NTUC promises that Singapore’s unions will keep up their efforts to improve workers' capabilities
NTUC pledged that Singapore’s unions will keep up their efforts to improve workers’ capabilities, said labour chief Ng Chee Meng.
The labour movement will also engage workers to identify and come up with the best solutions amid the rapid changes in today’s disruptive world.
As new challenges loom brought on by technological disruption, he said, some workers would be displaced, but many would benefit if they can adapt.
READ MORE: NTUC urges 'future-readiness' in May Day message
Ng gave an example of its plans to set up company training committees to help reskill at least 330,000 workers to seize new opportunities, reported the Straits Times.
He was speaking at the opening of the ReUnion exhibition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of NTUC’s Modernisation Seminar that lay the groundwork for tripartite efforts between unions, employers and Singapore’s government.
President Halimah Yacob, who officially opened the exhibition on 4 July, also looked back on the “momentous” seminar from 50 years ago.
“It required them to rethink their role, redefine what workers’ protection means in a more holistic manner beyond just collective bargaining and to take a stake in the future of Singapore,” she said.
While the context today is different, the challenges are equally daunting, she added. Therefore, the tripartite partners need to work even more closely together now.
Ng also said that the labour movement must continue to stay relevant and representative.
This is in line with NTUC’s May Day message delivered earlier this year by Ng and NTUC president Mary Liew.
“Whether you are a PME or rank-and-file, NTUC would want to be relevant to you and be able to represent you,” Ng said. “Not just in the traditional areas of protection, but in terms of training, career progression and placements.”
