NTUC pledges to strengthen job security amid challenging environment: Ng Chee Meng
In his National Day Message issued on Thursday (Jul 31), the labour chief outlined NTUC's efforts to support workers and save jobs through various difficult periods over the years, such as the 2008 global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.
These include income relief schemes and upskilling programmes that helped workers rebound after each crisis, said Ng, who is NTUC secretary-general.
As Singapore celebrates SG60, he noted that the Republic is now in the midst of great uncertainties that have arisen from deepening trade tensions and wars that have affected international energy markets, commercial aviation and global supply chains.
These developments are expected to have long-term impact on the global economy and Singapore, he added.
'We will work with tripartite partners as part of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (Sert) to support our workers, including PMEs (professionals, managers and executives), in overcoming today's challenges and seize new opportunities,' he said.
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At the same time, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Singapore will have to develop strategies to 'explore and exploit' AI to its advantage, said Ng.
'We should all embrace AI to augment our work productivity.' he said. 'However, AI should be harnessed in ways that would ensure fair workplace practices and not be inadvertently used in ways that can lead to disrupted livelihoods and hardships.'
To support workers, Ng said NTUC will refresh its Job Security Council (JSC) to help companies and workers 'pivot, adapt and capitalise on emerging AI trends so that they can be upskilled and be relevant in the new economy'.
JSC was launched in February 2020 during the pandemic as a network of companies that were looking to hire and lay off, allowing workers to be placed in new jobs ahead of displacement.
'Through the JSC, we will work with companies to drive business and workforce transformation,' said Ng. 'For workers, we will continue to support you to future-proof your careers through relevant career guidance, AI and other upskilling, mentorship opportunities and purposeful job matching.'
He added that the best way to future-proof one self is to upskill to 'stay abreast of new developments and technology'.
'Whether you are a youth, mature worker, lower-wage worker, freelancer, PME, platform worker, caregiver or migrant worker, NTUC will continue to work with you, for you. That is our promise to you,' he said.
He wished all workers a happy national day.
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