22 NOVEMBER 2015 60 CENTS MCI (P) 044/12/2014

FAIR PLAY The Labour Movement recommends a practical route towards a more level playing field for taxis and private hire vehicle services. Details inside… 2 TAXI TALK NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 Keeping It Fair The National Taxi Association submits its recommendations to the Transport Ministry to ensure a level playing field between taxis and private hire vehicle services.

By Ryan Chan and Fawwaz Baktee

he National Taxi Association (NTA) released on 16 November 2015 its recommendations to the Ministry of Transport on T private hire vehicle services as part of its efforts to ensure a more level playing field between various stakeholders. These recommendations come after Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan’s pledge on 2 October 2015 to review private car-sharing apps in consultation with taxi drivers and the general public to “forge a fair solution”. This task has since been undertaken by Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Transport Ng Chee Meng. In its recommendations, NTA said that any review pertaining to private hire vehicle services should adhere to three key principles: assurance of commuters’ safety and security; fair competition among service providers who offer point-to-point transfers; and to embrace new technology for greater efficiency on the use of transport assets. In a media statement, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTA Executive Advisor Ang Hin Kee said: “The feedback and recommendations balance the need to level the playing field for the various stakeholders in the industry, and at the same time safeguard the interests of our end users.”

Here are the NTA recommendations:

Commuters’ Safety And Security 1i All private hire vehicle drivers who provide point-to-point transfer services and serve the same consumer market should be subject to similar qualifications and certifications as taxi drivers. Currently, all taxi drivers have to pass strict checks such as medical and criminal background screenings by the Land Transport Authority and the Traffic Police before being allowed to go through the Taxi Driving Vocational License (TDVL) course. ii Private hire vehicles and drivers serving the same consumer market should adopt similar identification protocol as taxi vehicles and drivers. Every taxi vehicle is clearly marked to ensure easy identification for commuters and enforcement purposes. Taxi drivers are also required to possess a photo identification issued by LTA for easy identification, to assure commuters that the driver holds a valid TDVL. iii Ensure that there is clear accountability when dealing with unfortunate incidents, disputes and claims. For taxis, commuters who are involved in unfortunate incidents or disputes are able to approach LTA or taxi operators directly for assistance or liability claims. For private hire vehicles, it is currently unclear as to whom commuters are able to approach in such circumstances. NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 TAXI TALK 3

The feedback and recommendations balance the need to level the playing field for the various stakeholders in the industry, and at the same time safeguard the interests of our end users.” NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTA Executive Advisor Ang Hin Kee

Need For Fair Competition 2i Ministry of Transport to review the standards imposed on taxi drivers and the operating cost, Greater Efficiency In fee and rate structures with a view of levelling the Meeting Taxi Demand playing field between taxis and private hire vehicles. The NTA said that this is needed as the “plethora of compliance 3The Government and taxi operators to leverage on new costs” translate into higher rental cost for taxi drivers and technology and practices to improve the riding experience charges for commuters. of commuters and to better match the demand and supply in ii Charges and fees of private hire vehicles should be reviewed to the private hire market. allow fairer competition for taxi drivers and for commuters to NTA said that it is important that Singapore’s transport policies have access to clear and transparent fee structures. and regulations, including the taxi business model, keep up with the Currently, taxi operators adhere to fixed rates of charges advancement of technology and the preferences of consumers. The approved by the LTA while private hires are able to change their association added that doing so “should improve transport availability pricing according to demand and supply. and contribute to greater efficiency use in transport assets”. iii To ensure relevance, LTA needs to recognise and embrace the effectiveness of new tools and technology to determine availability standards without the need for statutory requirements. I am glad that NTA is looking beyond the Statutory requirements, such as the Taxi Availability (TA) taxi industry, and has even recommended standards, have been put in place to meet the availability and quality of service standards. This, according to NTA, has resulted how we can improve the safety and service in higher operating costs for taxi drivers. quality of the private hire car industry. We iv LTA to be consistent in regulating and monitoring private hire already have a well-regulated taxi industry vehicle services that serve the same consumer market as taxi and improving the safety and quality of the operators. private hire car industry can only be good for Laws were passed in August 2015 to regulate third-party taxi booking service providers, giving commuters assurance that the commuters, as they will now have more than just apps do not infringe on any taxi regulations. Currently, private one option for their point-to-point travel needs.” hire vehicle service providers do not have regulations that are able to provide commuters with similar references. Senior Minister of State for Transport Ng Chee Meng in a Facebook posting 4 TAXI TALK NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015

Saving For Health Taxi drivers can soon expect to see more savings in their Medisave Account through the enhanced Drive and Save scheme.

By Ryan Chan

ntroduced in January 2011 by the National Taxi Association (NTA), with their respective taxi operator matching an equal amount. The increase the Drive and Save (DAS) scheme encourages taxi drivers to make will take effect from 1 March 2016, and will represent a 30 per cent increase I regular contributions to their Medisave Account. Currently, drivers in the annual contribution to hirers’ Medisave Account from $360 to $480. who contribute $15 monthly to their Medisave also see an equal amount In the months to come, NTA, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and taxi matched by their respective taxi operator. To date, more than 19,000 taxi operators will reach out to more drivers to inform them of the changes. A drivers are benefitting from the DAS. bilingual brochure is also in the works to encourage drivers to participate in the scheme. MORE HELP “This increase comes at an appropriate time and will go a long way to Taxi drivers working for all five taxi operators – Comfort & CityCab, Trans- help our drivers defray part of the premium payable for the new compulsory cab, SMRT, Premier and Prime – can expect a little more help soon. Drivers Medishield Life scheme,” said NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTA have agreed to increase their contribution by $5 to make it $20 monthly, Executive Advisor Ang Hin Kee.

Engaging Taxi Drivers

he National Taxi Association (NTA) organised several sit-down sessions with taxi drivers to give them a platform to voice their concerns and exchange ideas T on how to develop a more level playing field between taxi and private hire vehicle services. The feedback gathered was submitted to Senior Minister of State for Transport Ng Chee Meng, who was tasked by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan to lead the Government review for private hire vehicles services. Leading these discussions was NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTA Executive Advisor Ang Hin Kee.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

National Taxi Association (NTA)

When: 26 June 2010 Why: To be the collective voice for taxi drivers in Singapore to further their interests and enhance their social and economic well-being. Numbers: More than 20,000 members Did You Know: NTA was formed when the six company-based taxi operators’ associations came together from Comfort Taxi, SMRT Taxi, CityCab, Trans-cab, Premier Taxi and SmartCab.

ASG Ang at sit-down sessions with taxi drivers. NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 VOICES IN PARLIAMENT 5

Caring For Workers Labour MPs intend to address challenges faced by workers in an evolving economy to make their lives better.

By Ramesh Subbaraman he new session of Singapore’s MAKING POLICIES EFFECTIVE Parliament opens on 15 January 2016 I want to ensure that our with the Presidential Address which will T FUTURE-READY WORKFORCE Government policies chart the policies of the new Government for are effective and meaningful the next five years. The operating environment and through two ways. One, effectively The People’s Action Party recently workforce profile is changing executed through detailed announced the list of Government rapidly and becoming increasingly attention to the final mile. Second, fluid. We have an ageing workforce Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) to scrutinise it must evolve and stay relevant and a growing number of PMEs in the legislation and programmes of the various to the needs and aspirations of the workforce. This is coupled with the Singaporeans. Ministries. They also serve as an additional rise of disruptive technology and a channel of feedback on government policies. Our workers need good jobs now shared economy and us having to and the opportunity to transit to NTUC This Week asked Members of contend with short life cycles of jobs, better ones in future. So, I hope Parliament (MP) from the Labour Movement technology and skills. The future of SkillsFuture can work for our appointed to the GPCs about their areas of work/jobs, careers and skills will be workers.” focus in the next term of Parliament. areas which we will need to focus on. We need to see how best to , Director of NTUC develop a workforce which has good Youth Development Unit, Member employment and employability to of Manpower, Social and Family TACKLING TRANSPORT CHALLENGES stay future-ready and future-proof.” Development and Home Affairs and Law GPCs The land public transport is , NTUC Assistant Secretary- undergoing some significant General and Chairman of Manpower changes in the coming years. GPC, Member of Home Affairs and Public transport workers are Law GPC central to all these developments and my focus will be to ensure that we take good care of those who are affected by these changes.” CARING FOR TRANSPORT WORKERS A job in transport is probably , NTUC Director of Industrial one of the few vocations Relations (Field) and Member of in Singapore where some of the Transport and Culture, Community and services are provided 24/7 locally Youth GPCs as well as overseas. The nature of transport employees’ work and the expectations that they shoulder SINGAPOREAN CORE are challenging and enormous. I would advocate for more It is therefore important that they policies that focus on building are given the necessary support a stronger Singaporean Core as well and safe environment to operate as ensuring better jobs and better in. Hence, Government policies pay through skills upgrading and and management strategies will productivity improvements. I am need to be worker-centric and take also especially keen on the sectoral into consideration the impact on manpower plans that we will roll out to workers in their decision-making impact many more Singaporeans and process.” their livelihoods.” Ang Hin Kee, NTUC Assistant Secretary- Zainal Sapari, NTUC Assistant Secretary- General and Deputy Chairman of General and Deputy Chairman of Transport GPC. Manpower GPC and Member of Education GPC 6 LOOKING AHEAD NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 Toast To The Future Three unions celebrate their anniversaries over the week, with a sprinkling of key messages for the future amidst the fun and festivities. 51 And Going Strong 34 And Loving It The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union The Singapore Industrial & Services hits 51 this year, and has an important Employees’ Union (SISEU) caps off a busy job ahead. year with merriment and a renewed focus on moving forward. By Fawwaz Baktee By Jonathan Tan nions have an important role to play in the national Skillsfuture initiative and in driving improvements in productivity across the he Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) Ueconomy. celebrated its 34th anniversary with a dinner and dance at the This was said by Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran at the Food, Marina Mandarin Grand Ballroom on 13 November. Drinks and Allied Workers Union’s (FDAWU) 51st anniversary dinner held on T Guest-of-Honour Minister of Manpower Lim Swee Say paid tribute 3 November 2015 at Orchard Hotel. to the commitment of SISEU’s union leaders and empahasised the need “The FDAWU has a particularly important role, because the food and for tripartism and bipartism as key pillars for taking the union forward. hospitality industries are undergoing significant change. As Singapore’s workforce grows more slowly, coupled with rising career aspirations of BUILDING ON STRENGTHS Singaporeans today, sectors in the food and hospitality industry will have Reiterating their importance, Minister Lim said: “Without the support to rely more on manpower-lean business models, skills and productivity, in of the employers, we cannot have strong tripartism. Additionally, order to remain vibrant and create higher value-add jobs for workers,” said without a strong Labour Movement, our tripartism will be very weak. Minister Iswaran. So in that regard, we are very proud that tripartism is such a strong pillar of the Labour Movement.” TAKING THE LEAD SISEU President Lim Heng Khee recapped the union’s commitment He also commended FDAWU for its role in encouraging unionised to the development of union leaders to ensure a team of leaders with companies to take the lead in embarking on several initiatives under the right skills, experience and knowledge to take SISEU forward. SkillsFuture, and he urged more companies to embark on the initiative for the benefit of both the hotel sector and workers employed in it.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU)

When It Was Formed: 6 November 1964 Why: FDAWU was formed to act as an alternative union for workers in the hotel and restaurant industry. It was formed by a breakaway branch of the alleged pro-communist Industrial Workers Union of Singapore. Numbers: 49,000 Did You Know: In the early 1980s, Khong Guan Biscuit Factory (Singapore) was known to have a large group of workers who could only speak the Chinese dialect of Hokkien. So big was the group of dialect speakers that the union had to carry out the Collective Agreement (CA) negotiation entirely in Hokkien. NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 LEARNING 7

60 And Glowing Singapore Insurance Employees’ Union enters its sixth decade and looks set to take on challenges going forward.

By Shukry Rashid

TUC Secretary-General (SG) highlighted three challenges that Singapore Insurance Employees’ Union (SIEU) will need to address as it goes forward into the future. N th SG Chan was speaking as guest-of-honour when SIEU celebrated its 60 anniversary on 31 October 2015 with a dinner and dance at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel.

CHALLENGES AHEAD The first challenge – the jobs of insurance agents and financial planners are undergoing change as technology advances. More people are using technology to do their work. In the area of insurance, the role of technology has become a game changer. The second challenge – SIEU cannot stop at protection with regard to services rendered to its members. For example, Professionals, Managers Riding The and Executives (PMEs) who join the industry have different needs like career progression, networking opportunities and professional Technology Wave development, and SIEU has to address these. The third challenge – to instil correct values such as cooperation and the tripartite spirit into the new generation of members and leaders as they NTUC Secretary-General Chan enter the Labour Movement. Chun Sing weighs in on how The positive values of working together with the tripartite partners will not only protect their interests, but also advance the interest of the robotics technologies can be profession, the industry and the company as a whole. integrated into our workforce.

By Jonathan Tan

obotics technologies may be the future of our industries, but it need not be perceived as a threat to jobs. R Integrated well, it could even enhance opportunities for workers to value-add to their productivity and efficiency. Speaking as Guest-of-Honour at the first Asian Robotics Week (ARW 2015) on 12 November 2015 held at the Marina Bay Convention Centre, NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing highlighted that “Robotics will change the way we work, live, and play.”

A MEANS, NOT AN END To ride this wave successfully, SG Chan spotlighted “Three Smarts” that can be employed: Having a Smart Buyer, a Smart User and a Smart Enabler. “Robotics,” shared SG Chan, “is the means and not the end.” Elaborating, SG Chan said: “A smart buyer knows that robotics goes beyond redesigning our production process to improve productivity, it is redesigning business models and changing the industry.” “Robots are not autonomous, and workers (as Smart INSIDER’S Users) can be prepared to use the technology. This means that GUIDE the government, trade unions and businesses have to come together to map out where technology could displace workers Singapore Insurance Employees’ Union (SIEU) and work together to upgrade their skills ahead of technological disruptions.” As for Smart Enablers, agencies such as NTUC’s e2i When It Was Formed: 31 October 1955 (Employment and Employability Institute) are already offering Why: To represent employees in insurance companies. a series of three robotics masterclasses to aid businesses and Numbers Now: 8,800 workers embrace this technological future at the workplace. “Whoever can ride this wave well, will be the winner,” said Did You Know: Insurance and Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SG Chan. “But as we attempt to ride it, we cannot forget the SIEU to be one of the 22 NTUC U Associates. challenges.” ARW 2015 was organised by the Singapore Industrial Automation Association (SIAA) and Fireworks Trade Media Group, together with the support from NTUC.

8 CARE NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 A Little Help Goes A Long Way

NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited strikes WALK FOR RICE up partnerships with several organisations Into its seventh year, the FairPrice Walk for Rice @ South East marks NTUC FairPrice’s collaboration with the South East Community Development to give back to the community. Council (CDC) to bring the community together to contribute rice to the less privileged residents in the South East district. By Shukry Rashid and Jonathan Tan FairPrice Foundation, the charity arm of FairPrice, pledged to donate a bowl of white and brown rice for every 200 metres walked by participants or with the purchase of participating products sold at FairPrice outlets. This year’s event saw more than 20,000 individuals walk a total distance of over 57,000 km and the sale of 450,000 units of Walk for Rice promotional items. The closing event of this year’s month-long campaign was held at Braddell Heights Community Centre on 18 November 2015 with Guest-of- Honour Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan Jin and witnessed by Dr Mohamad , Mayor of South East District, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the event, NTUC FairPrice announced that it will be extending the initiative for another three years. Highlighting how a little bit can go a long way, Minister Tan said: “This is a meaningful partnership between NTUC FairPrice and South East CDC. Walk for Rice is an easy and enjoyable activity that encourages widespread participation within the community which earns sponsorship for the needy.”

SHARE-A-TEXTBOOK FAIRPRICE SHARE-A-TEXTBOOK Another long-running initiative by NTUC FairPrice is the Share-A-Textbook project. Into its 33rd year, this year’s instalment was launched on 16 October AT A GLANCE 2015 at Kallang Wave’s FairPrice Xtra and graced by Guest-of-Honour NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing. The project aims to collect 400,000 school textbooks to encourage the spirit of giving and advocate for the conservation of resources through reusing of textbooks. NTUC FairPrice CEO said that the project also aims “to help low-income families alleviate their financial burdens as we do our part to provide these yearly necessities.” He added that the project owes much of its success to the generous support of donors, volunteers and its community partners over the years. FairPrice has partnered with volunteer welfare organisations (VWOs) and Community Development Councils (CDCs) to shortlist names of students from low-income families who will be given priority to collect the textbooks before the general public is invited. Some 20,000 students between the ages of seven to 16 have been registered under this priority scheme.

GOOD TO KNOW

Where To Drop Off Your Books Members of the public are welcomed to donate any used textbook at 152 FairPrice supermarkets, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, FairPrice Xpress and Warehouse Club from now till 6 December 2015.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE STRAITS TIMES SCHOOL POCKET MONEY FUND Coming into its third year, Cheers – the convenient store chain under NTUC FairPrice – and NTUC FairPrice Foundation have partnered with food and beverage company Yeo Hiap Seng Ltd to donate $30,000 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF). They pledged to donate 20 cents for every 500 ml bottle of Yeo’s coconut juice or Asian drinks sold at all 161 Cheers and FairPrice Xpress stores islandwide. Throughout the month of September 2015, over 160,000 purchases were made, fulfilling the $30,000 target. Cheers Holdings General Manager Victor Cheong said: “Cheers, supported by FairPrice Foundation, returns this year with this initiative to once again involve the community in giving back to those in need … We are glad to be able to contribute to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to play a part in making a difference in the lives of children, and helping them secure a brighter future.” NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 CARE 9

Serving The Elderly

A new programme by NTUC LearningHub aims to help workers serve elderly customers better.

By Shukry Rashid

ne hundred retail assistants have been trained under the first-in-market OServing Senior Customers programme which will equip service and retail workers with age-friendly skills so they can provide better service to elderly customers, especially those with dementia. The programme is jointly developed by NTUC LearningHub, Centre for Seniors and Dr Oon Chiew Seng Trust. Retails assistants will undergo role-playing sessions to understand the difficulties most elderly customers go though. This was announced on 13 November 2015 during an event at FairPrice Bukit Merah CEO of NTUC LearningHub Kwek Kok the NTUC FairPrice Bukit Merah outlet for the where the first batch of eight graduates from Kwong said that this programme “will help raise past three years. On a normal day, she usually the programme were awarded certificates. awareness, and encourage understanding of the serves up to five elderly customers. The event was graced by Chairman of NTUC physical and physiological limitations that our She said: “After undergoing the course, I Enterprise and Patron of Centre for Seniors seniors face, particularly the more subtle ones can better understand the needs of the elderly. Lim Boon Heng. such as dementia.” I now understand how difficult it is to move As part of the course, the retail assistants around in a wheelchair or with a walking stick.” had to undergo role-playing sessions where USEFUL TRAINING NTUC FairPrice is planning to send 500 of its they got to experience what life is like with One of the graduates is 40-year-old Retail staff for training under this programme in the common elderly disabilities. Assistant Sree Devi, who has been working at next two years.

New CEO For FairPrice Group CEO Tan Kian Chew will step down, with current NTUC FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng to take over duties.

By Ramesh Subbaraman

eadership changes have been announced at NTUC FairPrice, These included absorbing the initial impact of the Goods & taking effect from 1 January 2016. NTUC FairPrice Group Services Tax, launching the “Everyday Low Price” basket of goods L Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tan Kian Chew will be stepping and introducing the 2 per cent discount for Seniors (Tuesdays) and down at the end of this year after serving with the co-operative for 3 per cent discount for Pioneers (Mondays). This has benefitted over 23 years. He will be joining the Singapore Labour 170,000 seniors every week. Foundation as CEO. Chairman of NTUC FairPrice, Mr Bobby Chin said of Mr Tan Mr Seah Kian Peng, the Kian Chew: “He has built strong relationships not only within current NTUC FairPrice CEO FairPrice but also across the group of social enterprises and the for the Singapore Business, will Labour Movement. He is not only a colleague, but a friend to all and a take over his duties. mentor to many.”

ON A SOCIAL MISSION THE NEW CEO In a statement announcing Mr Chin also added that under the leadership of the new CEO Seah the changes, FairPrice Kian Peng, he is confident that FairPrice will continue to enhance its said during his tenure, social mission and contribute to the well-being of all in Singapore. Mr Tan focused the Under Mr Seah’s leadership, FairPrice increased its footprint in supermarket chain on Singapore from 99 to 290 stores, including new formats to meet the its social mission of evolving needs of the people in Singapore. moderating the cost He also focused FairPrice on serving the community, especially of living for daily in times of crisis, supporting local suppliers and advocating a essentials. sustainable way to do business by protecting the environment. 10 UNION LEADERS NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 Calling Women Leaders

From left: NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat Director Sylvia Choo, Singapore’s first female Brigadier General Gan Siow Huang, Singapore’s first female Speaker of Parliament Madam Halimah Yacob, NTUC President and Women’s Committee Vice-Chairperson Mary Liew, and 77th Street founder Elim Chew. The Labour Movement urges more women to take Being An Effective Leader on higher leadership roles. Speaker of Parliament Madam CREATE A STRONG NETWORK OF By Fawwaz Baktee Halimah Yacob shares a few FAMILY AND FRIENDS Support of the family is important. he Labour Movement hopes to see more practical tips at the Women You need to talk to the family and women taking on higher level leadership Leadeship Summit on what it make them understand what your work is roles, while fulfilling their career takes to be a good leader. all about. If they don’t understand it will be T difficult for them to give you support. Friends aspirations. That was the message NTUC Women’s are also very important. You need people Committee Vice-Chairperson Mary Liew gave in STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN you can depend on when you need help.” her opening address at the Women Leadership We have values, we have principles. SET YOUR OWN GOALS Summit themed ‘Rising to the Top’ on 24 So stand up for them. Over time Decide for yourself on what you October 2015 at the Inland Revenue Authority people will accept you for what your values are and what you stand for. But if you want to achieve. What is it in life of Singapore. sway here and there with your values and that you want? How are you going to “The journey to the top can be a challenging principles, people will stop respecting you achieve these goals? These are the things path as women play multiple roles in their lives. after a while. When people know what you you have to decide for yourself. When I In the Labour Movement, we believe that every stand for and if you stand up for what you speak to women in the Labour Movement, woman can be empowered to value-add and believe in, they will respect you even if they many of them are half-hearted. When I lead with a positive influence,” said Ms Liew. sometimes don’t agree with you.” ask them why they aren’t that active in Today, there are around 1,800 women union the union, they would give replies like, leaders in the Labour Movement, a 2.5 per cent DON’T EXPECT TO BE TREATED WITH ‘It’s very difficult’, ‘I need to take care of my children’, ‘I need to take care of increase as compared to 2011. KID’S GLOVES my mother and father’, and so on. It’s “We hope that more sisters can step up and Don’t expect things to be done for true we have to do these things, but we take on leadership positions at the various you just because you’re a woman. You have to also walk the talk. We want other have to earn respect and credibility through levels to increase the diversity of our leadership women to come in to the unions and be your own merits. It is because we are women voice,” she added. active, but it will be very difficult if we are that we have to work harder to win the trust Organised by NTUC’s Women’s unwilling to make the adjustments and of our male counterparts and get support Development Secretariat, the event was set our own goals. We have to prioritise. from the ground.” attended by about 150 female branch officials We have to set the example.” and union leaders.

NTUC THIS WEEK

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The Labour Movement, Now Closer To U On The Go! ANDROID Scan here for mobile app My NTUC featuring exclusive content: get the latest news, special offers, merchants listing and a lot more! IPHONE & IPAD NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 UNION LEADERS 11

Leading By Example A few union leaders were highlighted for their exemplary efforts at serving their workers well at the recent OTCi Graduation Ceremony. NTUC This Week speaks to three of them.

By Ryan Chan

t the recent Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi) What keeps… many other union leaders going are the Graduation Ceremony, Guest-of- A meaning and satisfaction they get from helping fellow Honour Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Tharman Shanmuguratnam highlighted several workers. And it is their desire to serve that also propels them graduands as shining examples of union to want to learn more.” leadership that display “the commitment to serve their fellow workers to the best of their Deputy Prime Minister at the OTCi Graduation Ceremony ability”.

MR HAIRIS SHAMSHI MS JOANNE MR WILLIAM MORI, 51 CHUA, 45 SEAH, 55 Despite having more Apart from With 33 years than 25 years of the full-time of experience as experience in the job she holds a union leader, Labour Movement, as a purchasing one would think Mr Hairis feels that the supervisor, Ms William Seah Advanced Certificate in Joanne is also a already has plenty of Industrial Relations is crucial for a union leader. parent of three teenage leadership knowledge. “It has shown how we can broaden our sons and the Assistant General Secretary But the National Transport Workers’ Union perspective for any given issue and see how we of the Singapore Industrial and Services (NTWU) Executive Committee member can tackle it from different viewpoints. These are Employees’ Union (SISEU). Yet she believes it is not enough. things that not just help me be more effective as managed to find the time to complete her “In whichever industry we are in, we are a union leader, but also personally, as these are Diploma in Employment Relations. moving all the time, so our learning can lessons I can pass on to my children too,” said the Her feat left DPM Tharman impressed, never stop. The Diploma in Employment Executive Council member of the Union of Power as he commended her at the graduation Relations from OTCi helps us to understand and Gas Employees (UPAGE). ceremony for the successful juggling of employment policies better, so we can better At the graduation ceremony, DPM Tharman her multiple roles. Ms Joanne attributes fight for our workers,” he said. spoke of the key role that union leaders will play this to “a strong sense of purpose and William cited an example of the in helping workers familiarise themselves with strong family support”. Employment Act: “We understand how it schemes like the SkillsFuture Credit. When asked what advice she has for protects us, but didn’t quite fully understand This is something Mr Hairis agrees with. young budding union leaders, she said: how. The course allows us to dive deeper into “The union leaders can help break down the “Having the passion to serve is the most it, so we have a better understanding of it. different policies into bite-sized digestible bits important thing for a union leader. With “We also understood more Human for workers to understand. They can also gather no passion, you won’t stay long (in the Resource policies, which helps us to have comments from members and give feedback to Labour Movement) and be committed better relations between the workers, the the necessary agencies,” he explained. to serve.” union and employer.” 12 FAIR NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015

Backing Workers SISEU comes to the aid of union members affected by printing company’s restructuring.

By Fawwaz Baktee

he Singapore Industrial & Services “Due to advances in media technology, the INSIDER’S Employees’ Union (SISEU) assisted 50 printing industry is facing several challenges GUIDE T union members affected by Craft Print and the union is monitoring the sector and its International Limited retrenchment exercise workers closely. SISEU is also appreciative of carried out on 30 September 2015. In all, 110 the members’ support in this matter. SISEU Singapore Industrial employees of the company were affected. & Services Employees’ will continue to do our best in representing the Union (SISEU) This came after the union was informed interests of our members,” said SISEU General in June 2015 of the company’s decision to Secretary Lim Kuang Beng. streamline operations and reorganise its business, When It Was Formed : 18 November 1981 following yearly business losses. HELP FOR THE AFFECTED Why: To restructure the two omnibus Both SISEU and NTUC’s e2i (Employment The affected employees were also invited to a job unions – the Singapore Industrial Labour and Employability Institute) were present when fair organised by e2i, including an Employability Organisation and the Pioneer Industries the exercise was carried out. Camp aimed at refining the employees’ hard and Employees’ Union – into industrial unions; and promote better labour-management soft skills so as to prepare them for the process relations, which underpin industrial peace SECURING BENEFITS of job searching. and higher productivity. Despite the company’s financial state, SISEU “I have been a union member for over 15 Numbers Now: 77,000 successfully secured the retrenchment benefits years and am thankful that SISEU was able to Did You Know: Comprising some 180 of one-and-a-half weeks’ pay per year of service assist my branch members and myself. Initially, branches, SISEU’s interest spans over for their rank-and-file members, without a we were not too hopeful about the benefits multiple industries such as aerospace, info- retrenchment benefit cap of 25 years. we could get due to our company’s business communications, engineering, logistics and real estate, among many others. Executives who were members also received losses. So, now that we have received a decent one week’s pay per year of service, including an ex- retrenchment package, we are immensely gratia of $250. In addition, members with less than thankful to SISEU,” said Craft Print Branch two years of service received an ex-gratia of $300. Chairman Tan Joo Teck. NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 CONFESSIONS OF AN INTERN 13 A Deeper Appreciation NTUC U Care Centre intern Shobana Balachandran talks about her appreciation of how the Labour Movement helps low-wage workers.

Story and Photo by Jonathan Tan

n interest in interacting with and serving the needs of low-wage workers A saw final year National University of Singapore Economics major Shobana Balachandran take up a 12-week summer internship at the NTUC U Care Centre earlier this year. A greenhorn then, the 23-year-old has now gained some valuable work experience that spans event planning, operations and an in- depth understanding of her rights as a worker. We catch up with the soft spoken girl to learn more about her experience interning at the UCC.

NTUC TW: What got you interested in an internship at UCC? Shobana Balachandran: I’ve had past work experience with the AUPDRW (Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers) where I got to interact with low-wage workers. I liked it there and I thought why not try this similar line of work with UCC as I do enjoy interacting with people on the ground as I can directly see the people I’m working with.

What was your role at UCC? It was more of the staff doing us a favour by showing us what NTUC was about and they really showed us how the Labour Movement was doing its part for low-wage workers… we helped support events and offer feedback post- event. We also got to interact with people we were trying to engage.

What was that experience like? I felt that I was a part of UCC. They really made sure that I understood what their mission was so that I could continue to advocate for them. They equipped me with the knowledge I would need to help a low-wage worker, who might not this internship, I realised that I never knew so be a union member find out more about his or much. I used to do part-time jobs, but there FACT FILE her rights. were a lot of things I didn’t ask, such as exact working hours, overtime, etc. Usually as a NTUC U CARE CENTRE How has this experience given you a deeper part-time staff, we won’t really check if we get Established: November 2013 a payslip or not—which is us short-changing understanding about the Labour Movement? Why: The U Care Centre (UCC) is set up by I feel that UCC is like the nice counsellor that ourselves. National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to helps low-wage workers identify the issues support low-wage and vulnerable workers in they’re facing. Often, workers aren’t exactly Would you consider a career in the Labour Singapore. As a one-stop centre, UCC provides low-wage workers with guidance on work-related sure of their rights, and UCC is able to help Movement? issues and opportunities to earn a better living. them find out their rights by looking at their I think my biggest takeaway from this Did You Know: Besides operating a dedicated contracts and advise them on what they should internship is that while it’s important to service centre at the Employment and be getting from their employers. join a good company, it’s also important to Employability Institute in Jurong East, UCC also However, I feel that a lot more can be join a company with good Corporate Social organises roadshows to engage with low-wage workers across various industries. done to educate people about their rights, not Responsibility. It just adds a lot more meaning necessarily just low-wage workers. After doing to the work that you do. 14 WEEK IN REVIEW NTUC This Week 22 NOVEMBER 2015 Snapshots A quick round up of what went on in and around the Labour Movement recently.

By NTUC This Week Team Migrant Workers Give Back MEMBERS’ CORNER In celebration of Deepavali, the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), together with the Hindu Endowments Board held the second “Migrant Workers Give Back” event at the Sri Srinivasa Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard Perumal Temple on 14 November. City Centre Together with Singaporean volunteers, migrant members of the Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union and Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Employees’ Union celebrated Deepavali with 30 residents from Sasco Senior Citizens Home. Besides engaging in activities such as Rangoli Art, staff from the MWC and 20 migrant members from The Singapore Window On The Park Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union • 1-FOR-1 Lunch and Dinner Buffet (Valid till 30 also took part in spring cleaning Nov 2015) and landscaping activities for the • 25% OFF A-la-Carte Menu (Valid till 31 Dec Ramakrishna Mission Singapore 2015) (Boy’s Home). Hari’s Bar • 10% OFF Total Bill

Valid till 31 December 2015. Present NTUC Card to enjoy the privileges. Not valid in conjunction with other promotion, discounts or privileges. Other terms & conditions apply.

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Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur Here You Glow Tripartism And Training Night owls, searching for something new and The future of human resource in a rapidly fun to do in the wee hours? Cosmic Bowling expanding global market and the role human (aka Glow Bowling) at Orchid Bowl might just resource practitioners can play in this area was be your thing. extensively discussed at a two-day conference The first-of-its-kind to be available in held by the Singapore Human Resources commercial centres in Singapore, Cosmic Institute over 3-4 November 2015. Room Type Promotional Rates Bowling is akin to bowling in a disco, where Titled “Insights Into HR In Asia”, (inclusive of 2 buffet breakfast you play your game with glowing balls and pins the conference brought together leading and complimentary WiFi) amidst thumping dance music and flashing practitioners from the local tripartite partners Dorsett Room RM280 nett discotheque lights. and also international speakers who shared their Dorsett Deluxe RM360 nett Some Orchid Bowl outlets even have Laser experiences in dealing with issues concerning the Room Bowling, another first of a kind in Singapore workforce. Extra Bed RM130 nett which uses the latest modern laser technology As a member of the panel to discuss How to Book to further enhance the Cosmic Bowling talent retention, NTUC’s e2i (Employment • To book, visit http://www.dorsetthotels. experience. and Employability Institute) CEO Gilbert Tan com/malaysia/kualalumpur and quote Cosmic Bowling is available at reiterated the importance of training to ensure “NTUC-JA” all Orchid Bowl outlets except for workers remain relevant. • Click on “VIEW AVAILABLE ROOMS” – NTUC • Proceed with booking directly with hotel Another speaker from the Labour Movement Orchid Country Club. by telephone (+60327161000) or email For more information, was NTUC President Emeritus John De Payva [email protected] and log on to www. who touched on how tripartism has played a key quote “NTUC”. orchidbowl.com.sg. role in Singapore’s efforts to grow the economy Please check with the and come out of different periods of economic Valid till 29 February 2016. Present NTUC Card respective outlets on downturns. Mr De Payva was speaking as a upon check-in to enjoy the privileges. Only applicable with prior reservations, otherwise current promotions. member of the panel on tripartism. walk-in rates shall apply. Check-in time is after 1400 hours on the day of arrival while check-out time is at 1200 hours on the day of Correction departure. Other terms and conditions apply. In the 15 November 2015 issue under the article “Meet Our New Central Committee”, it was stated that NTUC Central Committee Vice-President and Singapore Teachers’ Union General Secretary Edwin Lye Teck Hee has been 172 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the Labour Movement for 10 years. This is incorrect. He has been with the Labour Movement for 20 years. We Tel: +603 2716 1000. apologise for the error. 职总周报 2015年11月22日 本周摘要 15 领导工会 服务工友 与新上任的全国职工总会会长雷家英畅谈她的 管委议员经验，以及她着眼未来而侧重的工作。

成为新加坡工运史上第二位领导职工总会的女会长，雷家英（52岁）于2011年获选进入 职总中央委员会，并兼任新加坡高级海员联合会秘书长。 雷会长的座右铭是“领导工会，服务工友”。她表示，工会的工作关乎专业，诚信、关怀与 分享，而最终的获益者是新加坡全体工友。

关于她侧重的领域 “全国代表大会的成果非常显著，我 们接下来的工作重点是关怀、公平 和成长。这实质上是维护工友的尊 严。我们要工作人士知道，工运真心 关怀他们，而且想要让他们的生活过 关于未来技能和劳资政协作 得更加美好。我们现在所做的一切都 “在推动未来技能计划方面，我们须要积极 是以这个为出发点。在公平方面，我 确认哪一些特定行业和领域将从现在开始逐 们要雇主在所有的工作领域公平对待 年演变，并且要预先计划好应对措施，以免 工友。至于成长，会员是工会的生命 工友到时才赫然发觉自己掌握的技能已经和 线，没有会员，工会就无法存在。” 工作需求脱节。此外，我们也应积极与相关 的政府机关和雇主讨论实施未来技能计划的 事宜。换句话说，我们须要在行业内深入推 广劳资政协作。我个人乐见未来技能劳资 政协作化，不只是在国家层次推广劳资政协 作，也要在特定行业和领域里推行。现在， 未来技能计划在酒店业、餐饮业和海事业推 行得很好，我们希望其他行业也能够跟进， 同时希望政府认真考虑工会提出的意见，并 且付诸实施。”

关于当管委议员的那一段日子 “当我首次担任管委议员的时候，有一位工会弟兄向我祝 贺，并发送一段感人的信息给我，表示他信任我也对我有 信心，认为我一定会在国会为工友发言。他还说：‘当我 们须要协助的时候，请你别把我们忘了。”他的那番话感 动了我，促使我更加深入了解工友的处境，尤其是低薪工 友的境况。这也就是我开始在国会谈论巴士司机生活的原 因。更令我感到欣慰的是，当李显龙总理在2015年10月26 日于全国代表大会的晚宴上致词之后，一位巴士车长趋前 感谢我在国会为他们发言。他告诉我，他们的工资福利提 升了，听后我心里充满了喜悦。” 2015年11月22日 售价 60c MCI (P) 044/12/2014

确保公平竞争 全国德士师傅协会向交通部呈交建议书， 呼吁当局确保德士和私人出租车业者 能够在公平的环境中彼此竞争。

全国德士师傅协会于2015年11月16日向 当时说，交通部将在听取了德士司机和公众对于私 业者都应在公平的基础上互相竞争；三、德士业者 交通部呈交建议书，呼吁当局确保德士和私人出 家车共乘服务的意见之后，“制定一套公平的解决 应采纳新科技提高交通工具与设备的服务效率。 租车业者能够在较公平的环境中展开良性的业务 方案”。目前，这项工作交由交通部高级政务部长 全国职工总会助理秘书长兼全国德士师傅协 竞争。 黄志明负责落实。 会顾问洪鼎基在媒体声明中表示：“当局综合考虑 全国德士师傅协会此举是在交通部长许文 在建议书中，全国德士师傅协会表示，当局 有关的反馈及德士师傅协会的建议之后，便能够平 远于2015年10月2日表示，将审视私家车共乘应 在审视私人出租车服务时应坚持三项原则：一、确 衡需求，为业内各方制定一套公平的竞争机制，同 用程序经营方式之后所做出的反应。许文远部长 保乘客的安全与保障；二、提供点到点接送服务的 时维护乘客的利益。”以下是建议书的重点:

乘客的安全与保障 须有公平竞争 提高效率，满足乘客的德士需求

一: 在同一个消费市场提供点到点服务的私人 一: 希望交通部在研究德士业和私人出租车业的 一: 政府和德士业者应借助新科技和运营方 出租车业者都应和德士司机一样拥有同等的资 公平竞争问题时，能审视现行管制德士司机、 式，改善乘客的乘坐体验，以及更好地协调 格和证书。 德士经营成本、车费和费率结构的标准。 私家车出租市场的供需。 目前，所有的德士司机必须通过陆路交 德士师傅协会认为重新审视上述措施确 德士师傅协会说，新加坡的交通政策 通管理局和交通警察部门的严格检查，例如身 有其必要性，因为“过多的合规成本”已转嫁 和法规，包括德士业的经营模式能够跟上先进 体检查和犯罪检查，才能参加德士司机执照 给德士业者和乘客，以致他们各须负担高昂的 科技和满足消费者的喜好至关重要。该协会还 课程。 租费和车资。 说，如此“应能改善交通的供给量和提高交通 工具和设备的使用效率。” 二: 在同一个消费市场提供服务的私人出租车 二: 审视私人出租车业的车资和收费，以便德士 及其司机应和德士车辆和德士司机一样，执行 司机能在公平的环境中竞争，同时也给予乘客在 同类的识别协议。 收费结构和价目表上更高的透明度与清晰度。 每一辆德士的车身都附有明显的标志， 目前，德士业者都依据陆交局批准的方 如此既确保乘客能轻易识别德士，也体现了执 案向乘客收取固定的车资和收费，但私人出租 我很庆幸全国德士 法的目的。此外，德士司机也须持有陆交局签 车业者却能随着供需变化而改变定价。 师傅协会的远景不 发的照片身份证，以供乘客容易识别他们是否 是合法司机。 三: 为确保跟上需求，陆交局有必要认可和接受 单停留在德士业，也持续 新工具和科技的效率，从而无须通过法定途径 推广如何把私人出租车业 三: 当发生意外事故、纠纷或需要理赔时应确 实施德士的供给标准。 保有一套明确的问责制以判定责任归属和处理 例如，按现行的法律，德士在繁忙时段 的安全与服务素质提高。 相关的事宜。 必须符合一定的标准，以便满足供给需求和确 我国德士业已拥有一个良 在德士这方面，一旦乘客遇到意外事故 保服务质量。据德士师傅协会反映，这项措施 或纠纷时他们可以向陆交局或直接向德士公司 已使得德士司机的经营成本提高了不少。 好的监管制度，提升出租 要求协助，以及处理赔偿的事宜。但在私人出 车业的安全与服务素质无 租车这方面，目前乘客还无法明确知道事发后 四: 陆交局应持续监管在同一个消费市场经营接 该向哪一方寻求协助。 送服务的私人出租车业者。 疑只会造福乘客，给予他 2015年8月国会已通过法案管制第三方 们多一项交通上的选择与 德士召唤服务的业者，确保应用程序的应用不 触犯法律，从而维护乘客的利益。然而，目前 便利。” 的私人出租车服务业者并没有相关的行规可向 - 交通部高级政务部长黄志明 乘客提供类似的保障。