24 AUGUST 2014 60 CENTS MCI (P) 183/12/2013

THE LION CITY ROARS The Story is waking up to a new dawn with calls in place to better the lives of the young and old. 2 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014

The Way Forward NTUC’s leaders welcome PM Lee’s announcements to improve ways to help workers progress at the workplace.

By Nicholas Lee and Ramesh Subbaraman

We have all contributed to the Singapore Story. At the heart of the Singapore Story is our belief in Singapore, belief that we can turn vulnerability and despair into confidence and hope; belief that out of the trauma of separation, we could build a modern metropolis and a beautiful home; belief that whatever the challenges of this uncertain world we can thrive and prosper as one united people. Let this belief and spirit burn bright in each one of us and guide us forward for the next 50 years and more. Together, let us be the pioneers of our generation. Together, let us create a brighter future for all Singaporeans.” PM at the 2014 National Day Rally. Photo: Ministry and Information of Communications

uman resource has always been ASPIRE our most precious resource. Among them, the Applied Study in HMoving forward, it is critical that Polytechnics and ITE Review (ASPIRE) we learn how to make even better use of Committee will be announcing its our workers and treat them even better.” recommendations soon. One of its objectives This was the message from NTUC is to look at ways to create the “work and Secretary-General (SG) to a study path”. range of worker-related announcements SG Lim pointed out that the work of made by Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien the ASPIRE Committee is “very important, Loong at the National Day Rally on 17 timely and meaningful, from the Labour The Labour Movement supports the August 2014 at the ITE College Central. Movement’s point of view.” setting up of the new tripartite committee led by Deputy Prime Minister to strengthen the development of pre-employment education and in-employment upgrading to support career progression for all Singaporeans, including non-degree holders from ITE and Polytechnics. This will enable individuals to upgrade themselves and advance in their career regardless of their academic qualifications.

CAREER PROGRESSION Citing the example of healthcare workers, SG Lim said that NTUC has been working with Government hospitals to implement a Progressive Wage Model for employees without a University degree to progress further up in their career. He added that the Labour Movement Photo: Ministry and Information of Communications Keppel FELS was highlighted by PM Lee as an example of a company that gives its employees the first bite at a better job hopes that more employers will put in place opportunity when a vacancy arises. a system where there is a single ladder for NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL 3

employees of all qualifications to climb based on performance without any glass ceiling. This was a point also emphasised by the Labour Movement’s newly- appointed Nominated Member of Parliament and Vice President of NTUC K Karthikeyan. “Many organisations, including the Civil Service, expect a standard paper qualification. Many have ‘glass ceilings’ and are stuck in a position because management wants the relevant papers to move them… I wish to follow up on this area of bridging training that leads to equivalent qualifications,” he said.

PROMOTING WITHIN In his speech, PM Lee highlighted Working And Retirement Keppel FELS which gives its employees the first bite at a better job opportunity when a vacancy arises. NTUC responds to PM Lee’s Keppel FELS Employees’ Union announcement on changes to the General Secretary Ms Atyyah Hassan said that an internal broadcast will CPF scheme. first be made when there’s a job By Nicholas Lee and Ramesh Subbaraman vacancy within the company. Ms Atyyah said she herself is a beneficiary of Keppel FELS’ ingaporeans received two important in a better position to understand his own enlightened policy of allowing career news about their lifetime national health and needs at that point in time, and progression within the company. Ssavings in the Central Provident Fund the amount of money he would reasonably (CPF) when Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien need to meet the cost of living then. JOB PERFORMANCE Loong addressed the nation during the “He is then in a better position to make PM Lee feels the public service can do National Day Rally on 17 August 2014. a more informed decision about trading off more and some steps in the pipeline Elaborating on the topic of ‘assurances between taking out a certain lump sum from include promoting non-graduates in retirement’, PM Lee revealed that the his invested Minimum Sum, and the reduced more quickly to what used to be government will allow people the option to monthly payout for the rest of his life that considered graduate level jobs once take out part of their CPF savings in a lump he would get by his decision.” they prove they can do it. sum, when they need to and subject to limits, The Amalgamated Union of Public at the age of 65 and beyond. HELPING OLDER WORKERS Employees (AUPE) is of the view that He also highlighted that the Minimum PM Lee also announced the new Silver whether an employee is considered Sum will be $161,000 for people turning 55 Support scheme that will provide an to be ‘good’ must ultimately rest from 1 July 2015. additional bonus to low-income elderly on his job performance and his “Overall, CPF is a good scheme to help all Singaporeans starting from age 65 to help relevant skills, and not on his paper Singaporeans better prepare themselves for them meet their retirement needs. This is qualifications. retirement,” said NTUC Secretary-General on top of other forms of Government and “In the past, the union has worked (SG) Lim Swee Say. community support they currently receive. with the public service to merge Newly-appointed Nominated Member schemes for non-polytechnic diploma PLANNING RETIREMENT of Parliament and NTUC Vice-President and polytechnic diploma holders. SG Lim reassured workers that the Labour K Karthikeyan expressed concern for It has worked well. The union looks Movement will continue to push for more employees who don’t fit the eligibility forward to working with the public opportunities for mature workers who wish criteria for re-employment under the service now to merge schemes for to work for a few more years to save up more current Retirement and Re-employment Act. non-grads and grads. We will be in for their retirement needs. He said: “If they have no job from 62 to discussion with the public service Also sharing his views on the topic was 65 or any period between these ages, many soon,” said AUPE’s General Secretary NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee will have extreme difficulties to survive… Ma Wei Cheng. How, who has been speaking about the they know that from 65 they will receive PM Lee’s message to all importance of retirement adequacy recently. a steady stream of income (with CPF LIFE Singaporeans – so long as you work He explained: “When a person reaches payouts and Silver Support bonuses), hard, you can always hope for a 65 years old, 10 years after setting aside the but the period in-between is going to be brighter future. Minimum Sum at 55 years old, he would be difficult.” 4 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 Labour Policies Key Celebrating For Success Singapore! With changes Our unions and tripartite partners go already made to the around the island spreading cheer as Employment Act, progressive HR policies the nation turns 49. will be next says By Naseema Banu Maideen and Florina Oo Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin.

By Ramesh Subbaraman

t is important for Singapore that the country’s labour policies are put in place Iso that the economy can thrive and job opportunities are created. Making the point at the National Day Observance Ceremony of the Ministry of Manpower and its various Statutory Boards and subsidiaries was Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin at a ceremony held at the

CPF Board Headquarters on 7 August 2014. It was a bird’s eye view as Pioneer Generation members from MIWU and NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Leaders from the tripartite partners Yeo Guat Kwang (center) stepped into the Singapore Flyer capsule for a ride. were also present at the event. METAL INDUSTRIES WORKERS’ UNION (MIWU) Pioneer Generation members were honoured during MIWU’s National Day Observance Ceremony on 16 August. Held at the Singapore Flyer, some 70 Pioneer Generation members and their families took to the skies and enjoyed the panoramic views of Singapore. This was also part of the Labour Movement’s ‘Appreciating U’ efforts. At the event, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Guat Kwang thanked the pioneers who worked tirelessly over the years and transformed Singapore into a metropolis. He also called on the younger generation to carry on the pioneers’ can-do attitude.

KEPPEL FELS EMPLOYEES’ UNION (KFEU) It was an early start for some 1,000 Keppel FELS Employees’ Union (KFEU) members as they gathered on 11 August for the National Day Observance Ceremony at the company’s premises in Jurong. Guest-of- Honour Associate Professor , who is Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport, sang the national anthem and recited the pledge together with the members. Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin takes the pledge with children of MOM staff. NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL 5

Representatives of HDB and HDBSU with National MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Development Minister Khaw (MND), WITH HOUSING AND Boon Wan (front row, centre). DEVELOPMENT BOARD STAFF UNION (HDBSU) At this year’s Ministry of National Development’s (MND) National Day SINGAPORE PORT WORKERS UNION (SPWU) Observance Ceremony on 7 August 2014, AND PORT OFFICERS’ UNION (POU) Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Some 145 members from the Singapore Port Workers Union Wan presented the Minister’s Awards to the (SPWU) and Port Officers’ Union (POU) held a combined winning teams. The Minister’s Award (Team) National Day Observance Ceremony at PSA Building on 15 aims to recognise significant team-based August. Member of Parliament , who is also contributions with extensive impact on MND. Advisor to SPWU, graced the HDB was one of the recipients for the occasion. Minister’s Award. The project titled ‘A Branch Like No Other At Punggol Town’ clinched the award and was carried out jointly with HDB Groups and HDBSU.

ELECTRONICS AND PRECISION AND MACHINERY ENGINEERING (EPME) CLUSTER Close to 150 management partners and union representatives from EPME Cluster attended the National Day Observance Ceremony on 15 August at one of Micron Semiconductor Asia facilities in Woodlands. Minister of State for Health Dr was Guest-of-Honour and presented a unique 3D printed medal to some 40 representatives as Member of Parliament Ang Wei Neng takes a selfie with PSA staff. tokens of appreciation.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (in maroon colour) stood side by side with Left to Right : Minister of State for Health Dr Lam Pin Min, Singapore members from KFEU. Country Manager of Micron Lee Kok Choy and NTUC Deputy Secretary- General at the EPME NDOC. 6 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 LM Role Models This year, the LM adds four more individuals to its list of illustrious recipients of the National Day Awards (Public Service Medal).

FEATURED IN OUR 17 AUGUST ISSUE: Mr Michael Tan Eng Hin, Immediate-past President of and now Consultant for Education Services Union (ESU)Board Staff Union ANDMr Lee Van Chong, Executive Committee Member of the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS).

I am deeply The award is indeed grateful to an affirmation of our the NTUC and Union’s hard work and all my bosses efforts in championing for assigning me issues that are close purposeful work to the hearts in my pilgrim of our HDB journey in this Staff Union world.” members.”

National Day Awardee National Day Awardee Ms Adeline Sum Wai Fun, Chief Executive Officer of Mr Richard Tan Peck Hoon, General Secretary of Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF) and NTUC Choice Housing and Development Board Staff Union (HDBSU). Homes Co-operative Ltd and Chief Development Officer of NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Limited. BUILDING BETTER LIVES Mr Richard Tan Peck Hoon has served in HDBSU for POSITIVE IMPACT the past 34 years and has worked his way up to his Since 1993, Ms Adeline Sum Wai Fun has risen through the present post as General Secretary. In various roles in ranks to play a key role in the Labour Movement. Helming NTUC and tripartite committees over the years, he the SLF and several NTUC Social Enterprises, she has has given his strong support to the Labour Movement strengthened the collaboration between SLF and NTUC to and tripartite causes. He also received the Comrade of help the working community earn a better living and live a Labour award in 2003 for his exemplary contributions better life. to the union and NTUC.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS KEY ACHIEVEMENTS ✔ Ensured inclusive growth for workers – SLF collaborated ✔ Supports lifelong learning efforts by ensuring that with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency to set work processes and job scopes are reviewed regularly up NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) in to ensure HDB’s service level and staff professionalism 2008. meet public expectations. This paved the way for ✔ Expanding industrial relations capability and capacity – HDB to redesign and equip staff with new skills to stay SLF supports this through financial grants which enable NTUC relevant. to recruit more Industrial Relations Officers. ✔ Helped to increase membership numbers ✔ Lending a helping hand – SLF supports low-income union – persuaded management to subsidise union members through donations to the NTUC-U Care Fund which membership fees for six months for new HDBSU administers various financial assistance schemes such as U members. The annual Union Membership Awareness Stretch and NTUC U Care Back to School vouchers. Day has been held since 2008 to raise the awareness on the union’s roles and membership benefits. ✔ Gave peace of mind – As the Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Childcare from 2005 to 2008, she introduced infant ✔ Advocated re-employment of mature workers in care services to help mothers return to the workforce after HDB – A Memorandum of Agreement between the childbirth. The Bright Horizons Fund was also introduced to union and management was inked to implement a provide financial assistance and development programmes systematic approach to the re-employment of retiring for children from underprivileged families. staff. NTUC This Week 10 AUGUST 2014 WEEK IN REVIEW 7 Snapshots A quick round up of what went on in and around the Labour Movement recently.

By NTUC This Week Team

Going Green MEMBER’S CORNER As part of the Labour Movement’s ‘Appreciating U’ movement, four members from the youth chapter of the Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU) had a first-hand experience in learning the job of a landscape technician at Fort Canning Park on 2 August 2014. Over a two-hour session led by several professional landscape technicians from BNL Services Pte Ltd, members learnt to clear garden debris and loosen the soil and plant Singapore shrubs. Marriott Hotel Participant Narindas Ramathas, 10% OFF Mooncakes 31, a Customer Service Officer from Offer valid till 8 September 2014. CPG Facilities Management Pte Ltd shared: “These workers work hard to For enquiries, call 6831 4708, email mhrs. keep our city green and leafy. So we [email protected] or visit 320 Orchard Road. Present NTUC Card to have to appreciate what they do and enjoy the privileges. learn to treasure our surroundings.”

Peach Garden 20% OFF 4-pc box Mooncakes Upping Productivity The sectors that registered Offer valid till 8 September 2014 for all mooncake flavours except Premium Lotus Paste with 4 declining productivity are those Yolks. Present NTUC Card to enjoy the privileges. that are more labour-intensive. We Available at all Peach Garden are still hearing the employers crying outlets and mooncake kiosks (Bedok Mall, Junction for more manpower though there are 8, Century Square, some seriously looking at innovative Parkway Parade, and more efficient ways of running the Change Alley @ businesses. Unfortunately the use of Chevron House).

manpower lean methods in this industry For enquiries, call is not pervasive enough to create higher Assuring Success 6252 9833. impact. My other sense is the behaviour It is a rare opportunity to come of the consumer. Today the customers face-to-face with a CEO, so it’s no will still want to be served! And service surprise that a flurry of questions providers will have a big challenge was in store for NTUC Income CEO Mandarin Orchard to manage the expectation of the Ken Ng at the inaugural Future 15% OFF Mooncakes* consumers while managing their Leaders Mentorship Session on 5 Offer valid till 8 September 2014. Present NTUC manpower constraints. This will July 2014. Card to enjoy the privileges. take a while for us to adjust.” This series was introduced by For enquiries, call 6831 6321, email festivedesk. NTUC’s Assistant Secretary-General NTUC’s Membership Department on 22 May 2014 to enable NTUC [email protected] or visit 333 Cham Hui Fung responding to the Orchard Road, Festive Booth Level 1. Ministry of Trade and Industry’s members to learn from business statement on 12 August 2014 leaders in small groups. *Minimum two orders of 4-piece boxes. that labour productivity had The session saw 15 NTUC fallen 1.3% in the second members from various industries quarter of this year from raise their views on topics such as a year ago, hurt by workplace punctuality, flexible work falling productivity arrangements and leadership skills in sectors such as as well as gain an understanding on accommodation how to achieve personal success. and food and business Interested NTUC members are services. invited to write in to [email protected] to find out more about the sessions. 8 PROTECTION NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 Tackling Re-Employment UPAGE to pursue discussions with Gencos on re-employment issues.

By Ramesh Subbaraman

he Union of Power and Gas remain effective if all three parties – the Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee Say Employees (UPAGE) recently held its government, employer and union accept – emphasised that he fully appreciated some T Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference appreciate each other’s concerns and roles. of the challenges the energy industry was on 11 August 2014, addressing issues We would like to assure our members going through now. ranging from leadership renewal, attracting and Gencos delegates that the union is more PMEs to join the union and the committed to ensure a fair outcome.” ENHANCING TRUST subject of re-employment beyond 62. “Along the way, companies will come MOU WITH SINGAPORE POWER under stress, workers will come under BIGGEST CHALLENGE Meanwhile, UPAGE reached another stress, profitability will come under stress, Speaking before leaders from the labour milestone in its union work when it employment and re-employment will come movement and management partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding under stress. But if each one of us only from the Energy Market Authority (MOU) with Singapore Power during the adopts a short term view and just takes care (EMA) and the Generation companies Quadrennial Delegates Conference, to widen of our own interest, tripartism will break (Gencos), UPAGE’s General Secretary its reach on representing Professionals, down, trust will be damaged,” said SG Lim. RKS Nachiappan said the union’s biggest Managers and Executives (PMEs). He urged all parties to work together to challenge currently is tackling the issue With the MOU, the Union can now find a way forward so that the mutual trust of employment and re-employment for represent PMEs on workplace grievances, and partnership between power generation workers in the Gencos. including performance appraisal. Giving companies and UPAGE will come through He added: “Industrial relations will only his opening address at the event, NTUC the restructuring stronger and not weaker.

NTUC THIS WEEK

MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR WRITER ADVERTISING BOOKINGS/QUERIES SHONA TAN-JAMES [email protected] NASEEMA BANU MAIDEEN [email protected] Phone 6622 7009 EDITOR-AT-LARGE WRITERS Email [email protected] MARCUS LIN [email protected] NICHOLAS LEE [email protected] PUBLISHER [email protected] EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS FLORINA OO MAJORITY MEDIA PTE LTD LIM LI YIN [email protected] ART DIRECTOR Address 73 Bras Basah Road, NTUC Trade Union House RAMESH SUBBARAMAN [email protected] DANIEL GOH [email protected] #06-01 Singapore 189556 Phone +65 6622 7098 Fax +65 6327 5640 EDITOR SENIOR DESIGNERS NICOLETTE YEO [email protected] MOHAMED NASUHAR SOEYOETI [email protected] Email [email protected] SUB EDITOR RYANNE NG [email protected] PRINTER [email protected] TIMES PRINTERS PTE LTD GURMEET SINGH SUBSCRIPTION JENNY LIAU [email protected] © Copyright 2014 The publisher owns the copyright to all photographs and articles in this publication. No photograph or article may be reproduced in part or in full without the consent of the publisher.

C100 M0 Y0 K0 C50 M0 Y100 K0 C15 M0 Y100 K0

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 National Day Awards 2014

Brother Lee Van Chong Brother Richard Tan Peck Hoon Executive Committee Member & Immediate Past Treasurer General Secretary Singapore Organisation of Seamen Housing and Development Board Staff Union Deputy Chairman, Seacare Co-operative Ltd

Brother Michael Tan Eng Hin Sister Adeline Sum Wai Fun Consultant and Immediate-past President Chief Executive Officer Education Services Union Singapore Labour Foundation and NTUC Choice Homes Co-operative Ltd Chief Development Officer NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Limited

On being conferred PINGAT BAKTI MASYARAKAT (PBM) The Public Service Medal 10 PROGRESSION NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014

BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS In Full Swing The first signature programme from this collaboration is an annual ‘Leadership The NTUC U Associate Programme Lessons at the Golf Course’, where NTUC members get to learn golfing techniques and pick up welcomes it ninth partner and first leadership development tips. The programme is sporting association. slated to start in December 2014 and some 30 participants will benefit from it. By Florina Oo In addition, a directory service featuring professional golf coaches will be set up on the embers from the Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association NTUC Membership website for NTUC members (SPGA) can now enjoy the 4Ps – Protection, Placement, and the general MProgression and Privileges – offered by the Labour Movement. public. This follows an agreement inked between SPGA President M. The NTUC Murugiah and NTUC Membership Council Secretary Vivek Kumar on 4 U Associate August 2014 at the Orchid Country Club. It also marks the first sports Programme is a association to come on board NTUC’s U Associate Programme. key NTUC initiative SPGA President M. Murugiah said the partnership is a positive step launched in March forward and lets SPGA members enjoy a wide range of benefits and 2011 to reach out to upgrading opportunities offered by NTUC. Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) through industry and alumni associations.

The Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association is the only golfers’ professional body registered in Singapore with around 200 members comprising qualified and experienced coaches and touring professionals. SPGA President M. Murugiah and NTUC Membership Council Secretary Vivek Kumar set things in motion at the signing ceremony. Looking Out For PMEs NTUC This Week catches up with Komalavalli Pakirisamy, a woman leader who makes it her business to look into PMEs’ cares and concerns. By Naseema Banu Maideen

he sprightly Inland Revenue Secretariat’s Leadership Committee. GROOMING FEMALE LEADERS Authority of Singapore Staff Union When asked why she made this Ms Komalavalli, 44, and a mother of two T (IRASSU) President is also one choice amongst the various Committees, teenage children, served as the Vice- leader who voluntarily became active Ms Komalavalli said: “Our female Chairman of NTUC WDS Leadership on NTUC Women’s Development leaders are actually very passionate Committee. Together with the staff from about what they do and are raring WDS, she has organised workshops to achieve more. They have many that bring public speaking coaches and interesting opinions and new negotiation skills instructors to train the ideas. Sometimes, it’s just women leaders. that their voices are not heard loud enough. HAND-IN-HAND WORK “Many of them may In the union that she leads, Ms Komalavalli not have the relevant handles issues related to PMEs. About 90% competence to articulate of the unionised members are PMEs, and a the views. I have come large proportion of them are women. through a long journey Most of these working mothers crossing through these appreciate some form of Flexible-Work challenges. This is why I Arrangements (FWAs). Working together felt that I could contribute with the union, the Inland Revenue more in the Leadership Authority of Singapore has already Committee.” implemented a lot of family-friendly FWAs. Ms Komalavalli sharing her views at one of the women leaders’ gathering. NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 PROGRESSION 11

In 1982, you moved on to NTUC Labour Of Love Computer Training Centre, now known as NTUC LearningHub. Was it Having served the Labour Movement for the exciting to be at the forefront of new technology? past 39 years, Theresa Wong is moving on, but Indeed, I was tasked to help workers not before sharing her fondest memories. overcome the fear of computers. They were afraid of the machines and didn’t By Florina Oo dare to touch a button. I also found out that they were afraid s Theresa Wong was in her early NTUCtw: When you started out as an of losing their jobs when they realised twenties when she first heard IRO, it must have been tough for a young computers could simplify work routines. about the job of an Industrial lady like you to speak to the workers. That’s why I encouraged them to learn M more. I told them if they do not master Relations Officer (IRO). She recalled Ms Wong: You had to be daring and querying a friend about the job duties and proactive to approach the workers. We this technology, there is a possibility that felt it was a meaningful cause to help the used to wait outside the factory gates at the faceless machinery would replace workers. 5pm for workers as they ended their shift them. After graduating from Nanyang work. It was a golden opportunity to give University with a Social Science degree, Ms out pamphlets, interact and educate them Returning to your roots of helping Wong joined NTUC in October 1975 and about the union. It was daunting but when workers, you joined NTUC’s e2i in never looked back. I saw my colleagues’ passion, I was inspired. 2009. What was the experience like? Everyone wants a job that pays well, work less and zero stress. But we have to be realistic and advise them that such jobs Amidst the are hard to come by. changes, one There are times when our role goes aspect has remained beyond employment advice and we slip into the shoes of a counsellor. To a constant: Unions retrenched worker, his primary concern continue to encourage is his family. This can be a delicate members to go for skills process and we find ways to help them upgrading. The ultimate come to terms before assessing their re- employment prospects. result is to give workers

better jobs, pay and You’ve witnessed Singapore’s livelihoods.” transformation over the years. Put on your LM lens and tell us what has changed. As workers’ interests and demographics evolved, the Labour Movement has also moved in tandem. Workers are still concerned about the bread-and-butter issues but today they are also interested to enjoy the benefits and privileges of a union membership. Amidst the changes, one aspect has remained constant: Ms Theresa Wong Unions continue to encourage members to go for skills Age: 62 upgrading. The ultimate result Occupation: Lead Employability is to give workers better jobs, Coach at NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) pay and livelihoods.

Hej (Hello in Swedish) Ms Theresa Wong’s last day with NTUC’s e2i was 15 August 2014. Her next destination: Sweden. From all of us at NTUC, we wish her the best as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. 12 FLASHBACK NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 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 August 1975. By Marcus Lin

August 1975: In his National Day message, then NTUC Secretary-General Devan Nair said: “We can survey the ten years of Singapore’s existence as a sovereign state with sober satisfaction. The voices which predicted turbulence, instability and eventual doom for Singapore have been belied. “A combination of honest political leadership, a responsive working for a high degree of social awareness and population and hard-headed discipline. and pragmatic development “Singapore must become much more self- policies has paid off handsome sufficient in meeting its labour requirements dividends in terms of a than it has been in the past. Trade unions viable economy and near full must help to counter the tendency among employment. many of our young male workers to opt “Together with the rest for the soft jobs. If this goes unchecked, it of Singapore, the trade unions have also will be a rough one, calculated to tax to the would lead to two negative results: registered significant progress in terms utmost all our resources of skill, intelligence • Over-dependence on immigrant labour; of membership, greater expertise and and adaptability to swift changes in regional • Young men doing soft jobs which could sophistication in organisation and collective and global scenarios. just as easily be done by young women. bargaining and of striking initiatives in the “Given the political will to be ourselves “It is imperative that our young men field of co-operative projects. and to survive as a free and independent should systematically enhance their skills if “All the indications – geopolitical, nation, there is no reason why we should they desire to enhance their earnings. Trade economic and social – are that the road ahead not progress and prosper. But it will call unions as well as employers must learn to appreciate that the most effective means of securing the maximum productive utilisation of our manpower is the full utilisation of our available woman-power. “This cannot be done if our young male workers stand in the way of the employment of women by opting for the soft jobs.” National Day Awards 2014

Brother Richard Tan Peck Hoon General Secretary Housing and Development Board Staff Union

On being conferred PINGAT BAKTI MASYARAKAT (PBM) The Public Service Medal

Housing and Development Board Staff Union 14 EVENTS NTUC This Week 24 AUGUST 2014 What’s Happening, Where Planes: Fire & Rescue Movie Tickets Giveaway! The sequel to popular animated movie sees world famous air racer Dusty in a new adventure with new friends! This time, he flies into the world of aerial firefighting and battles a massive wildfire. Dusty is joined by veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team. NTUC/nEbO Members, spend a minimum of $20*at E!hub Level 3 and Shoppers Lane retail outlets at Downtown East this September to redeem a pair of tickets for the movie. For more information, log on to http://www.downtowneast. com.sg/ and look under “Events”. *This amount is only for NTUC/nEbO Plus! Members. Plus! Members and the public must spend $40 and $60 respectively.

Appreciating U: Our Empower Your Child To Success Mature Workers Photo In The 21st Century Contest Adam Khoo, one of Singapore’s youngest self-made Colleagues, family members millionaires and founder of the ‘I Am Gifted’ or everyday heroes, show you programme brings you this workshop to help you value mature workers by taking and your child discover how to: part in this contest! Organised • Use powerful study techniques used by top in line with the ‘Appreciating students to study faster and better. U: Our Mature Workers’ • Develop success mindsets and habits to movement, each winning entry succeed in school. stands to receive NTUC FairPrice • Nurture a high level of confidence and motivation in vouchers to be shared between your child. the participant and the mature Be the first 100 families to register and receive a goodie bag worker(s). worth $100! 28 Sep, 2pm – 6pm, Auditorium, Level 7, NTUC Log on to www.appreciateu.com.sg and Centre, One Marina Boulevard, $39* per family of 4 (NTUC participate today. For enquiries, email NTUC- member), $89 per family of 4 (Public). [email protected]. For more information, please contact us at 6213 8810 or email [email protected]. *Includes free ‘Profiling Test’ for your Industrial Briefing for Tripartite child(ren). Nautical Training (TNTA) Programme Come check out the job opportunities for Downtown East’s Mid-Autumn maritime officers and find out how a seafaring Splendour career can be both rewarding and exciting. It’s worth traipsing down to Downtown East just to catch 2 Sep, 10am or 2pm, Devan Nair Institute for the mind-blowing LED Dragon Dance performance! Also Employment and Employability, Level 1 Registration check out the Mandarin lantern quizzes (灯谜) where Hub, 80 Jurong East Street 21. you can have a go at the 4 Sep, 10am or 2pm, Tampines North Community Club, Room 02-07, challenging riddles. NTUC 2 Tampines Street 41. Plus! members will 9 Sep, 10am or 2pm, SAFRA Toa receive additional perks Payoh, Seminar Room 5, 293 Lorong of free lanterns, Heaven 6 Toa Payoh. & Earth green tea and mooncakes. Visit http://etms.sg/e2i/officer or call 6474 0606 during operating 6 Sep, 7pm, Event hours (9am – 6pm) to register. Square, Downtown East, Registration closes on 8 Sep or upon 1 Pasir Ris Close. full registration. Admission is strictly by pre-registration only.

Want to list your upcoming event? Drop us an email at [email protected].

2014年8月24日 售价 60c MCI (P) 183/12/2013 国人可放心 职业和养老各有保障

全国职工总会（职总）秘书长林瑞生分享他对总理群众大会演讲的感想。

“人力一向是我国最宝贵的资源。展 望 未 来 ，学 习 更 好 地 善 用 和 善 待 我 林瑞生举保健工作者为例，说明职总已经和政府重组医院谈商在该行业实 们的工友至关重要。” 施渐进式薪金制，协助非大学毕业雇员提升技能，并获得职业提升。他还说， 这是林瑞生秘书长于2014年8月18日出席青年工程师领袖计划的推介仪式 工运希望更多雇主实施一视同仁的制度，只要雇员的工作表现良好，不分性别 后，回应媒体询问他对总理的群众大会演讲有何看法时发表感想。 和学历，都能沿着同一个职业阶梯实现职业晋升。 他指出：“从工运的角度来看，成立应用学习教育检讨（ASPIRE）委员会非 谈及公积金课题时，林瑞生表示总理的建议既平衡又周到。他吁请工友们 常重要，也很及时和富有意义。” 放心，工运将继续推动延长退休年龄，并制造更多机会让那些希望多工作几年 工运全力支持成立相关的劳资政委员会，双双强化职前教育发展和在 的工友如愿，从而有多一些积蓄，满足退休的需要。 职技能提升，以便拓宽全体国人的职业前程，包括工艺教育学院和理工学院的 他也指出，总理宣布的乐龄补贴计划，将协助低薪年长工友度过晚年。 非大学文凭持有者。他认为这将促使人们不拘学历，自我提升和追求职业上的 “总体而言，公积金能较好地帮助全体国人储蓄养老，是一个很好的 进步。 制 度 。”