11 MAY 2007 40 cents http://www.ntuc.org.sgSmiles MICA (P) 129/12/2006 Best In Class s Making Smiles Best Of ClassSmile

By Naseema Banu Maideen miles “TO BE best-of-class and best-in-class” is the vision Commercially And that National Trades Union Congress cooperatives will work to achieve as they strive to fulfi ll their social mission Socially Strong

FINA LSocia as social enterprises, said NTUC Secretary-General Lim lReportCar d C5.indd1 Swee Say. NTUC Social Report Card 2007 In a distinctively appropriate setting of a childcare centre, with some of the Senior management staff of the nine NTUC cooperatives and three related organisations, 4/18/ 07 10:4 Mr Lim portrayed their social impact aptly. With a quick 1:56AM recap on the social contributions of $65 million in the year 2006, Mr Lim set the pace for a future of challenges. “NTUC cooperatives, as social enterprises, should keep improving, upgrading and expanding capabilities as we aspire to be best-in-class, if not best-of-class, to function effectively and effi ciently.” To achieve this vision, it is fundamental for NTUC cooperatives to be successful as business enterprises. “Being a market leader in the business sense is not our aim. Our purpose in life is to be the number one social enterprise. Being successful as a business enterprise is the way to achieving the social mission. It’s not an end in itself but a means to an end. The outcome must be to maximise social impact for our members, workers and public consumers,” said Mr Lim. This also illustrates the importance of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited in achieving economies of scale that enables it to source for affordable value-for-money products. In the same light, it is important that NTUC Ideally, the nine NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited maximises its market share so as to fulfi ll its social role of returning cooperatives and three dividends to its members. related organisations must When such economies of scales are enjoyed, these be commercially viable cooperatives will be able to lend a helping hand to the smaller cooperatives like NTUC Eldercare Co-operative and socially impactful. Limited. Even though NTUC Eldercare is smaller in scale, it maintains its relevance with the social impact it has on its benefi ciaries, said Mr Lim. Together, the 12 NTUC social enterprises can achieve He gave an illustration of such alignment NTUC greater social impact than on their own. Ideally, they will on working mothers. NTUC Childcare can cooperatives, as social have to strive for a good balance between social impact provide services for their children. NTUC and fi nancial viability. Eldercare can provide daycare services for enterprises, should Good corporate governance, good talents and large elderly parents. NTUC Club can look into keep improving, market base will enhance this balance. For this purpose, enriching entertaining aspects for their upgrading and the Social Enterprise Development Council was formed, teenage children. And in many other aspects, said Mr Lim. the other cooperatives can contribute too. expanding capabilities Strengthening alignment across the cooperatives will This is just one example. There can be more as we aspire to be be another focus. such alignment. best-in-class, if not “We will move towards adopting a worker-centric, In essence, Mr Lim said: “The cooperatives member-centric and consumer-centric approach,” he are an integral part of the labour movement. best-of-class, to said. And the labour movement is not just function effectively Mr Lim emphasised that there will be an increasing about workers. It foresees a vision where and effi ciently. focus on people with specifi c needs. He named two: all Singaporeans can work, live and play Working mothers and mature workers. together.” ■ See Pages 2 to 5 Lim Swee Say

● Fast Forward With The Transport Minister Pg 8 ● Growing Minds Pg 12 ● Commentary Pg 15 ●

NNTUCtwTUCtw 1111 MMayay 07.indd07.indd 1 55/10/07/10/07 12:52:1412:52:14 AMAM PProcessrocess CCyanyanPProcessrocess MMagentaagentaPProcessrocess YellowYellowPProcessrocess BlackBlack 2 11 MAY 2007 A Heart NTUC FairPrice is like a big mountain – you For Th e Society can depend on it and trust that Making smiles. Moving hearts. Touching lives. These are the ways in which National it will take care Trades Union Congress cooperatives and related organisations have made a of your needs, difference to the lives of many Singaporeans. Social Enterprise Development Council during good Chairman and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Offi ce Lim Boon Heng has said that times and bad. It as these cooperatives have performed their social roles aptly over the years, they would be quite a have also now effi ciently adapted to the changing needs of the society. different world The stories that follow highlight the ways in which they have graciously made without FairPrice. an impact on society in the year 2006. Yow Wah Eng The Xtra Value “GOOD value for money”, is the testimony that have always been affordable. This is important for us such a commitment, it’s no surprise that 51-year-old many customers at NTUC FairPrice supermarket retirees as we depend on our savings for our daily needs.” housewife, Madam Yow Wah Eng, a regular shopper at and NTUC Unity stores give these operations. Such She added that she is always impressed with the level of NTUC FairPrice said: “NTUC FairPrice is like a big affordability coupled with excellent standards of service service shown by the staff and pharmacists. mountain – you can depend on it and trust that it will has established a loyal group of customers across all NTUC Healthcare Co-operative Limited Chief take care of your needs, during good times and bad. It spectrums of age groups for them. Operating Offi cer Wong Tuck Wah added that its basket would be quite a different world without FairPrice.” NTUC Unity keeps its basket of commonly-purchased of 100 commonly-purchased items at the lowest prices NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited Managing items in its shops the lowest priced, on top of its quality has been well received and more areas for such value- Director (Group Corporate Services) Wee Leong How offerings at reasonable prices. In fact, the basket has adding services will be explored. said it will continue to enhance its performance to fulfi ll expanded from 80 items in 2005, to 100 currently NTUC FairPrice’s basket of 400 essential items at its social commitment. and includes everything from health supplements to low prices is also appreciated with such sentiments by Similarly, NTUC Choice Homes Co-operative medicines and toiletries. its customers. It has continued its social objectives of Limited aims to continue to provide affordable private Said retiree Madam Soh Lay Boon: “I normally shop stabilising prices and stretching workers’ dollars even housing for its members, said its Chief Executive Offi cer where prices are reasonable, and the prices at Unity at most diffi cult economic times in Singapore. With Margaret Goh.

Touching Lives The fi nancial IT’S in the NTUC Family heritage to adopt an all- embracing culture. Labour Movement 2011 strives towards assistance from this vision. So do NTUC cooperatives. They move the NTUC Childcare hearts of people from all walks of society. When it comes has come a long to giving a hand to the less privileged, NTUC cooperatives have reached out to many. way in lifting Making education affordable can essentially translate some load off my to making dreams come true. There are many families out shoulders. I can there with such dreams to be realised. This is why NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited has now save money consistently set aside a good sum of money for study grants on school fees and every year. Committed to helping underprivileged families, spend a little more NTUC FairPrice hopes that its efforts in providing fi nancial support will go a long way towards lessening the generously on fi nancial load for these families, and help to level up the small treats for my opportunities in life for them. children. Nine-year-old Brandon Lee and 12-year-old Brian Lee are two such children, with dreams to fl y high, who received a study grant of $200 each. They were just two Tan Kim Toh of the 689 recipients who benefi ted from the study grants given out in 2006. NTUC Childcare Co-operative Limited’s Bright for his daughter, Liyi, at NTUC Childcare Guillemard will be implemented to enhance the service quality, Horizon Fund is another scheme designed for low-wage Centre. the introduction of physical education programme families. “The fi nancial assistance from NTUC Childcare has being one of them. When 47-year-old Tan Kim Toh lost his wife to come a long way in lifting some load off my shoulders. I With the same heartwarming purpose, NTUC Income kidney failure a year ago, NTUC Childcare brightened can now save money on school fees and spend a little more Insurance Co-operative Limited launched the “Love To the lives of his family members by extending a helping generously on small treats for my children,” he said. Work” Programme in March 2006. This was embarked on hand. After the combined assistance and government NTUC Childcare Chief Executive Offi cer Adeline with the objective of letting youths from less-privileged subsidy, Mr Tan now pays $175 of the $375 monthly fees Sum said more new programmes and new initiatives families to work part-time so as to supplement their family

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We get to see the supervisors regularly. They give us useful feedback of my mother-in- law’s condition. It’s a two-way communication and we get to understand her Stretching Workers’ Dollars better in the

• NTUC FairPrice supermarket maintains a basket of 400 essential items at low process. prices to deliver great value and set benchmark prices. About 90 per cent Jasmine Tai Soo Choo of the entire basket of its Every Day Low Price items are priced either lower or the same as its major competitors. • NTUC FairPrice has expanded its range of FairPrice housebrand products to 1,900 items, offering consumers an average of 10 to 15 per cent saving as Enhancing compared to equivalent brands in the market. Brighter • NTUC FairPrice has actively sourced for suitable products and introduced Quality more than 400 new housebrand products in 2006. Golden • NTUC Unity keeps its basket of 100 commonly-purchased items at the lowest Of Life Of overall pricing and stocks affordable generic products as alternatives to the costlier branded ones. Years The Elderly NTUC cooperatives have their imprints in many facets of society. Special imprints have also been made to brighten the golden years of our elderly. NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Limited gets a fair share of the credit. Its value- Helping The Less Privileged added, more holistic programmes have moved many – the elderly and their • NTUC Childcare raised $1.15 million to help 400 children under the Bright families alike. The service that is delivered Horizon Assistance scheme and 300 children under the Read-to-Reach with a personal touch has brought many Programme. meaningful differences to their lives. • NTUC FairPrice presented more than $500,000 worth of study grants to So much so that 76-year-old Madam its employees’ and members’ children. More than $6 million study grants Woo Kam Yong, a benefi ciary at NTUC have been given out since 1985. Eldercare Day Care Centre in Marsiling • Since 1983, NTUC FairPrice’s “Used Textbooks Project” has helped more than sees the centre as her second home. 100,000 needy students save more than $6 million in textbook expenses. And her family truly appreciates her • NTUC Eldercare has increased • NTUC FairPrice’s “Big Heart Challenge” raised more than $330,000 for fi ve attachment to the centre as the activities rebates to union members charities under the Community Chest. held there have seen her personality and from $5 to $15 per month for • NTUC Income’s “Love To Work” Programme provides job opportunities attitudes change for the better. its day care services. for the less-privileged youths. 600 students have benefi ted from this “We get to see the supervisors regularly. • NTUC Eldercare centres started programme since it started in March 2006. They give us useful feedback of my the “Elderly Aerobics” and • A total of $3 million was set aside for Family Recreation FUNd vouchers to mother-in-law’s condition. It’s a two-way “Brain Gym” programmes to give low-wage workers greater access to entertainment and recreational communication and we get to understand improve the overall wellness facilities. NTUC Club has given out $2.5 million worth of FUNd vouchers her better in the process,” said Madam of the elderly. “Meet-the- to 25,000 needy families. Carer” sessions, introduced in Woo’s daughter-in-law, Madam Jasmine 2006, are also held regularly • NTUC Club provided sponsorship of more than $110,000 for charity shows Tai Soo Choo. in 2006. for centre supervisors to NTUC Eldercare Senior Manager Lim engage the family members Sia Hoe said the cooperative is focusing of the elderly. on tailoring services that increasingly • Senior citizens enjoy 5 per cent income. Students are given assignments like surveys, data entry and scanning. impact society to a greater extent. discount off non-promotional “I save some of the earnings from the programme, top up my EZ-Link card To reach out to as many others like items at NTUC Unity stores. and use the rest for my school expenses. I use the money to support myself. I Madam Woo, other avenues are also • 40,000 senior citizens enjoy feel I am a better person and financially independent.” said Mary (not her real tapped onto. NTUC FairPrice’s Senior 2 per cent discount at NTUC name).NTUC Income Chief Executive Officer Tan Suee Chieh highlighted Citizens discount scheme and Unity’s FairPrice supermarkets every that the cooperative aims to serve as many aspects of the society as it possibly special concession for senior citizens are Tuesday, with total savings of can. The Eldershield Schemes for annuitants is an example of the value-add some to name. $900,000 per year. services that it has undertaken for the silvering society. Continued on Page 4

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Collaborating With Partners • NTUC Foodfare supports the Singapore Prison Service’s Yellow Ribbon Project by providing training for prison inmates in culinary and food preparation skills to qualify for the ITE Certifi cate in Food Preparation. • NTUC Income and NTUC Healthcare tied up with the six Taxi Operators’ Associations to provide taxi drivers with affordable insurance coverage and health checks. • NTUC Club has joined PUB’s “Friends of Water” Programme to work towards greater water sustainability for Singapore. NTUC Club has since achieved an average of 25 per cent reduction in water consumption in its resorts. • OCBC, as a valuable partner, has supported a wide range of NTUC-driven initiatives and programmes, amounting to a total value of more than $2 million. • NTUC Unity works in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board to generate awareness on health issues, such as the Smoking Cessation Programme held in 2006. • NTUC Thrift partners unions to provide en-bloc savings plans that encourage union members to save regularly. Ten unions and more than 10,000 union members are participating in the en-bloc savings plans. • NTUC Thrift introduced the Retrenched Worker Fixed Deposit Scheme to provide union members with higher savings rates for their retrenchment payout. • NTUC Club partners various unions to provide greater and more affordable access to recreational facilities such as the Spa @ Aranda and world-class entertainment such as My Fair Lady.

As fi rst-time parents, this was very enlightening for my husband and myself. We are glad we have found an online family through the ‘Mummy and Me’ club.

Patricia Chua Cheng Yee

Youth Galore

NTUC cooperatives are constantly listening Reaching Out to the needs of the society. They have heard the To Youths And needs of young adults more passionately recently. Especially those of young mothers. With that, the Young Adults “Mummy and Me” Programme, an affi nity group set up by NTUC Link Private Limited was born • NTUC Club worked with on 1 July 2006. Singapore Sports Council to Taking her fi rst step into the world of motherhood, organise Xtreme Singapore Patricia Chua Cheng Yee, 26, had much to discover. 2006 to promote non-traditional From milk powder to diapers and baby cosmetics, sports among youths and young she had a bundle of new things to learn with her adults. new joy of a baby boy. • NTUC Link’s “Mummy & Me” In her new journey as a mother, NTUC Link’s affi nity group for young parents “Mummy and Me” club became a good friend. to share parenting experiences With the club’s online forum for young parents, has attracted more than 7,000 members since its launch on 1 July she found a venue for her queries as a new mum. NTUC Link General Manager Ryan Cheong added that more 2006. It aims to provide young “I made some good friends on the online forum programmes to actively engage young adults will be lined up. parents, especially mothers, with to whom I could turn for advice on parenting. NTUC Club’s Xtreme Singapore 2006 was also one which was a platform to meet and connect As fi rst-time parents, this was very enlightening geared towards nurturing talents in youths. NTUC Club Deputy with other parents on their for my husband and myself. We are glad we have Chief Executive Offi cer Lim Eng Lee said through such elements of experiences through the various found an online family through the ‘Mummy and fun, it aspires to reach out to families more holistically. ■ stages of parenthood. Me’ club.”

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More Support For Th e Silver Generation

We hope that the facility and service that we have put in place today, will provide the ageing population with greater support now and in time to come. Lim Boon Heng

Easy Travel... Mr Lim Boon Heng checks out how friendly the Silver Circle Centre is by pushing around a user at the Jurong Central facility.

how to make one’s living environment These volunteers known as iCARE Mr Lim said the People’s Association By Sharon Lee more elderly-friendly. officers have been trained by hospital of which he is Deputy Chairman, is In addition, a karaoke room and exercise professionals to provide a wide range brainstorming for ideas to help the elderly, WHEN Madam Julie Lek’s aged mother machines keep the elderly engaged. of non-medical services such as simple including getting neighbours to form suffered a minor stroke two years ago, The centre was made possible with a housekeeping, meals preparation and social networks. she had a tough time looking after her $2 million donation by NTUC Fairprice conversations. So far, six volunteers have “I think it will have to be a at home. Co-operative Limited, of which $400,000 been trained. The service will cost families combination of different activities The stroke left Madam Heng Peng went towards its setting up. $25 to $60 per session. to make a networking like that self- Hway weak on her right side. Silver Circle at Jurong Central, which Mr Lim said: “We hope that the facility sustaining. One of the ideas is to make Hospital physiotherapy helped her has 16 senior citizens now, can cater to and service that we have put in place use of Residents’ Corners. Seniors can regain some movement. up to 70. today, will provide the ageing population come together to share common interests After joining NTUC Eldercare Co- To enable residents of Jurong Central with greater support now and in time to and at the same time, do other things operative Limited’s Day Care Centre at to have barrier-free access to Silver Circle, come.” such as health checks.” ■ Taman Jurong, Madam Heng’s condition Jurong Town Council has embarked on improved even more with the help of work surrounding the areas of blocks 401 exercise machines; she can now walk with to 408. the help of a cane. Improvements include the construction Madam Heng, 67, recently switched to of a new ramp, footpath and levelling of NTUC Eldercare’s newest day care centre, the edges of drain gratings. A fi tness corner Silver Circle at Jurong Central, which is in front of the centre will also be built. nearer to her home. Mr Lim, who is Member of Parliament “She has become livelier and more for Jurong GRC, said: “We hope that sociable,” said Madam Lek. senior residents around this area will Silver Circle at Jurong Central, NTUC come out more often to make use of these ElderCare’s fourth centre, boasts new facilities and thus, lead a more active elderly-friendly features such as ramps and social life.” spacious areas for the wheelchair-bound. The centre, launched by NTUC New Initiative Eldercare Chairman, Mr Lim Boon Also announced, a new initiative by Heng, on 21 April 2007, also boasts an NTUC Eldercare, care@home, for families independent living showroom exhibiting in Jurong GRC with elderly members. various devices and equipment that can The pilot programme will see volunteers assist the elderly in their daily activities. spending their time at clients’ home for up Staying Active... Dressed in colourful ethnic costumes, seniors from NTUC Eldercare’s Marsiling Centre With it, caregivers and seniors can learn to four hours a day caring for the elderly. put up a dance to celebrate the launch of Silver Circle at Jurong Central.

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Panel Of Th ree… Transport Minister Raymond Lim is fl anked by NTUC President John De Payva on his right and NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say on his left, as he engages union leaders.

We all have wish lists. At microphones and with unionists, these turn into question lists, as they did for Fast Forward With Transport Minister Raymond Lim, on a day of otherwise moderate traffic, this 8th of May. An auditorium’s Th e Transport Minister worth of our nation’s most vocal workers engaged the Minister in a special dialogue session at the NTUC Centre. Q&A With Mr Raymond Lim, For those who genuinely need help, there’s It is the second in a series The Transport Minister Government’s Public Transport Fund Mr Raymond Lim was busy at his notepad and NTUC’s Care and Share Vouchers. organised by the Ong Teng all evening, as unionist after unionist took If more help is needed, they can turn to Cheong Institute of Labour to the microphones. The session was long, Government’s ComCare Fund. and so answers and questions have been Studies, for the NTUC weaved together for brevity and clarity. Leadership Development But even if the approach is targeted, Here is a dramatised run-down of what our can’t more be done for students, labour movement asked its Government, Programme. The purpose: who are not earning? To familiarise union leaders and how it responded in turn. with happenings on the Transportation costs are too high The question to then consider is: ground and share with the for low-wage workers like “Mr Where do we do the cut? Do we Ahmad”, a security offi cer. At $4 do it from Primary 1, all the way, ministers, the concerns of a day, he spends $120, monthly. to Polytechnic – since they are all workers. He also has three school-going children students? We must remember that each at tertiary, secondary, and primary levels, time the bus company gives concession to The Limits Of Growing Roads who spend $90, $52.50, and $42.50, one group, those who are not students will As industries grow, so does the number monthly. That adds up to $312. That’s the bear the costs. Someone else has to pay to of commuters. The land transport system cost of a monthly home loan installment run the operations. Every time you cast the must cater for them. According to the to the Housing Development Board. How net wider, those who are not in the net will Transport Minister, there are three areas can the Government help families like Mr pay more. So we have to balance it. to “balance carefully”. Ahmad’s? Firstly: “Car Ownership” versus “Road Can we shorten the bus routes for Congestion”. Commuting by car is We have many helping hands, travel-weary commuters? Buses impractical for all in small and compact like the concessionary passes, for Singapore. Secondly: “A First-Class everywhere go on long routes. It workers and their families. But can take me nearly two hours to Transport System” versus “The Costs To there’s an important principle to Commuters”. Commuters want the best, travel to work. If I take the bus from Bukit consider. Do we want an approach that but the best costs more. Thirdly, such a Batok to Eunos, it goes to Bukit Timah, it cuts across the board, or do we want take a system must also cater to a diverse group goes to Toa Payoh, it goes to Queensway, of commuters, including the elderly, the targeted approach? If we subsidise all fares, it goes to Pasir Panjang, it goes to Tanjong disabled and children. we help people who are poor and not poor. Pagar. A guy doing night shift can sleep With that, the discussions began. So, we have taken a targeted approach. in it!

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We are improving our bus priority system. Do we give priority to a car with four people or a bus with 40 people? I would choose the bus over the car. The bus lane gives priority to buses over cars. This is especially important during peak hours. We are putting in place more and more of these lanes, so buses can travel faster.

Can something be done about the traffi c at Jurong Island? It’s like a mini Causeway! And there are many companies there. Jurong Island is expanding very fast. Can we have a quota on the number of cars allowed to enter?

I’m not sure if a car quota is the best way to go. Companies do The short answer is: Yes, no That is a good suggestion, and that need to take care of their workers. problem! We’ve opened up the is something we are in the process Weighing both sides, it might system. If there’s anyone who of doing, especially for the major benefi t workers more if there is no such thinks he can make money with bus stops. quota. One solution, though, is to have a this, go ahead – apply! We want to provide couple of companies pool their resources, a range of choices. We encourage people Some MRT stations are open-air, so that there are less buses, and so less who have ideas to put them out there. and do not have the automatic traffi c. doors. Accidents have occurred. Can we improve the MRT so that Can we do something about this? I know that in the future, there’s more carriage space? Singapore will have a world-class In a humid country like Singapore, transport system. But then the That’s what we’re doing now. erecting full-glass panels will make price may be a world-class price! The SMRT is doing a mid-term the waiting area like a greenhouse Now, we have the budget airlines. Why upgrading to see what we can do – it’ll be very hot. But mainly, we not have budget buses? all have to work together. If someone tells inside the carriage, to give a bit you not to cross the yellow line, and you more space. Right now, we have certain cross it, that is diffi cult to control. It’s just standards: We say, 1 square metre for like crossing the road. If the traffi c police three persons. I went to the busiest train tells you that it is dangerous to cross, and station in Tokyo. It’s really packed – 1 you still jaywalk and are injured as a result, square metre for seven persons. I went there are not many measures that can be to the busiest MRT station in Singapore taken to prevent you from crossing. So we during peak period, at Toa Payoh. It is not all have to work together. so crowded – not like sardines. This guy was reading the newspaper. So if he has And, together, after a long night of space to comfortably read the newspaper, chatting, we travelled home: By train, I think, it’s not that crowded. bus or car. ■

There are bus stops without basic bus schedules. Can we please put such information on all bus stops.

Slow Road To China…

The current rate of car ownership is rising fast. We could have 1.2 million cars here, in due course. If you take all those cars, bumper to bumper, they will line all our expressways fi ve times. That’s distance enough to line the cars from Singapore to Beijing.

Where’s My Bus? Th e dialogue has ended, but still hot with a query is Madam Low Peck Hoon of Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union. If you’re wondering what our Transport Minister was scribbling on his notepad, here’s what it might read: “Bus 94 – not operational at Paya Lebar Airbase on Sunday and Public Holidays? How come? ST Aerospace workers work there, too, and are aff ected! Look into it!”

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Confederation), and supported by the Global Unions, it is aimed at reminding the Don’t Take Safety Lightly world that it is crucial to keep workplaces What about Singapore? Our overall safety safe and healthy, and to adopt effective record is quite good. In 2006, our fatality labour standards to protect workers. The rate was 3.1 per 100,000 employees; International Labour Organisation’s World better than the 10.8 in Malaysia and 8.6 Day for Safety and Health at Work also falls in Hongkong but higher than the fi gure on the same day each year and reinforces of 1.2 in Sweden and 2.2 in the US. The the same message. Ministry of Manpower has set a goal of Last year, the ILO adopted a new C187 on 2.5 by 2015. Promotional Framework for Occupational But we also have our fair share of Safety and Health Convention. Last year, reckless employers and managers who have too, we passed a new Workplace Safety and scant regard for workers’ lives and limbs. Health Act, aimed at reducing risk and Take the case of the supervisor from attaching greater accountability to those Leelloyds Marine Engineering Private who fail to provide safe workplaces. Limited who was jailed three months recently for causing the death of Mr James What Price Safety? Balang, one of his workers. Instead of using UWEEI UPAGE SIASU ads.indd 2 5/9/07 3:42:52 PM Why do we need to be reminded annually, a crane to lower four bags of tools from a Process CyanProcess MagentaProcess YellowProcess Black Cameron (Singapore) Private Limited was presented with a May Day 2007 Plaque of Commendation for and, in this stark manner? It is because bulk carrier to a boat 15m below, he used a its support of good labour-management relations and for its care and concern for workers’ welfare and workers continue to rope and a worker was safety. die or are injured with Empowering killed when the rope impunity in many around the fourth bag sustainable development has three pillars; without wearing his safety boots, which is countries. workers is a defi nite came untied and the the fi rst is of course fi nancial viability. But a safety requirement, and was immediately According to the fi rst step in the bag came plummeting no matter how profi table a company is, pulled back by a worker. ILO, every year, almost down and fractured the it cannot last long if its activities pollute Instead of disciplining the worker for 2.2 million workers die effort to promote skull of the worker. and destroy the environment. And even if being rude to the senior vice-president, in accidents or due to better safety at the This case was these two factors are taken care of, if there the worker was awarded with a $500 occupational diseases also the first where is no social progress, meaning that the incentive payment. Now we know why and over 430 million workplace. So, kudos a manager was people are not taken care of, the company’s this company has won numerous gold more are injured or for companies like prosecuted under the growth will not be sustainable. awards for safety, and why the workers do suffer illnesses related new Workplace Safety Hence, the company emphasises safety not lose their lives and limbs. to their work. Cameron Singapore, and Health Act, a stark a lot. I fi nd this company’s approach totally I remember being a worthy recipient reminder to employers refreshing! Indeed, if people are not placed Blow The Whistle part of a tripartite and managers not to at the centre of development, there cannot I wonder if Leelloyds Marine Engineering team doing an on of our May Day take safety lightly. be sustainable growth and progress. Private Limited had removed the Fear the spot review of a Award this year. What is equally interesting is how Factor by instituting a clear policy jute factory in Nepal Safety For the company cultivates a safety culture, encouraging workers to blow the whistle which had received More should follow Sustainable which it admits is the most challenging and empowering them to refuse to follow some ILO funding for suit. And, workers Progress And part. Mr Peyrer emphasised that safety the instructions of the mindless supervisor a programme on social Growth must be driven by the top management. who has endangered their lives, the late dialogue. Amidst the blow the whistle, Against this backdrop, He felt that it is a lot of humbug to expect Mr James Balang could still be alive. A huge amount of dust please, and help save the experience of workers to take leadership over this issue. family had lost a loved one because an that was swirling one company is He also felt that companies must remove employer gave greater precedence to profi t around in the poorly your own and your worth sharing and the Fear Factor. In Cameron, no one is and expedience over people’s lives. ventilated factory, friends’ lives and acknowledging; above the law. Often, workers worried for their jobs, there was a heavily Cameron (Singapore) Everyone must follow safety rules and feel under pressure to work under unsafe pregnant woman limbs. Private Limited, a 34- every worker is empowered to stop another conditions to the detriment of their own working. year-old American worker, including senior management, if lives and limbs. Empowering workers is a The poor, poverty-stricken workers had company manufacturing Oil and Gas they violate safety rules. Workers could defi nite fi rst step in the effort to promote no choice but to work in such conditions Equipment. Mr Eric Peyrer, the company’s bring their concerns on safety violations better safety at the workplace. So, kudos and when approached, their main concern senior vice-president, explained that directly to the senior vice-president or the for companies like Cameron (Singapore) was not over how this could seriously affect sustainable development underpins Manufacturing Director. In other words, Private Limited, a worthy recipient of our their health, but whether we could help talk his company’s philosophy in safety and blowing the whistle is not only allowed May Day Award this year. More should to their management not to cut their pay health. but also actively encouraged. Mr Peyrer follow suit. when the old, poorly maintained machines When I visited his factory, together recounted how on one occasion he had And, workers blow the whistle, please, broke down, which happened frequently. with the NTUC Workplace Safety and crossed the yellow line, behind which the and help save your own and your friends’ Every day of work lost is one more day Health Committee, he explained that machines and equipment were located, but lives and limbs. ■

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All for Singapore... Some 150 youths gather for the launch of YCiS - a forum series organised by the labour movement’s youth movement, Young NTUC. Growing Minds

them embarking on learning journeys to Secretary-General Lim Swee Say and By Sharon Lee places such as Jurong Island and voluntary NTUC Youth Development Unit welfare organisations. Director Josephine Teo mingled among WHOEVER said Singapore youths are Participants will then discuss what they them, listening to what they had to say. an apathetic lot has not met the 150-plus have learnt after their trips. The participants were earnest in youths who came for the launch of a new Indeed, the hot topic of the day voicing out their concerns, ranging forum series by Young NTUC. was inclusiveness and its result: Social from the education system to elitism Called Youths for a Competitive and cohesion. Participants also debated the and the plight of low-income families Inclusive Singapore or YCiS for short, three social divides: Income divide, age in Singapore. the forum drew participants ranging from divide and local-versus-foreign divide; Impressed by the youths’ enthusiasm, teenagers to those in their 30s. and whether success is shared by all in Mr Lim said there is no right answer to The forum series, aimed at helping Singapore. these questions as the situation changes youths gain an insight into a wide range As they discussed these issues in all the time. of national socio-economic issues, will see groups, National Trades Union Congress Noting that Young NTUC, with Compared to India, one of the things that Singapore has is inclusiveness. All the country has to do now is build on it. I never feel like a foreigner here. I feel like a Singaporean. Rahul Shah

Active Listening... Youth Development Unit Director Josephine Teo listens as youths discuss issues aff ecting Singapore.

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In a musical at the Esplanade, etc. problems at work.” awareness of the membership’s benefi ts membership perception survey in September Occasionally, I am asked whether The labour movement’s work could and privileges, and we hope to reach out to 2005, we asked members what their reasons workers are joining the labour movement only be possible if its membership is workers of All Collars (occupations), All for joining the NTUC/union were. The for the “right” reasons. strong and effective. And each and every Ages and All Nationalities. two most common reasons were to enjoy There is no wrong reason for taking up member adds to the strength of the labour At the same time, we have also put grocery rebates and earn LinkPoints for an NTUC membership. Membership is the movement. together a Membership Rewards Lucky rewards redemption. lifeblood of unions. That is why NTUC There are more than 480,000 NTUC Draw to reward existing members for their Workers sign up for NTUC membership and its affi liated unions and associations Members. The membership pipeline is loyalty. Every member stands to win the top for many reasons: From workplace assistance have, over the years, focused on developing strengthening. In recent months, about prize of a Chevrolet Captiva (Certifi cate to job matching services, training subsidies, a strong and robust membership. That is 6,000 new members join us each month. of Entitlement, road tax and insurance scholarships and educational grants, also why the labour movement has set itself More than half of these new members are not included). Further, the longer one’s grocery rebates, LinkPoints, use of country a high target of a 1 million-membership younger than 35 years old. This augurs well membership tenure, the higher his number club facilities, theme parks, exclusive by 2015. for the future. of chances. It gets even better for a member insurance coverage packages, enjoy movie A strong union membership maintains In the next few months, NTUC and its who introduces his friend to the world of discounts and events, driving holidays, the labour movement as a credible affi liated unions and associations will be union membership. petrol discounts, and even banking services social force. As a key social institution, stepping up their membership activities in Not surprising, the membership specially designed for members. we have done well. In job re-creation, support of the shared vision of a 1 million- campaign has already caused a buzz. After In so many areas of work, live and play, the labour movement has worked with stong membership by 2015. We will launch all, it is the fi rst time NTUC Members members enjoy benefi ts and privileges from tripartite partners to redesign and re-create a three-month membership campaign from stand to win a car or many other attractive the NTUC Family of cooperatives and our many jobs – better jobs, better pay, which May to August this year. prizes, thanks to the generous support of other social enterprises, NTUC Club and have benefi ted thousands of workers. We During this period, the NTUC and many sponsors. supportive merchant partners. Indeed, it is gave out millions of dollars in workfare unions’ membership teams will organise As the labour movement looks forward not diffi cult to quantify the benefi ts that initiatives for low-wage workers such as public roadshows at shopping centres, to welcoming our 500,000th member, it members enjoy. Members enjoy manifold education grants, back to school vouchers, bus interchanges, hold recruitment drives is also timely to remind ourselves that returns from the membership fees that they bursaries, etc, and in many other areas such at workplaces and step up our online membership is not a numbers game. pay. Some examples: Spend $250 per month as re-employment of older workers. marketing efforts. Fundamentally, the NTUC membership at NTUC FairPrice supermarket; a movie A strong membership is the foundation From the 2005 survey, we realised that must be able to better the lives of the outing for the family at Shaw cinemas; spend of the union’s and the workers’ voice at many people, especially professionals and member and his loved ones. Only then will $60 on petrol at Esso petrol stations; take up work. One union leader shared with me executives, did not know that they could be a member remain a member for life. ■ A Mother’s Day Special Lucky 500,000th By Naseema Banu Maideen The 500,000th member will enjoy a suite of benefi ts and privileges Mother’s Day, 13 May 2007, will This sponsored by the NTUC Family. mark the start of a string of lucky dips for • 2D1N Accommodation + Food NTUC Members. The National Trades Union and Beverage Vouchers Congress will launch its “Membership Rewards Lucky Draw” with an alluring • Full Body Aromatherapy highlight of a Chevrolet Captiva. Massage @ Aranda Spa If you are an NTUC Member who has joined • NTUC Income Coverage of on or before 31 August 2007, read on. $100,000 for fi ve years

There are a few ways members can • NTUC LearningHub Voucher of strike lucky with numerous possibilities of Top 3 Perks $100 winning: A sexy Chevrolet Captiva AWD (without Certifi cate of Entitlement, • 50,000 Link Points • 1 chance for all members. insurance and road tax) is waiting to be driven away by the lucky fi rst prize winner. This latest Sports Utility Vehicle in town, at a retail price • $500 NTUC FairPrice Voucher • 1 additional chance for every additional of $92,000, is sponsored by U Drive. sponsored by OCBC year of membership tenure. If that’s a miss, then a luxuriously relaxing Alaskan Fly-Cruise for two • A pair of Shaw Movie Passes • 1 additional chance for member-get- and a Samsung 42” Plasma TV may be yours as the second and third member. prizes respectively. • 1 additional chance for NTUC-OCBC card There are altogether 500 prizes worth $180,000 for our lucky holder. members. ■

The NTUC This Week Team ■ MANAGING EDITOR Shirley Tan-Oehler [email protected] ■ DEPUTY EDITOR Low The NTUC Family Directory Wee Poh [email protected] ■ JOURNALISTS • Michael Fong [email protected] • Naseema Banu NTUC Switchboard 6213 8000 • Customer Centre (One-Stop Centre for Maideen [email protected] • Sharon Lee [email protected] ■ EXECUTIVE EDITOR (Chinese) Ho Seo Teck Enquiries) 6213 8008 • Business Centre 6213 8811 [email protected] [email protected] ■ JOURNALISTS (Chinese) Tham Yim Siong [email protected] • Shao Inn Tian [email protected] • Community Development 6213 8201 • Wong Teck Tian [email protected] ■ DESIGN Kelvin Teo [email protected] • Mohamed Nasuhar Soeyoeti NTUC CLUB Chalet Reservation 6582 9876 • Banquet Sales 6589 1666 [email protected] • Sharon New [email protected] • Charles Chong [email protected] ■ SALES COOPERATIVES Childcare 6391 9233 • Choice Homes 6213 8822 Bernard CG Law [email protected] • Joseph Loh [email protected] ■ TRAFFIC Ivy Tang [email protected] • ElderCare 6213 8000 • Fairprice 6456 0233 • Foodfare 6757 0330 ■ PHONE 6236 5790 ■ SUBSCRIPTION Jenny Liau [email protected] ■ PUBLISHER NTUC Media Co-operative Limited • Healthcare 6744 0068 • Income 6336 3322 • Media 6236 0555 ■ ADDRESS 1 Marina Boulevard #14-01 NTUC Centre Singapore 018989 ■ PHONE 6236 0555 ■ FAX 6538 1068 ■ PRINTER Times Printers • Thrift & Loan 6534 7360 Private Limited AFFILIATE RTRC Asia 6292 4844

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Brother Lim Boon Heng Minister in the Prime Minister’s Offi ce and Immediate Past NTUC Secretary-General on receiving Mr Ng Ser Miang The Distinguished Comrade Of Labour Award Chairman, NTUC Choice Homes Co-operative Limited Brother Lim Boon Heng evinces quiet leadership by example. He does Chairman, NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited not speak loudly or carry a stick, but leads by example and through moral suasion, spending time persuading people to do the right thing. on receiving He is patient, persistent and persuasive, and has inspired hundreds if not thousands of capable staff and union leaders, as well as corporate The Meritorious Service Award executives, to work together for workers’ benefi t. We salute Brother Lim for his genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singapore workers, and we thank him for his stellar contributions.

From the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of From the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of

NTUC Foodfare Co-operative Limited NTUC Foodfare Co-operative Limited 10 Senoko South Road Singapore 758097 10 Senoko South Road Singapore 758097 Tel: 6757 0330 Fax: 6752 8411 Tel: 6757 0330 Fax: 6752 8411

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