5 JANUARY 2007 40 cents http://www.ntuc.org.sg MICA (P) 129/12/2006 Choosing Lanes Decided To Serve The Unions

BETWEEN the prospect of being fast tracked to become Minister of State and The starting point must be remaining in the National Trades Union concern for the welfare of the Congress to improve workers’ lives, Mr Lim Swee Say chose the latter. workers. The starting point can’t be “Swee Say came to NTUC when he the welfare of the company or the had to leave the Economic Development economy. If at the end of the day, Board to stand for elections,” said Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in the Prime you can’t serve the long-term interest Minister’s Offi ce, to NTUC This Week of the workforce, what’s the point at end-December 2006. of having economic development? “After a reasonable testing period in politics, Prime Minister Economic development is always the wanted to appoint Swee Say as MOS, and means to an end – the end being the stay with NTUC for some more time.” welfare of the worker. During that 1999 promotion exercise, Mr David Lim accepted his appointment Lim Swee Say as MOS for Defence, and Information & the Arts. “Swee Say said if he was appointed, for Trade and Industry on 3 June 1999. he could not speak up for workers in Ten years has passed since Mr Lim Parliament in the same way. So, he asked Swee Say joined politics; he was elected to stay longer in NTUC. I think he found Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar the mission to his liking. He won respect GRC on 2 January 1997. With nearly six when he declined appointment as MOS years of service with the labour movement, for a year,” recalled the immediate past Mr Lim Swee Say started 2007 as NTUC’s NTUC Secretary-General. new Secretary-General. “Yes, Swee Say understands that the key employable – a mission which he Mr Lim Swee Say indeed found his His move back to the labour movement task of Government is to make sure people continues to fulfi ll. mission in NTUC. became natural after it became quite clear have jobs. He spent the better part of his Upon returning to NTUC in August In an interview with The Straits Times that union leaders accepted him and his previous working life attracting investors to 2004, Mr Lim Swee Say said the position published on 8 January 1999, about two style of leadership. set up here, to create jobs for Singaporeans. of NTUC Secretary-General was not a years after he joined NTUC, he said: On 1 May 2004, Mr Goh announced He knows the competition, and what we given. “The starting point must be concern for in his May Day Rally speech that Mr need to do to secure investors. “The future is full of challenges. The the welfare of the workers. The starting Lim Swee Say would take over as labour “He also has his way of explaining issues more challenging it is, the more exciting point can’t be the welfare of the company chief in two to three years’ time. Mr Lim – with a combination of wit and humour. it can be if we all do the right things in or the economy. If at the end of the day, Boon Heng told the press afterwards that “He has already spent several years with the right manner with the right mindset. you can’t serve the long-term interest of his designated successor has the common the unions. So he knows he has to keep Teamwork is the key to our continuous the workforce, what’s the point of having touch; his name “came up constantly” in regular touch with grassroots unionists growth and progress. economic development? Economic during feedback sessions with grassroots – and he has been doing that.” “Please do not refer to me as the next development is always the means to an unionists”, making him the natural Mr Lim Swee Say takes the initiative to Sec-Gen. I am coming back to learn, to end – the end being the welfare of the choice. get to know and interact with the union serve and to contribute to the further worker.” “It is the labour movement that elects leaders albeit his tight schedule. He cares development of the labour movement He said he did not always feel this way, its leader. The NTUC Secretary-General to listen to the feedback and feels the pulse under the overall leadership of Mr Lim especially when he was with EDB to make is not appointed by the Government and of the ground of the labour movement. Boon Heng. Whether or not I will be the economy as competitive as foisted on the unions. If the candidate does This has made unionists appreciate his accepted as the next labour chief, let the possible. The turning point came when not have the confi dence and support of personal touch. His visits to the various labour movement assess and decide in two he was working on the Singapore-China the grassroots union leaders, he will not unions became more regular after his to three years’ time.” Suzhou Industrial Park software transfer be elected. return to NTUC in August 2004. From On 4 December 2006, the NTUC project, and listened to Singapore leaders “In the past two years, I have taken 24 January 2005 to 2 January 2007, he has Central Committee elected Mr Lim Swee explain their philosophy of nation building soundings of grassroots union leaders on visited 43 unions. He is scheduled to visit Say as the new labour chief. The labour – that economic development in the end who could be my successor. Based on such Singapore Teachers’ Union on 9 January. movement has spoken. was all about improving workers’ lives. a feedback, and on my assessment of the Besides learning more about the unions, Mr Lim Swee Say began this new “That’s when it actually hit me, all the candidates, I came to the conclusion that he took the opportunity to deliver and responsibility on 1 January 2007, with the things about social objectives. It became Mr Lim Swee Say is the best person.” explain NTUC messages to union leaders, 64 unions, 6 associations, 9 cooperatives so clear, so explicit.” Two and a half years on, Mr Lim Boon in particular, on Labour Movement 2011, and all the other entities of the NTUC Mr Lim Swee Say did eventually accept Heng was asked by Lianhe Zaobao at end- NTUC’s 5-year vision. Family behind him. his appointment as MOS and took up 2006 if Mr Lim Swee Say has the qualities Among his early responsibilities at Secretary-General Lim Swee Say, you offi ce in the Ministry for Communications to be the NTUC Secretary-General. Mr NTUC, SG Lim was bent on helping have our best wishes and support. and Information Technology; and Ministry Lim Boon Heng said: rank and fi le workers upgrade and remain Continued on Page 2

● The Handover Page 4 ● Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007 Page 5 ● Rosy Time Ahead Possible With Robust Challenges Page 10 ●

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Continued from Page 1 Lim Swee Say In Brief He’s Mr SRP, Mr JRP Early 1980s NTUC 21 was the labour movement help workers achieve a better life. New skills today, better employability programme that dovetailed Singapore 21, “As we restructure the economy, the tomorrow. Member of Mr ’s team to help NTUC set up computer presented by the People’s Action Party young and educated will be given the “Our role in NTUC is to raise workers’ appreciation and IT courses. as its platform for the 2 January 1997 best employment. Older workers, in their awareness of the changes that are taking General Election. The blueprint, proposed 30s or 40s, who may have missed out on place in the industry, to explain to 1996, 8 August by immediate past NTUC Secretary- educational opportunities… We must them the benefits of going through work to upgrade their skills so that they skills redevelopment and to create the Joined NTUC as Director of General Lim Boon Heng, was formulated Administration and Research Unit to to take the labour movement into the will not lose out,” said Mr Lim Swee Say opportunity for them to upgrade. look after productivity promotion, 21st Century. in November 1996. “We hope more workers will come skills development and computer Newly elected as Member of Parliament Then, at The Singapore Manual forward to join this programme because information system; appointed for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Mr Lim Swee and Mercantile Workers’ Union’s Basic we can only help those who are prepared Executive Secretary by Chemical Say was asked by the labour chief to Leadership Course on 13 November to help themselves. Industries Employees’ Union. head the NTUC 21 Committee to 1996, he said: “In the 1990s and beyond, “Working together in the true spirit promote the fi ve pillars of “Employability”, we must be able to produce more with of tripartite partnership, we can create a 1997, 2 January “Competitiveness”, “Healthy Body and less.” better future for our workers, young and Elected Member of Parliament for Healthy Mind”, “Care and Share” and He urged workers to improve their old, all included,” said Mr Lim Swee Say Tanjong Pagar GRC. “Strong Labour Movement”. technical skills, change their mindset and in a commentary on skills redevelopment It has been 10 years, and Mr Lim Swee be innovative in the use of our limited in NTUC News in June 1997. 1997, February Say is now the NTUC Secretary-General. human resources and expensive capital Mr Lim Swee Say was appointed Appointed Chairman of NTUC 21; made He is still promoting the fi ve pillars of equipment to improve our competitiveness Minister of State for Communications overall in charge of industrial relations; NTUC 21, albeit Labour Movement and attract more investments which and Information Technology; and Trade appointed Executive Secretary by 2011. will benefit our workers in securing and Industry and he left NTUC to take United Workers Of Electronic And Mr Lim Swee Say, at NTUC’s 9th employment. up the postings on 3 June 1999. Electrical Industries. Triennial Delegates Conference in April Mr Lim Swee Say had conceptualised Upon his return to NTUC in August 1997, cited how Albert Einstein had set the Skills Redevelopment Programme 2004, he identifi ed several key tasks to 1997, 19 March the same test questions for two consecutive which NTUC launched in December tackle: Nominated by UWEEI and elected years, and when his students pointed this 1996. SRP offers courses to improve • Redesign jobs to make them more member of the NTUC Central out to him, the scientist replied: “I was the employability of older, less-educated attractive and challenging – to make Committee. looking for different answers.” workers. The courses lead to certifi cations the jobs now held by foreigners A fresh approach is needed as the recognised at the national and industry appealing enough to Singaporeans by 1997 April to 1999 economic situation is different, and the levels with as much as an 80 per cent increasing productivity and pay. Also Appointed Deputy Secretary-General. labour movement wants to continue to reimbursement for course fees. Its motto: to help older, unemployed and less- educated Singaporeans take on jobs in 1997, April the domestic sector. Appointed to lead NTUC Team on the • Raise the bar in the services sector by National Wages Council. Prior to joining improving work processes and service NTUC, he had been the Government standards to stay ahead of the global representative (from EDB) in the NWC. competition and match the “world class 1999, 3 June standards” which the manufacturing had already met. Appointed Minister of State for Communications and Information • Strengthen relations between Technology; and Trade and Industry. management and unions such that they can share the objectives and 2000, October understand the challenges involved to Appointed Acting Minister for the work together to respond more quickly Environment. to changes. • Promote trade union renewal. 2001, November Appointed Minister for the • Minimise structural unemployment. Environment In July 2004, Mr Lim Swee Say 2004, 10 August spearheaded the Job Recreation Appointed Minister in the Prime Programme to transform existing jobs Minister’s Offi ce and Second Minister into more attractive ones to help for National Development, serving Singaporeans, particularly the older concurrently as NTUC Deputy Secretary- and the less-educated earn more, and General. encourage the unemployed to get back into the workforce. JRP was introduced 2005, 1 October in the cleansing, hospitality and Relinquished appointment of Second landscaping industries to the security Minister for National Development and public transport sectors. to serve full time in the labour “This will also reduce our over- movement. dependence on foreign workers,” said Mr Lim Swee Say during an informal gathering 2006, 4 December with union leaders in July 2004. Elected NTUC Secretary-General by Union leaders associate Mr Lim Swee NTUC Central Committee to take eff ect Say closely with the SRP and JRP, both of on 1 January 2007. which he initiated. But modestly, he shares the credit. 2007, 1 January “I must emphasise that they are not my NTUC Secretary-General, concurrent babies. The labour movement is all about as Minister in the Prime Minister’s team play and shared ownership. Many Offi ce. unionists have contributed their ideas and efforts,” he said.

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As we restructure the economy, the young and educated will be given the best employment. Older workers, in their 30s or 40s, who may have missed out on educational opportunities… We must work to upgrade their skills so that they will not lose out.

Lim Swee Say

“I realise that life is not just about running as fast as Lim Swee Say Says… you can and letting somebody else worry about the rest. Just look at the union leaders. They struggle “We got to where we to keep up with all the changes, but at the same are today, not by chance, time, they will always have the time, the passion, but by choice. We will to try to bring their fellow workers along also.”

get to where we want On how the NTUC has changed his perspective on life, in an interview to be, not by waiting for with The Straits Times on 19 May 1999 the future to come, but just before he left NTUC to return to the civil service. by creating the future that we strive for.” “Knowing what to do is not good enough. More importantly is the ability to communicate, to reach out NTUC Pre-Conference Workshop, “NTUC 21 – A Better Life”, Batam, to mobilise the ground – that truly is the key. Walk the 27 February to 1 March 1997. ground and talk to (workers), understand what kind of aspirations and anxieties they have and give them “I feel fairly comfortable to speak my mind. hope and confi dence. The ground does not care how There’s enough trust and acceptance within the much you know until it knows how much you care.” labour movement for me to feel confi dent to In an interview with The Straits Times upon his return to NTUC touch on the real issues and say how I feel about on 14 August 2004. them. At the end of the day, we should judge our unionists not by what we say but by what “Each one of us has to recognise that coming to we do and the outcome of what we do. Don’t the labour movement is a long journey. I would not try to make a judgment as to whether we are have come back to the labour movement if I was pro-management or pro-worker. Judge us by the not willing to commit myself in the long run. If we actions we have taken, the things that we do and adopt a short term perspective, then we should not the end result.” be in the labour movement because what we are doing here is something that will make a difference On whether he had gained the trust of unionists one year after joining the labour movement, in an interview with NTUC News, to the life of Singaporeans, especially rank-and-fi le published on 29 August 1997. Singaporeans.” “Be thankful for what we are able to achieve as On joining the labour movement, in an interview with NTUC News, published on 3 September 2004. a nation. As employers, do not ask if 15 per cent (cut in CPF) is enough… Ask what you can do to “I do things because I believe in what I’m doing. I be more productive and competitive.” don’t do it just with the head, but all this comes from – The Straits Times, 25 Nov 1998, in his message to employers that the heart.” there is no “painless solution” to the economic crisis and that employers On his work ethos, in an interview with The Straits Times must do their part instead of pushing for more and more cuts to the CPF. published on 4 September 2004.

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About That 29 December The Handover Issue Of NTUC This Week 4 Strokes To Midnight Lim Boon Heng Responds...

The 29 December 2006 issue of NTUC This Week was produced as a “farewell gift” for Mr Lim Boon Heng, who retired from the National Trades Union Congress on 31 December 2006. Mr Lim would have disapproved of any publication that in any way “glorifi ed” him and his work, or raised him to “iconic” status. Thus, Mr Lim was not consulted. He only found out about the “just about him” publication after it was printed and delivered to his offi ce, and although he thanked the team that put it together, he was clearly quite uncomfortable. After reading NTUC This Week from cover to cover, Mr Lim told the NTUC This Week Team: “Thank you for the eff ort in putting together the special issue of NTUC This Week.” Mr Lim said he could see the eff ort that the team had put in to gather interesting nuggets from many people, especially long-serving staff , about his growing up days and linked his various experiences to work decisions and his shaping of NTUC. While some “passed on” stories about him were accurate, there were some that were not. He said he understood how some of these “stories” could have been distorted and ended up being reported in print. “It is always disappointing, after trying one’s best, that the outcome is not as one wanted it to be. But publishing is always diffi cult. For a newspaper, accuracy is of the utmost importance. So, if you don’t mind, I wish to point out a few errors,” said Mr Lim. In “Big Brother Stands Up For Bullied Union Leader”, it was written that in the days when it was common practice for parents to cane their children, Mr Lim Boon Heng’s Th e ‘Handovers’... As Mr Lim Swee Say hands a farewell gift to Mr Lim Boon Heng, ransfers the position of NTUC Secretary-General to Mr Lim Swee Say. back was marked many times - not that he was naughty and deserving of the beatings, but that he frequently protected his siblings by using his body to shield theirs when they were caned by his strict father. ONE TEED off at Hole 1, while the “I certainly don’t recall any such ‘heroic’ deeds. My father was strict, but canings were other started his fl ight at Hole 10. In the past two few,” said Mr Lim. When they met four hours later... In “He Walks The Talk In Saving For A Rainy Day”, it was written that Mr Lim found Lim Boon Heng: “How did you play and a half years, I comfort and happiness in living in a rented fl at for many years after marriage. When the today?” have tried my best time was right to own a property, Mr Lim bought an HDB fl at, funded solely by cash. Lim Swee Say: “No good.” “I don’t know from whom you heard this story. The truth is, I had struggled to buy a Lim Boon Heng: “How bad?” to learn as much as fl at in Tai Keng Gardens from a private developer, and my employers, Neptune Orient Lines, had to make special concessions for me to obtain a loan, as the amount required Lim Swee Say: “101.” possible from my tutor exceeded the limits set at the time. “Later, when I bought an old house in Seletar Hills, and it was under renovation, I Lim Swee Say: “How did you play?” - without having to lived with my in-laws for a year. Subsequently, when I bought my current house, I was Lim Boon Heng: “Not bad.” pay any tuition fees! already very much into politics – and I decided that I shall be debt free because politics Lim Swee Say: “How not bad?” is a risky career.” Lim Boon Heng: “97.” But there is still so In the same article, it was written that Mr Lim, who was driving a humble Nissan Bluebird, invested in a Mercedes Benz after much thought. Why? Only because he did much more I have not not subscribe to the idea of the parking ushers getting chided for not acknowledging Lim Boon Heng: “101. Oh, you’re feeling his arrival at offi cial functions. Well, we can’t blame them for not expecting a minister to the pressure already!” yet learnt. So I hope arrive in a Nissan, can we? Sec-Gen will continue Mr Lim corrected: “That was not the case. I had driven my Nissan Bluebird for some Mr Lim Swee Say repeated this years and I needed a new car to replace it. I asked a car agent to help me. He insisted that conversation to the laughter of some to guide me. I buy a Mercedes Benz. I said, ‘no’. Before I know it, the agent had registered a Mercedes 80 guests at the Count Up Golf 2007 at Benz E200 in my name. As I grew to like the steady drive, and its sturdiness, I forgave Marina Bay Golf Course on 31 December Lim Swee Say the agent.” Mr Lim also said he was surprised to read that he was on the Montfort Secondary 2006 which the National Trades Union School Sports Team, in “Life Before Politics: The NTUC Secretary-General Summed Up”. Congress had organised as a farewell “I was a bookworm. I was in the school debating team. I was never into sports. My event for Mr Lim Boon Heng, who Secretary-General from 1 January 2007, schoolmates would be shocked by the claim that I made the sports team! The fact that served his last day as NTUC Secretary- was modest to say that he “did not learn I can play decent golf now is a considerable achievement, as I had never been into General on the last day of 2006. NTUC enough” from Mr Lim Boon Heng, and sports!” Vice-President Thomas Tay was the he hopes his mentor will continue to Mr Lim also corrected some other mistakes. Organising Chairman for the event guide him. He said it was from the Swedish that he had learnt about civic mindedness. There was also mention in the same story (“His Kind Of Staff : Red, Hot And Passionate”) which was participated mostly by Mr Lim “In the past two and a half years, I have about his recount with the natives of the Antartica, that he had seen a group of people Boon Heng’s golf kakis. tried my best to learn as much as possible coming forth voluntarily to organise activities for a chapel, and he had said that Mr Lim Swee Say explained the from my tutor - without having to pay volunteerism must come from the heart. signifi cance of the day’s results: any tuition fees! But there is still so much “Nobody lives on Antartica, so there are no natives,” Mr Lim pointed out with a “When I played on this course for the more I have not yet learnt. So I hope Sec- laugh. fi rst time, I cleared 18 holes in 88 strokes. Gen will continue to guide me. He stressed that he encourages volunteerism and he believes staff , especially the I had no problem; it was ‘Mickey Mouse’ “Today, on the last day of 2006, we younger ones, should be motivated towards volunteerism. “NTUC is in the business of improving lives of people; along the way, there will be for me. But today, my game turned out organised this golf game for Sec-Gen; challenges to face, problems to solve. To combat them, NTUC staff should be armed differently. because we treasure him, and we want with the necessary skills.” “In fact, with every completed hole on to spend every minute, evey moment Lastly, Mr Lim clarifi ed and stressed that prior to adopting the Giro system to facilitate the course, as we got closer to midnight, with him as our Sec-Gen, right till we seamless membership, unions collected union dues by check-off through the employer. my golf just got from bad to worse. You say goodbye to 2006 at midnight. So (“Ahead Of His Time”.) see, as Deputy Secretary-General, my before we say goodbye to 2006 and hello The NTUC This Week Team humbly apologises to Mr Lim for any inconveniences that level of stress was much less than Sec- to 2007, we want to thank him for his may have resulted from the inaccuracies published, and sincerely thanks him for the clarifi cations. Gen’s. Everytime there was a problem, leadership and guidance. And we also I called Sec-Gen for a solution. After want to thank him in advance for the Shirley Tan-Oehler midnight, who am I going to call?” guidance that we’ll keep tapping from Managing Editor, NTUC This Week Mr Lim Swee Say, the new NTUC him in the future.” ■

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Merging Of JRD And SDD In December, NTUC This Week reported the merging of the Job Re-creation Department and the Skills Development Department as of 1 January 2007. With their activities intertwined – new jobs require re-training – the merger was an intuitive one.

No 3 Bukit Pasoh Three unions, Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union, Chemical Industries Employees’ Union and Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union, fi nally moved into No 3 Bukit Pasoh. They had bought the building together with other unions as far back as 1993. Now, it is a place they can truly call home.

Anniversaries VISION Along with the NTUC’s 45th Anniversary, every other union turned a year older. But Labour Movement 2011 here are a few to note. LM2011. A new vision for the labour movement. LM2011 was launched in late August, Even older than the NTUC is the fi rst registered union, the Singapore Port Workers’ to “better lives for all collars, all nationalities and all ages,” as said NTUC President John Union. It turned 60. Its sea-faring brother, the Singapore Maritime Offi cers’ Union, De Payva. turned 55. Another long-time union is 60-year-old Singapore Teachers’ Union. Labour Movement Seminar 2006. From 11 to 12 September, more than 600 unionists The Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union, one of the largest industrial huddled together in “kopitiam” discussion groups – “hot pots” of ideas and rapid-fi re unions, turned 25; as did the National Transport Workers’ Union, Metal Industries exchange – to see what they could do for LM2011. Workers’ Union and United Workers of Electronic & Electrical Industries. Ten years their senior is the Singapore Organisation Of Seaman at 35. The Food, Drinks And Allied Workers’ Union were in even numbers at 42.

Under One Roof At AMK Hub An LM2011 vision awaits at AMK Hub, the one-stop retail mall that is to house several NTUC cooperatives. Income’s third Insurance Business Centre; FoodFare’s foodcourt; Healthcare’s Unity Lifestyle pharmacy; a childcare centre; ElderCare’s Platinum Lounge; Club’s Integrated Entertainment Centre; and FairPrice’s fi rst hypermarket. It is to open in the fi rst quarter of 2007.

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SINGAPORE Big Growth In The Economy The economy is doing well! Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his 2006 New Year’s Day Message that the economy grew 5.7 per cent in 2005. The end of 2006 saw growth rise to 7.7 per cent, exceeding expectations. In PM Lee’s message, older and lower- income groups were singled out, as those the Government would continue to help, while Singapore would focus on niche industries like chemicals, biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals and electronics, which give the nation its competitive edge.

Workfare: The Fourth Pillar With the Workfare Bonus scheme, the Government said it would match every dollar that workers earn through their own eff orts. This was promised to low-wage workers by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his PAP’s 29th Ordinary Party Conference on 3 December 2006. It is to be the fourth pillar of Singapore’s social safety net, along with the , the Healthcare 3Ms of Medicare, MediShield and Medifund, and the Housing Board’s home ownership scheme.

A General Election Year For Labour MPs One quarter of the 84 seats in Parliament came to be “reserved” for one special type of MP: the Labour MP. The 20 of them who won their elections give the labour movement a substantial voice in the Government. Newcomers included NTUC Media Chairman and NTUC FairPrice Managing Director (Singapore) and NTUC Human Resource Director . The LM2011 Workshop. 24 to 25 November. Unionists had been working hard since the LM2011 launch and seminar. They gathered again to cross-fertilise ideas, sharing their implementations and developments.

LM2011 Seminars, by Union. A number of unions had their own LM2011 seminars, including the National Transport Workers’ Union and the Taxi Operators’ Associations – with their Taxi2011 vision.

The 6 Rocks Before LM2011, there were the 6 Rocks. First appearing in the 20 January issue of NTUC This Week, they are the NTUC Workfare Initiative; the Re- employment of older workers and the raising of the retirement age; the 1 million membership; leadership development; international relations; and organisational development.

“2006 has been a good year. Our economy grew strongly by more than 7.5 per cent; many industries and businesses reported higher profi ts; and our workers enjoyed higher wage increases and better bonuses. It was indeed a win-win-win year for the economy, businesses and workers. I hope 2007 will be another good year, even though success will not come easy. We can expect much stronger and keener competition for investments and jobs. So we must work even closer with our tripartite partners to make sure that the Singapore Economy will continue to surge and stay ahead of the global competition. At the same time, we must also work closer and harder together to make sure that Singapore will not only be

competitive, but inclusive too. We welcome very much the announcement by the FUNDS, BONUSES, REWARDS Prime Minister that Workfare will from now on become $18.8 million For NTUC’s Schemes And Activities the fourth pillar of our social safety net. We have done The year began loudly, when the Singapore Labour Foundation backed NTUC with $18.8 much in championing skills upgrading, job re-design million to fund various NTUC schemes and operational activities. and job matching. We must press on with all these and Job Re-creation Programme Gets Boost more: from re-employment of retired workers, to re- Then, in the Budget 2006 on 17 February, the Prime Minister announced that the highly deployment of working adults into new and growing successful Job Re-creation Programme would be allocated $40 million in Government job sectors so that there will be a brighter future for all funds. in 2007 and beyond.” Mid-Year Bonuses Go Up Lim Swee Say, NTUC Secretary-General Half way through the new year, and all was looking rosy for workers. Civil servants had increased mid-year bonuses. They received at least half their monthly salary and $220 for the Civil Service Mid-Year Payment, up from the 0.4 month and $200 given in 2005.

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“Let us build our future on fi rm foundations. Family, faith and “I just joined the NTUC Family and 2007 will be my fi rst fortitude. Celebrate good friends and blessings. When good year in the organisation. My role is to champion the fortune visits, maximise the gain and save some for the rainy cause for all members, current and potential ones. In days that will come. Stay employable and in demand. Stay order to do a good job, I hope to meet and talk to as healthy. Stay fl exible and adaptable. Remember to give back many members as possible. My wish for the new year to society some, because we have taken so much from it. Be is to be able to make at least one new friend every day with the people. Happy New Year.” from within the NTUC Family.”

Heng Chee How, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Yeo Khee Leng, Centric Director for Membership

“2007 will be my fi rst full year with the labour movement family. Thank you for your warm welcome for a newbie like me, who joined in the last weeks of 2006. The labour movement is all about people. We work for the people, and we are strong because we work through the people. So for 2007, I hope to contribute my bit to the family, make many friends and have fun along the way!”

Tan Choon Shian, Corporate Development Director

“2006 has been a very challenging, yet fulfi lling year. The economy is strong and stable and the unions continue to expand and enhance the lives of workers. NTUC Club will continue to help maintain work-life balance with a multitude of character-, stamina-, and camaraderie-building activities. We must continue to look globally and never take anything for granted or rest on $2 Million In Back To School Vouchers our laurels. Work will also focus on LM2011!” Back To School vouchers, totaling $2 million, were given out by various unions to needy families. This benefi ts 2,900 school-going children of needy NTUC Members. Yusoff Lateef, NTUC Club Senior Manager

$2 Million For Elderly Daycare Centre “After the Asian Financial Crisis, the economy went It was not quite yet Christmas when NTUC FairPrice pledged $2 million to NTUC Eldercare. This was for the fourth NTUC Eldercare Centre, which is to open in February 2007. The through a challenging period between 1998 and 2003. centre employs Universal Design, and will work as a model for the less mobile among us, We had two recessions within a short span of fi ve years including the elderly. in 1998 and 2001. Even when the economy grew from 2002 onwards, it was weak and jobless growth. In fact, $1.5 Million Of A Fun Fund the total number of jobs in Singapore shrank for a couple In 2006, NTUC Club gave out $1 million in Family Recreation FUNd vouchers for needy of years, causing high unemployment. families to have some fun at the Downtown East resorts and facilities – then added $0.5 million more worth of vouchers due to overwhelming response. Its aim was to give The mood was gloomy and job insecurity and the fear low-wage workers the chance to enjoy themselves. The initiative got unions involved of being laid off was palpable. I don’t sense the same too. Unions could opt to top up for their members too, to give that something extra to levels of pessimism and fear anymore. them. Since 2004, the economy and the job market have grown steadily. Unemployment has also come down. But challenges remain. As a labour movement, we are especially concerned for the low-income workers and our older workers. My wish for 2007 is for continued strong economic growth and job creation that will benefi t all workers. As a society, I hope we will make great strides in helping low-wage and older workers. For the labour movement, we can look forward to an exciting year ahead with LM2011 pushing on full steam. I wish good progress for all our Dragonboats.”

“I am happy to note that in 2006, a record number of jobs S Thiagarajan, OTC Institute Director had been created and the jobless queue has now become very much shorter. This means those who wanted to work could “The new Secretary Genaral is also my Executive Secretary, fi nd a job more easily than before. and we are honoured to have him. He shares what our I am confi dent that with the strong economic growth and neighbouring countries are doing, and he’s also very tripartism relationship, more jobs – and good ones, too – will concerned for our workers. be created so that every Singaporean who wants to work has Our outgoing SG has set a very high standard, so our a choice. incoming SG has a lot of work to do! With our soft approach and Workfare as our fourth pillar of Hopefully with our Dragonboats in the water, 2007 will social safety net, I wish every Singaporean and every family a be a great one for The SMMWU.” brighter future.” Richard Kang Swee Tat, , NTUC Assistant Secretary-General The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union President

NNTUCtwTUCtw 55Jan07a.inddJan07a.indd 7 11/3/07/3/07 11:42:3111:42:31 PMPM PProcessrocess CCyanyanPProcessrocess MMagentaagentaPProcessrocess YellowYellowPProcessrocess BlackBlack 8 5 JANUARY 2006 $1.6 Million In Care And Share Vouchers The Singapore Labour Foundation sponsored $1.6 million in Care And Share “As we move out of 2006, it is an opportune time to refl ect vouchers, to help 20,000 low-income NTUC Members cope with transport and on what the labour movement has accomplished. Have we utilities costs. done enough to rest on our laurels, or are there more matters Cheap Coffee At FoodFare to ponder and work on? The new year will be an exciting NTUC FoodFare stayed true to its social mission by keeping the price of coff ee low at one, as we continue to build on our momentum, pushing for its outlets, despite increases in operational and raw material costs. CPF restoration, the employability of older workers and the multi-dimensional aspects that were spelt out in the NTUC Model Tour LM2011. The SLF Educational Tours Award sent 101 model workers, between 24 and 64 years of age, to China for a week, to travel, have fun and for one more pragmatic purpose: My wish is for a stronger bipartite spirit between unions to see what made other economies tick. Awardees from previous years have been to and employers so that we can continue to support our Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia. tripartite system that is uniquely Singapore. The Government, employers and unions must stay insync in an ever-changing JOBS work environment and all parties must stand together to Employing Older Workers For Longer adapt to the impact of globalisation. In February, the NTUC launched its eff orts to enhance older workers’ employability, on Goodbye Mr Lim Boon Heng. We, the labour movement, the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers, shall remember you fondly and proudly, for the many with 23 companies and their unions affi rming their support. achievements you have initiated. You gave a nudge to set our In July, NTUC announced that 61 more unionised companies – giving a total of 84 Dragonboats in motion; and now that the baton has been companies – had committed to the cause. passed on to Mr Lim Swee Say – to lead the labour movement, and to steer our Dragonboats towards our objective – we will continue to row as furiously as before. Happy New Year from SBEU to one and all.”

Bobby Tay Peng Chuah, Singapore Bank Employees’ Union General Secretary

“2006 has been a fruitful year. The employment landscape was in sync with the buoyant economy. Good bonuses, good level of support and assistance for the low income and great level of excitement in the labour movement. On the whole it was a blessed year. I do look forward to better years ahead while remaining cautious of any adversity. As we usher in Year 2007, we hope that the economy will remain prosperous and more workers will be in better paying jobs, to experience a better lifestyle. As for the healthcare union, I do look forward to the complete immersion of NUHEU into HSEU as one industrial union, both in identity and spirit, for the betterment of all healthcare workers.”

K Thanaletchimi, National University Hospital Employees’ Union President “I shall always remember 2006 as the year I became part of the NTUC Family. Looking ahead in 2007, there are “In 2006, the hospitality industry did extremely well with many exciting opportunities for the labour movement to some collaboration from all fronts. The STB brought in play an even greater role in improving the lives of fellow tourists to record-high levels. Singaporeans. I look forward to contributing to this The WDA and NTUC equipped our workers with the challenging and meaningful mission.” necessary skills to stay relevant. The FDAWU worked with the employers to rein in the costs where necessary and to Josephine Teo, Human Resource Director reward the workers where possible. The room rates have risen and occupancy levels have been constantly high. Many hotels have revised their salary Retail Jobs Created As VivoCity Opens schedules upward and given recognition to their workers. VivoCity opened late last year, and has been drawing in the crowds ever since. But They fully intend to keep their workforce intact in the face perhaps more relevant to workers, 7,000 jobs were created because of this lavish of challenges from the two upcoming resorts. shopping and lifestyle complex. For 2007, just like in the past year, the FDAWU is fully aware of the multitude of challenges it has to grapple with Flexi-wages And The MVC The results of the June 2004 recommendations by the Tripartite Taskforce on Wage – an ageing workforce, retirees not quite past their prime, Restructuring came out. On 3 March 2006, NTUC This Week reported that 90 per cent the retrenched, the unemployed, workers’ health, safety and of workers in large enterprises – those with 200 or more staff – and 73 per cent of Small security – challenges which have been analysed time and & Medium Enterprises were under a fl exi-wage system. The 17 November 2006 issue again. As always, the FDAWU will continue to assist all its gave a parallel story: the Monthly Variable Component was built up closer to the 10 per members to ride above these challenges in the year ahead cent recommendation, with 73 per cent of the workforce employed in establishments and barring any unforeseen circumstances, is confi dent 2007 with MVC, up from 19 per cent in December 1999. will even be a better year for all. Income Shields Workers For Life Wishing all a very Happy New Year!” NTUC Income’s Incomeshield launched in May 06. It is a medical scheme which is portable even when workers change jobs, without the need to for re-underwriting. Tan Hock Soon, It provides lifetime coverage for catastrophic illnesses with no lifetime limit on claim, Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union SecretaryTM General & © 2006 FOX and CPF Medisave can be used to pay for the premium.

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“2006 had been a good year for our transport workers. We enjoyed reasonable wage increases and bonuses. Looking forward to 2007, we hope that the Government can do more to assist our low income workers to cushion the impact of the impending GST increase.”

Lau Lye Hock, National Transport Workers’ Union President

“The Healthcare Services Employees’ Union would like to thank Mr Lim Boon Heng for his proactive action and direction that steered the HealthCare union into an industrial union. Congratulations to you on your new role. We are excited about growing “mature” in Singapore. We know that you are there for us. We have enjoyed a good year in 2006. We look forward to a more fruitful 2007. May the new year bring blessings Retuned: Taxi Fares of Peace, Joy, Happiness to everyone in the labour Taxi Fares rose in July, easing the burden from rising fuel costs for cabbies. The Taxi movement.” Operators’ Associations and taxi companies had conducted a year long study of supply and demand patterns based on taximeter records and feedback from operators before Diana Chia, deciding that it was time for fare adjustments. Healthcare Services Employees’ Union General Secretary

Pet Industry Workers To Skill Up “2006 for UWEEI was a challenging year. Despite the economy The Skills Re-development Programme for sales personnel in the pet industry was launched doing well, we still experienced high retrenchment in the this year, anticipating a boom in this sunrise industry, and to up its customer service levels. electronics sector. Our membership is at a high and continues Currently, many pet-lovers, who lack business experience, set up shop only to be forced to close down later. to grow. The UWEEI’s dragonboats have started to row so that we can continue to look after the interests of all collars School Bus Attendants Skill-Up of workers. Looking forward to another challenging year in With the help of the National Transport Workers’ Union and a few others, school bus 2007, with the workers’ interest at heart and for Singapore attendants were able to attain qualifi cations to boast about, from training programmes to continue to run a half step ahead of the Giants.” designed specifi cally for them. Cyrille Tan, NEWCOMERS United Workers of Electronic and Electrical Industries General Secretary Union. The labour movement welcomed a new union in the Education Services Union, to represent workers in the private education services sector. With the private education “As we refl ect on what the last 12 months had been like, sector growing, and long-time educational institutions privatising, a union like ESU was we can choose to focus our thoughts on our achievements needed. or lament on problems that might have no end. Moving forward into 2007 the focus of the union surely must be on Unionists. The labour movement welcomed Members of Parliament Josephine Teo and as NTUC Human Resource Director and NTUC Healthcare Director respectively, opportunities rather than problems. after the General Election. Later in the year came Mr Yeo Khee Leng as Centric Director for While we look forward, seeking and creating opportunities Membership and Mr Tan Choon Shian as Director (Corporate Development). to make the labour movement hence our union, “the union of choice”, we strive to fulfi l our obligations by remaining Returning. Mr returned to the NTUC on 21 June after two years away relevant to members’ needs. Understanding their aspiration on duties as Minister of State for National Development, reprising his role as Deputy as employees in the ever-changing public service and their Secretary-General. expectations of us are challenges confronting us in the union. Like any organisation resources are crucial for us to fulfi l our OTHERS responsibilities to our members, staff and those who have a NTUC News Becomes NTUC This Week share in the interest of the success of the labour movement The old NTUC News became the NTUC This Week in the 27 January 2006 Issue, to reposition as a whole.” the newspaper to give more in-depth coverage of labour and union matters.

FairPrice Housebrands Noor Shyma Latiff, Amalgamated Union of Public Employees Deputy General Secretary On 16 August, more NTUC FairPrice housebrands were launched: FairPrice Gold, Budget, Pasar and HomeProud. FairPrice’s mainstream brand off ers “Secretary-General Lim Swee Say is new as the labour essentials at great value, while FairPrice Gold label chief but certainly not new to the labour movement. His delivers premium quality products to discerning ability to present complicated issues in simple ways, with customers who prefer the basic essentials. a dose of humour, makes it easier for messages to be FairPrice is expanding its housebrands to better communicated and understood by the workers. Indeed, he cater to customers who demand value for money. The FairPrice housebrands are on average 15 per has the uncanny ability to delve deeply into the heart of cent cheaper than comparable products. A loaf workers’ problems. And the activity and energy he infuses of enriched white bread with the FairPrice logo into the unions, his desire to stay relevant and take care of only costs a dollar. all workers, regardless of collar, nationality, or age, have made him a natural choice to lead the labour movement Last Hurrah At The National Stadium into 2011 and beyond.” It was the last time the National Day Parade was to be held at the National Stadium, and the NTUC Contingent came 86 member-strong, to give the old stadium one lash hurrah. Madam Siti Sa’diah, 45, of the Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore, had Seah Kian Peng, participated in the parade for a few years, but this year she brought her husband along. NTUC Media Chairman and She told him: “Why don’t we go for National Day together? It’s the last year it’ll be held at NTUC Fairprice Managing Director (Singapore) the National Stadium, so it’s special.”

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BIDDING FAREWELL to a fl ourishing year, 2007 has been ushered The increase in in with good prospects for the Singapore economy and her people, as iterated by the Goods and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his Services Taxes aims New Year message. Year 2006 has bid goodbye with an to achieve the impact of 7.7 per cent growth. Multiple industries such as manufacturing, social objective services, construction and tourism-related of narrowing sectors like hotel and retail industries have bloomed lucratively. More than income gap among 124,000 jobs have been created, reducing Singaporeans. unemployment to 2.7 per cent. Mr Lee World Bank Annual Meetings. He also ASEAN Summit in November 2008 to said that Singapore’s economy would commended on Singaporeans excelling commemorate ASEAN’s 40th anniversary PM Lee also says further experience such intense job in diverse fi elds such as the arts, cooking, will enhance its role in achieving this that companies creation with the operations of the two design and sports. objective. new Integrated Resorts in 2010. Mr Lee said that Singapore’s economy will benefi t from He also commended on our achievements can foresee such radiant times in this New Getting Equipped of international standards such as Year and the newly elected Government With such responsibilities ahead, lower direct taxes remarkable investment commitments will guide the nation through this Singapore has to be well-equipped to which will be by the Economic Development Board, process. tackle international competition which has also attracted $8.8 billion effi ciently. The Government’s plans for implemented in fixed asset investments. Another Scaling New Heights careful restructuring of the economy when the highlight was our successful hosting This New Year has embarked with fall into place with this approach. The of the International Monetary Fund- promises of economic growth in Singapore increase in the Goods and Services Tax need arises. by 4 to 6 per cent in 2007. Similarly, our and the amendment of the Constitution neighbouring economic giants – India, to draw more Net Investment Income China and Japan – as well as Europe from our past reserves are part of the are expected to enjoy growth. While restructuring efforts by the Government. slower progresses in the US economy and GST will be increased from 5 to 7 electronics industry are acknowledged, we per cent, as announced by Mr Lee in are anticipating an overall positive global Parliament on 13 November 2006. growth climate. This move was rationalised with an aim Mr Lee also emphasised on the need to narrow the widening income gap for sustainability of a stable economic by helping lower income and elderly performance with continuous change Singaporeans to cope better. and innovation. He said Singapore GST is an important and stable source will keep progressing with new of revenue for Singapore. At 5 per cent, initiatives through vigorous research and our GST rate is among the lowest in the development that will aid in propelling world. The overall rate has been kept future growth. low and the tax burden has been spread He also addressed the need for widely and fairly across the different goods Singapore to explore opportunities across and services consumed in Singapore. international borders. He reinforced This has led ways for low compliance that Singapore, with other ASEAN costs, minimal economic distortions and partners, plays an essential role in sustained revenues. This has also provided promoting Southeast Asia as a vibrant additional resources for programmes such and attractive business region to potential as Workfare designed for the betterment investors. Singapore’s chairmanship in the of Singaporeans.

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The Workfare initiative has been a distribution this year to share part of implemented importantly as the fourth our surplus with Singaporeans. I will call The Government’s pillar of our social safety net. This this surplus sharing initiative the Progress initiative will complement the other Package (Providing Opportunities programmes to promote forms of safety needs already in place through Growth, Remaking Singapore for for Singaporeans; the Central Provident Success). This is a package for everyone, the employability of Fund, the 3Ms, namely Medisave, but it aims to achieve specific social Medishield and Medifund, and HDB objectives.” workers has instilled a home ownership. In total, the Government has shared $2.6 billion with Singaporeans under the lifelong learning culture Progressing With The Nation Progress Package. This package has helped The Government has topped up the us achieve our social objectives of helping across these workers in Eldercare Fund and Medifund by $100 the lower-income groups, looking after million each to help elderly and low- the elderly, investing in the young and income Singaporeans cope with their recognising the efforts of our NSmen. The many diverse industries. healthcare needs and retirement needs. allowances on the Progress Package were Through the Government’s home given out on 1 May 2006 (for those who Workers in the transport, ownership scheme, many Singaporeans had signed up) and the package comprised have become homeowners, and have a six schemes (see page 12). marine and service sectors, valuable asset, which can help see them through their retirement. Currently, all Nurturing A etc, have been provided families who buy similar fl ats enjoy the Learned Workforce same subsidy, regardless of whether they In addition, Mr Lee said that the Govern- equal opportunities to are well off or poor. But other things being ment will continue with programmes that equal, lower-income families buying a fl at improve the employability of this group rediscover and explore should receive bigger subsidies. This has of workers. Retraining and re-skilling been catered for in two ways – by giving programmes will essentially form as part new skills and talents. them an additional CPF Housing Grant, of the initiatives. and providing them with more affordable NTUC and Workforce Development housing options. The Workfare initiative Agency have already made good progress has been implemented to achieve similar in re-designing jobs and creating viable objectives for Singaporeans. career progression paths for low-wage Mr Lee cited one aspect of our economy workers. The Government will step up the that Workfare will aim to improve. Job Re-creation Programme to cover more Globalisation has led to an intense sectors and more workers. There have competition for our workers, who now been evident positive results in sectors have to compete with a larger workforce like landscaping, security, cleaning, from China, India and Vietnam in the healthcare, education, shipbuilding, public global job market. Workers are receiving transport, and retail. Last year, 7,200 jobs significantly less than a proportionate were targeted for job re-creation, and share of the increase in their nation’s 4,600 job seekers were matched to these national output. re-created jobs. WDA and NTUC will Workers in Singapore have not been progress with more initiatives of the JRP. spared in this phenomenon. Mr Lee They have targeted to re-create 10,000 highlighted that in the last fi ve years, our jobs a year. To support these efforts, the real per capita GDP grew on average by Government will allocate $40 million 4.3 per cent per annum, but real average over three years. wages (after adjusting for infl ation) grew The Government has been investing at only half this rate of 2.1 per cent. readily in enhancing the knowledge Higher-end wages have risen by more than and skills of Singapore’s workforce. The this. On the other hand, lower-end wages Workforce Skills Qualifi cation System, have increased by much less, and some the ADVANTAGE! Scheme and the have even not seen an increase. Lifelong Learning Fund are signifi cant With Workfare in place, lower-wage schemes in this aspect. Singaporeans will receive long-term benefi ts. In line with the objectives of Workforce Skills benefiting Singaporeans, the Progress Qualifi cations System Package was announced by the The Workforce Skills Qualifications Government on 17 February 2006. system, developed by WDA, will Said Mr Lee in his Budget Statement in provide training and skills progression 2006: “I have therefore decided to make continued on page 12

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GROWTH DIVIDENDS All adult Singaporeans were entitled to Growth Dividends. Those who earn less or live in smaller homes were given more Growth Dividends. About close to half of adult Singaporeans were given $800 each. A total of $1.4 billion was disbursed. WORKFARE BONUS The WBS gives a cash bonus to older, lower-wage Singaporean workers to reward and encourage them on regular and productive work. Bonus has been planned to be paid up in portions of $600 each. Workers who have worked for at least six months in 2005 have received their fi rst portion of the bonus continued from page 11 going children, as well as, the elderly. on 1 May 2006. The second portion will be paid on opportunities for workers, enabling They have given out over $6.3 million 1 May 2007 for workers who have worked at least them to progress from a certifi cate, to in total, benefi ting 45,371 individuals six months in 2006. The amount of Workfare Bonus an advanced certifi cate, to a professional and families. The schemes encompassed will be based on the average monthly income for the diploma and even graduate certifi cates the Back To School vouchers, Care and period that one had worked in the year. A total of $1 or diplomas. WDA has allocated $100 Share vouchers, Family Recreation FUNd billion has been invested in this. million over three years to develop the Vouchers, Charity Golf and Dinner as part WSQ system for the major industry of the Eldercare Trust Fund, Singapore OPPORTUNITY FUNDS sectors. The system will include setting up Labour Foundation Hardship Grants The Progress Package also incorporated investments institutions that deliver high quality adult and Special Relief Funds, in addition to in the younger generation. Students from lower-wage worker training. The fi rst such institution, scholarships and bursaries. This year, the the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies, NTUC Family has plans to distribute families will get more opportunities for enrichment has been jointly set up by WDA and more than $6 million in similar ventures and learning, such as the purchase of computers Nanyang Polytechnic. that reach out to the community, with and reading materials and overseas trip. A total of The Government has also invested its new “Care and Share Dragonboat” $50 million has been set aside to create Opportunity another $30 million over three years as initiative. Funds, which were disbursed to schools, junior part of WSQ to help 45,000 low-wage colleges/centralised institutes, ITEs, Special Education workers improve generic skills such as An ‘All-Encompassing’ Schools and self-help groups such as CDAC, problem-solving and communication, as Approach Mendaki, SINDA and the Eurasian Association. well as English, numeracy and IT literacy, Mr Lee also said that the needs of the $50 million has been set aside for this. to make them more employable. The middle- and higher-income groups will Government also provides an additional also be looked into. UTILITIES-SAVE, SERVICE & $4 million every year to make training NTUC has been raising concerns on more accessible to SMEs and workers behalf of this group of workers. It has CONSERVANCY CHARGES involved in contract or sub-contract proposed that low-wage workers should AND RENTAL REBATES employment arrangements. In addition, contribute lesser to CPF, ideally ranging HDB households will also continue to benefi t from Ministry of Community Development, from 5 per cent for those earning $500 the Service and Conservancy Charges and rental Youth and Sports has put in place a new to 20 per cent for those earning $1,000 rebates that were given out as part of a fi ve-year Work Support programme which will each month. This will translate into them package in 2002. In 2006 and 2007, households include assistance such as higher childcare taking home more pay each month. will receive between half a month to four months and student care subsidies. The reduced contributions can be offset of S&CC waivers, with more for those living in 1-, by Government top-ups from Workfare 2- and 3-room fl ats. In addition, those living in 1- and • The ADVANTAGE! Scheme Bonus. NTUC has also proposed that 40 2-room HDB fl ats will enjoy between one and three The Government has also given additional per cent of the Workfare Bonus should months of rental waivers. Lower-income households assistance to older workers who fi nd it go into the workers’ CPF account and a are entitled to Utilities-Save rebates to help them harder to learn new skills and fi nd jobs, portion of this is to be channelled into manage living expenses. Those living in smaller HDB through the ADVANTAGE! scheme. the workers’ Medisave accounts. This This was a recommendation of the will make way for CPF savings for their fl ats will be entitled to more rebates. To date, these Tripartite Committee, nevertheless housing, retirement and medical needs. rebates have cost the Government $60 million and it complements the proposals of the The needs of middle-income workers benefi ted more than 700,000 households. Low Wage Workers Committee. The have also been addressed by NTUC. ADVANTAGE! scheme will help Proposals have been made to restore TOP-UP OF CPF SPECIAL/RETIREMENT employers adopt practices which will about 1.5 per cent of the employers’ AND MEDISAVE ACCOUNTS maximise the strengths of older workers. contribution. This will result in more CPF Singaporeans aged 50 and above in 2005 have These include adopting employment savings for their retirement, medical and been entitled to receive top-ups to their CPF Special/ practices that do not discriminate by other immediate needs. Retirement and Medisave Accounts to the tune of age, moving away from seniority-based Mr Lee acknowledges the feasibility $500 million to aid in their retirement and healthcare wage structures, and re-employing retiring of a CPF increase, especially at a needs. workers. WDA will set aside $30 million time when our Singapore economy is over two years for this scheme. doing well. He anticipates a rise in the employer’s CPF contribution rate by 1 to 40th ANNIVERSARY NS BONUS • Top-up To Lifelong 2 percentage points in 2007. He said that National Servicemen were allotted bonuses in Learning Fund the Government will discuss this with appreciation of their contributions to the country, The Government has also provided the employers and unions before making Singaporeans who are serving or have served their adequate support for workers to re-train a decision nearer the date of the Budget NS in the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police and re-skill themselves. The Lifelong Speech. Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force will get a Learning Fund has been topped up by In essence, Mr Lee has envisioned good one-off NS Bonus. This bonus was also given out to $100 million to $2.2 billion. hopes on the Singapore economy as well mark 40 years of National Service. A total of $200 as its people, which will be enhanced with million was given. NTUC and its unions have in their sound initiatives and schemes from the own ways, contributed constructively Government and other supporting bodies, to needy Singaporeans, their school- in the best interests of Singaporeans. ■

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MANAGING EDITOR Shirley Tan-Oehler • DEPUTY EDITOR Low Wee Poh • JOURNALISTS Michael Fong • Naseema Banu Maideen • Sharon Lee EXECUTIVE EDITOR (CHINESE) Ho Seo Teck • JOURNALISTS (CHINESE) Tham Yim Siong • Wong Teck Tian • Shao Inn Tian EXECUTIVE DESIGNERS Mohamed Nasuhar Soyoeti •

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