreign manpower quota has been tightened, so most hotels do A job that veers away from the usual 9 to 5 and not have sufficient workers. This challenge is also coupled with open to workers of all ages? The upcoming KidZania younger Singaporeans not wanting to come into the industry. “Many workers in the housekeeping sector we find today are Singapore may just have something waiting. those who are close to retirement age, but they would usually stop Story and photo by Shukry Rashid working before the age of 65 as they won’t be able to keep up with the work,” said ASH President Judy Tan. In an attempt to tackle this challenge, NTUC’s e2i rs Tamilmanni Sathrak (pictured above), 51, is one of many women (Employment and Employability Institute), employers and who would like to re-enter the workforce after being away from it for partners have taken actionable steps through training, Mthe past two years. She stopped working due to the long hours and the productivity solutions, and the adoption of multi-skilling and nature of her job which required her to stand for up to 10 hours, resulting in career progression pathways for new hires and existing staff. physical strains. The back-to-work hopeful subsequently applied for a position at the KidZania job fair held at Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability (e2i) on 5 to 6 August 2015. She said: “I’m looking for part time and flexible jobs so that I can spend time with my children and do some other things at home.” With 150 available vacancies, the job fair had something for anyone who was interested, regardless of their background and age.

EMBRACING DIVERSIFICATION KidZania Singapore, the new indoor edutainment theme park which is slated to open in Sentosa come end-2015, will be housed in a ‘city’ concept that enables children to role-play jobs such as firefighters, journalists and doctors in a fun and educational way. KidZania Singapore Mayor Leong Yue Weng said: “In a ‘city’, we need to embrace diversification. And it is only to the advantage of the company that we have team members from different walks of lives – be it fresh school leavers, mature workers or back-to-work mums.” Mr Leong said that workers will be allowed to choose what time they start work and what time they leave, within certain parameters. “For the part-timers, before they join us, they will need to share with us what EFFORTS BY E2I AND PARTNERS are the hours that are suitable for them and we will try at best to fit them to the As part of its efforts, e2i has targeted the housekeeping right shift.” sector in the hospitality industry for its Service Executive KidZania Singapore also does not have an age cap to the employment of Apprenticeship (SEA) Programme. The trainee scheme aims to mature workers as long as they are physically fit and able to carry out their duties. attract and retain more local talent by training Singaporeans to take up leadership roles through structured career progression pathways, and acts as a stepping stone to other careers in the hospitality industry. Productivity Improvements Together with ASH and Ecolab, e2i will also be holding a Besides collaborating with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Masterclass in September 2015 for supervisors and managers Institute) to bring more job and training opportunities, KidZania Singapore of housekeeping departments to introduce the various benefits is also adopting productivity measures under the Inclusive Growth of leveraging technology for better operational efficiency. Programme to improve the efficiency of the new attraction’s job operations. “With a tight labour market, it would be difficult to further Some of these technologies to be implemented are e-schedulers and RFID grow the economy by relying on manpower alone. We need to see (radio-frequency identification) Wardrobe Tracking Solution. These will how we can implement ideas, projects and systems to make the help the company to stay manpower-lean while allowing them to effectively industry lean in the use of manpower. And this lean manpower improve task allocations and better deploy staff to high value-added tasks. should be highly skilled and productive,” said e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.

NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) helps to create better jobs and better lives for workers while assisting companies to improve productivity. Interested to know how they can help you? Drop by www.e2i.com.sg for more information. 12 LEARNING NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015

brought together both professionals and individuals to learn more about the Japanese rice wine. For Your Own Sake Leading industry professionals like Ms Etsuko Nakamura and Mr Haruo Matsuzaki were on hand The F&B industry can look forward to a to share their expertise on pairings of different series of masterclasses to help workers sake and cuisine, and how best to serve them. upskill. The first serving from NTUC’s e2i LEARNING FOR WORK – the Sake Masters Summit. Sean Ou, an Air Sommelier, said that with sake becoming increasingly popular in the UK and US, By Ryan Chan the course is timely in helping him learn more about the drink. The knowledge will come in he Sake Masters Summit is the first handy in his job as he has to serve passengers of many food and beverage (F&B) from around the world. masterclasses that NTUC’s e2i is “It is an informative course that focuses a T lot on sake profiles. Learning about how it’s offering to those in the industry. Mr Gary Goh, e2i Deputy CEO of made and which area it comes from allows us Professional Services, said: “This is one of to understand the sake better and make more the areas we are looking at where workers can precise recommendations to diners and patrons upskill themselves and earn better wages. Other to pair with their food,” he said. F&B masterclasses we will be looking to organise will For more information for future classes, visit be ramen classes and Mexican meat cooking.” http://e2i.com.sg or call 6474 0606. The Sake Masters Summit was a three-hour intensive session that

59 active agers proudly showing their certificates at the U Live Symposium. Ageing With A Purpose Know someone who is feeling a little lost after their personal well-being, enabling them to be good examples and advocates of Active retirement? Then you may want to tell them about U Ageing,” said NTUC Club CEO Mr Yeo during his welcome address. Live and the Active 55+ programme. The U Live Symposium, which drew By Shukry Rashid some 2,000 seniors, also held activities like workshops and cooking demonstrations, ifty-nine active agers received their learning new skills and starting to take on workout sessions and free mini-workshops Active 55+ graduation certificates from more active roles in U Live, I can impart the conducted by U Live Ambassadors. F NTUC Club CEO Yeo Khee Leng at the experience I’ve gained over the years to the It also gave exposure to the new U Live Symposium held on 29 August 2015 at people I work with now,” said Mr Tan. Ambassador Taskforce that was formed to give the Lifelong Learning Institute. The certificate U Live Ambassadors and members a bigger is given to U Live members who embody the ACTIVE AGERS platform to put to practice the skills they have spirit of self-betterment and lifelong learning. The Active 55+ programme develops members’ picked up with U Live over the past year. One of the graduates was 67-year-old capabilities in four core areas of ‘Happy, Mr , who joined the Active 55+ Healthy, Productive and Purposeful’ (H2P2) programme when it was launched at last year’s and also encourages members to take on symposium. Retired in 2010, he was inspired leadership roles so as to benefit others within to share what he learnt with others in the U the community. Live community. “U Live takes care of our members’ physical, GOOD TO KNOW “I realised that many seniors are a little lost mental, social, financial and intellectual as to how they can continue contributing to wellness through our H2P2 programmes and Visit www.ulive.sg to find out more about U Live and its activities and programmes. society and that can lead them to feel out of initiatives. Through such programmes, we place and rejected. But by improving myself, grow our members’ capabilities and enhance NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 MATURE WORKERS 13 Valuing Older Workers The Age Management Seminar sees two companies being highlighted for giving mature workers a fair go at the workplace.

Story and photos by Ryan Chan

Certis Cisco Security organisation Certis Cisco Pte Ltd has had initiatives in place for older workers prior to any that were Good Progress In announced by the Government. The Last Decade “The company has always been age blind. We believe that the first step towards not having any age u The employment rate of residents aged 55 to 64 increased from 47% discrimination is treating the mature workers just as in 2004 to a new high of 66.3% last we would the younger ones,” said Mr Tan Jui Chai, year.2 Deputy Head of Corporate Human Resources at u Median gross monthly incomes of Certis Cisco. older resident workers aged 55 and The company regularly sends employees across above grew by 2.6% per annum all levels to attend courses, giving them the in real terms over the last 5 years – opportunity to upgrade and rise through the ranks. higher than the increase for residents 3 Linda Mak is a 52-year-old Assistant Manager in general. who has continued with the company through the u Nearly all local employees who years since she joined in 1982 as a clerk. turned 62 in the year ending June 2014 were offered re-employment. FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS u Much of this progress is due to the Certis Cisco, she shared, has always been flexible with tight labour market, and equally work arrangements since the 90s, when her daughter important, the extensive tripartite efforts to facilitate the employment of was still growing up. older workers. “I did not engage a domestic helper then, so my 2 Source: Comprehensive Labour Force Survey, MOM. family members had to take turns being there for 3 Data pertain to gross monthly income from work my daughter. My managers and superiors were very (including employer CPF contributions) of full-time employed residents, excluding full-time National understanding of my situation and allowed me to leave Servicemen. The compounded annual growth rate work earlier when the need arose,” she said. was derived for the period of 2009 to 2014 based on incomes deflated by Consumer Price Index for all Today, she takes on a managerial role herself, items at 2014 prices. Source: Comprehensive Labour overseeing the regional accounts for the company. Force Survey, MOM.

Jurong Bird Park Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) values the wealth of experience that mature workers bring to their jobs. Their institutional knowledge in niche areas like animal management and horticulture are key to daily operations at the parks. Fifty-seven-year-old Jasni Muhamed’s love for horticulture started at the tender age of 16 when his friend urged him to apply for the position of Gardener at the Jurong Bird Park in 1974. WRS believes that older workers play a big role in the company’s development. “We are very conscious when it comes to redesigning jobs, especially for our managerial employees and above. We offer re- employment to all our retiring workers. One of the key things we do for our managers is that there is a transfer of knowledge and taking on a mentorship role,” said Ms Jean Tan, Director of WRS Human Resources.

THROUGH THE RANKS In the case of Mr Jasni, his immense knowledge is such that his I fell in love with the job straightaway, learning a lot on the way. One superiors often allow him to have full artistic direction for Jurong of my proudest moments here so far was when I oversaw the garden Bird Park’s themed festive garden decorations. The company also decorations for the Lunar New Year. regularly sends him for courses, and he has now risen through the “I have been working here for more than 40 years, but I am ranks to the position of Assistant Curator. motivated to stay longer to help transfer whatever knowledge I have “When I first joined, I had no idea that I would stay this long. But gathered to my team members,” said Mr Jasni. 14 OUR PIONEERS NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 First Among Equals NTUC This Week catches up with the first General Secretary of Post Office Savings Bank Employees’ Union, Mr Lurdu Nathan.

By Fawwaz Baktee

n 1963, as a young man in his mid-20s, Mr Lurdu Nathan stood in solidarity with his postal and I telecommunications comrades as a striker to demand a raise in wages from their employer. Mr Lurdu Nathan Twenty years later, in October 1982, Mr Nathan Name: found himself becoming a union leader when Age: 78 Occupation: Retired the Post Office Savings Bank Employee’s Union Union: Post Office Savings Bank (POSBEU) was formed with the backing of Employee’s Union (POSBEU), DBS then NTUC Secretary-General Lim Chee Onn. Staff Union (DBSSU) POSBEU is today known as DBS Staff Union. Mr Nathan eventually became the first among equals as a result of a unanimous vote at the union’s first general meeting. For 10 PMEs and the Labour Movement. Your take? years, since the creation of the union until his When I was the General Secretary of POSBEU, I made retirement in 1992 at the age of 55, Mr Nathan sure all the employees became union members. This helmed the position of General Secretary of course excluded the top management. From those unopposed. working on the ground to the middle management, they were all our members. But for many other unions NTUCtw: Share with us one in those days, the middle management employees incident that you remember most were left out. as General Secretary? NTUC is moving in the correct direction by Mr Lurdu: In 1984, there was bringing PMEs in. We need to continue to educate and one incident when a member open the hearts and minds of the top management. came to me and complained that They must accept that the unions must play a the post master was rude and constructive role to help PMEs. unreasonable. So I went down They must understand that the unions are coming to have a look at the situation in to better the lives of all workers, regardless of their myself. I looked on from afar designation at work. Unions are not interested in and observed the post master being an impediment to the success of companies. and found that my member’s We are here to benefit companies by enhancing the grievances were valid. industrial environment. I went to see the Deputy General Manager and told him What message do you have for unionists in the of the complaint I received. I Labour Movement today? requested for him to take action I want to see them move forward and progress. on the post master on behalf of Obstacles will certainly come from time to time, my member. but they must have the courage to overcome them. If I could help my members, Continue with the good tripartite relations we have. I tried my very best to do so. Never let differences stop us from working together to I could empathise with my help improve the lives of our workers and the country. members. I’ve been in their Good tripartite relations has brought progress to position before so I could Singapore, and it will continue to bring us success. understand how they felt Never forget that. being treated like that. If my members were unhappy, then I too was unhappy.

Good tripartite relations has brought progress to Singapore, and it will continue to bring us success. Never forget that. Mr Nathan addressing members during branch election in 1988. NTUC This Week 06 SEPTEMBER 2015 WEEK IN REVIEW 15 Snapshots A quick round up of what went on in and around the Labour Movement recently.

By NTUC This Week Team

Keeping Tripartism Strong Speaking at the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries’ (UWEEI) 34th anniversary dinner on 29 August 2015, NTUC Secretary- General (SG) Chan Chun Sing reiterated the importance of strong tripartism in order for Singapore to remain globally competitive. “There are many reasons for investors to come to Singapore, but if I could only mention one, it would be because of the strong partnership between the unions, the Government and employers. This is the special ingredient for the success over the last 50 years for both the electronics and electrical industry and for Singapore,” said SG Chan. Addressing more than 700 guests at the dinner held at the Orchard Hotel, SG Chan also said that Singaporeans should not take the country’s success for granted and should always keep one step ahead of competition. He said: “We need to upskill our workers and create a better environment for better jobs to come to Singapore. And it is only with the tight nexus of our tripartite partners that will we be able to achieve success beyond SG50.”

Rewarding Hard Work Some 192 bursaries and 44 scholarships were awarded to students from primary to tertiary level at The Singapore Manual & Mercantile NTUC Link: Making An Impact Workers’ Union’s (SMMWU) Bursary At the Loyalty and Engagement Awards 2015, NTUC Link bagged and Scholarship Awards presentation four awards in separate categories: Gold in Best Card-Based Loyalty recently.Co-funded by the NTUC Programme and Best Partnership in a Loyalty Programme; and Silver U Care Fund, the event saw a total in Best Use of Rewards and Incentives and Most Innovative Loyalty of $65,930 worth of bursaries and Programme. scholarships given out. Now into its third edition, the awards is aimed at recognising the world’s Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ms , Minister of State leaders in customer loyalty and engagement. Competing in 26 categories for Communications and Information, and Education, said: “Meritocracy were companies from the South Asia and the Oceania regions. is a cornerstone of Singapore’s success. The Government provides financial assistance to students who need help so that everyone can benefit from the AIMING HIGH best opportunities in education, regardless of financial background. Many Although the Loyalty and Engagement Brand of the Year award went to DBS, students have since benefitted. NTUC Link came in a close second. “However, the Government cannot do this alone, and I am heartened NTUC Link CEO Tony Tan said: “We are very happy and proud to have that many of our unions and organisations have joined us in this won four awards and having our hard work recognised by the industry. This meaningful cause.” is also a clear indication of the strength of our reach and impact on working The union has been offering bursaries and scholarships since 1974 to families in Singapore. Our team will continually strive to increase efforts in help union members supplement the educational costs of their children enhancing commercial and social impact for our members, customers and all and to recognise the hard work and academic excellence of the recipients. Singaporeans.” To date, more than 20,000 students have benefited from the initiative.

NTUC THIS WEEK

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The Labour Movement, Now Closer To U On The Go! Scan here for mobile app My NTUC featuring exclusive content: get the latest news, special offers, merchants listing and a lot more! ANDROID IPHONE & IPAD 2015年9月6日 售价 60c MCI (P) 044/12/2014 来自工运的心声 2015年8月25日国会解散之后，9月1日接着完成了候选人提名。 现在国人正准备于9月11日星期五那一天投下神圣的一票。在工运这一边， 我们兴奋地见到数张熟悉的面孔。他们本着为工友强力发声的心愿，参加本届大选。 下面介绍几位代表人民行动党参选的工运领袖…

我们要维持新加坡的独家 继 续 投 入 精 力 ，通 过 倡 导 特色，而不满足于一般。别 扩大年长工友的技能提升 的国家地大物博，可以流于一般， 和就业面，以及职场卫生和公平 但我们有决心和抱负，哪怕资源有 待遇，从而维护他们的利益。” 限，也要异于他国，把家园营造得 -惹兰勿刹集选区候选人王志豪 独 具 特 色 。如 此 ，国 人 才 会 以 自 己 是新加坡人为荣…别轻信那些要 把新加坡变得平凡的人。如果新加坡只有中等水平，还 有谁想要来投资？还有谁想要来创造工作？又有谁将为 我 将 继 续 倡 导 公 平 雇 我们建设国家？不会有的！” 佣。现在有较多的专经 -丹戎巴葛集选区候选人陈振声 执人员担忧工作和饭碗不保， 继续强化公平雇佣，以及采取 相关措施，为每一个国人创造 好工作便显得相当重要。” 我们将继续致力于建立以新 -阿裕尼集选区候选人杨木光 加坡人为核心的劳动队伍， 并确保我们的专经执人员在职场 上具有公平的竞争机会。我们也将 在各个行业逐个实施未来技能计 我想敦促当局采取更多 划 ，提 升 专 经 执 人 员 的 技 能 ，确 保 措施，支持自雇工友为将 他 们 未 雨 绸 缪 ，以 备 未 来 之 须 。” 来储蓄退休金和医药费。” -西海岸集选区候选人郑德源 -宏茂桥集选区候选人洪鼎基

有两件事我一直想要做： 我将永远捍卫工友的权益， 第一件是，争取增加育婴 代 表 他 们 发 言 ，特 别 是 为 低 假，同时确保政策和职场能支 薪工友请命-这如同加入一场没有 持国人养家，以便兼顾家庭和 终点线的竞赛。低薪工友还有好多 职 业 理 想 ；第 二 件 是 ，提 升 工 友 方面有待协助。我若再次当选，一 的技能。我国经济正经历转型， 定会继续努力为他们服务。” 在职工友和年轻人须要多方援 -白沙-榜鹅集选区候选人再纳 助，向他们伸出援手才能确保他 们 继 续 找 到 好 工 作 。” -淡滨尼集选区候选人朱倍庆