Labour movement has made good strides helping workers earn a better living, live a better life: NTUC
SINGAPORE – The labour movement and its affiliated unions have made good strides in advancing its mission to help workers earn a better living and live a better life, said NTUC president K. Thanaletchimi and its secretary-general Ng Chee Meng.
'As global events reshape our world in these uncertain times, Singapore is not immune, especially to the impact of intensifying global trade tensions,' they said in a joint annual May Day message on April 30.
NTUC is closely monitoring the US tariff situation and its impact on workers, they said, adding it will continue to work together with the Government and employers to support workers, overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
'NTUC's strong tripartite partnerships with the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore National Employers Federation reinforce Singapore's stability and resilience, and ensure shared economic and social progress,' the two top labour leaders said.
They added: 'NTUC's deep-rooted symbiotic relationship with the Government continues to uplift workers, ensuring sustainable progress for Singapore.
'This bond, built on shared goals and mutual trust and respect from 60 years ago, has remained strong over the years. Our partnership remains so that Singaporeans stay united, and Singapore continues to progress despite uncertainties.'
In their message, the two leaders set out examples of how the NTUC has improved the lives of workers, professionals, managers and executives (PMEs), youth, older workers, caregivers and lower-income families.
For example, NTUC has set aside $3.8 million under its NTUC-U Care Fund for 2024 to support youth education, caregivers and lower-income families, reducing their financial burdens. A $5.4 million fund has also been set aside to help more than 4,000 beneficiaries a year from 2025 to 2027. This funding will support caregivers of children with special needs and single caregivers with young children and elderly dependants.
On the support for youth, NTUC introduced the NTUC Starter Awards in 2024, offering bond-free scholarships and leadership programmes for students in institutes of higher learning. Additionally, the NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable) will assist youth with their educational needs during difficult times.
Also cited was how NTUC synergised its Company Training Committee initiative with SkillsFuture Singapore's SkillsFuture Queen Bee programme in a 'first-of-its-kind tripartite partnership', enabling workers to take on higher-value jobs.
The NTUC Company Training Committee Grant helps companies conduct more employer-led training that leads to formal qualifications, while the SkillsFuture programme seeks to get industry leaders, or 'queen bees', to help with the training needs of their staff and those from other firms.
The labour leaders noted: 'Workers across a broader ecosystem of suppliers will be upskilled while businesses enjoy productivity gains.'
They also pledged to support PMEs through the new Company Mentorship Circle for mentorship and guidance on career progression. More details are expected at a later time.
'We are kick-starting this initiative with three unions, specifically the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries, Healthcare Services Employees' Union and ST Engineering Staff Union,' they said.
To help ensure a level playing field amid foreign competition, the leaders also highlighted NTUC's advocacy efforts in pushing for the Workplace Fairness Act – Singapore's first workplace fairness legislation – for all workers, especially PMEs.
'We will continue to promote mindset change and tackle unfair practices holistically,' they said, adding that NTUC awards the Strategic Economic Priorities bonus to firms that implement local workforce training. This ensures that foreign professionals are complementary to the local workforce development.
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
25 minutes ago
- CNA
Unilink Credit Supports Communities to Redefine Industry Perceptions
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2025 - Licensed moneylenders in Singapore often contend with an enduring set of negative stereotypes: predatory practices, exorbitant rates, and a focus on exploiting the vulnerable. But Unilink Credit is quietly working to challenge these perceptions. Instead of publicity drives, the company focuses on ongoing support for corporate social responsibility in Singapore, reaching some of the most vulnerable local communities. A Zeno Group survey of over 7,000 consumers, including 1,000 in Singapore, found that nearly 8 in 10 Singaporeans consider a brand's engagement with social issues when deciding what to buy or recommend. This highlights the growing business impact of corporate social responsibility. Quiet Contributions to Community Welfare The company has supported initiatives that provide elderly residents and low-income families with practical assistance, such as school materials for children, festive meals, and nutritious care packages during the Lunar New Year. Although these corporate social responsibility contributions are acknowledged by partner organisations in Singapore, Unilink Credit has chosen not to publicise them widely. "We did all these with heart and not for any marketing purpose," said Daphne, Director of Unilink Credit. "You don't have to be very wealthy to do charity. Every bit counts, and it doesn't always need to be monetary. The corporate social responsibility effort comes from the heart." A Different Side of Lending For Unilink Credit, the connection between lending and giving is not contradictory. Both are guided by the same principles: trust, responsibility, and social impact. The company believes that a licensed moneylender's role in Singapore extends beyond simply providing loans. It can also involve offering regulated, transparent credit services and channelling resources toward community support. Impact Beyond Numbers The most rewarding outcomes from their corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore, they say, are the moments that statistics can't capture: the smiles of elderly residents at a community lunch, the gratitude from families receiving care packs, and the excitement of children awarded for their academic achievements. Looking ahead, Unilink Credit plans to continue supporting causes that serve the elderly and low-income children, even when the organisations fall outside of its cultural or religious background. "We're open to helping as long as it reaches those who need it most," Daphne, Director of Unilink Credit added. In an industry where public perception is slow to change, the company hopes its example will offer a more balanced perspective. It aims to show that lending and corporate social responsibility in Singapore can exist side by side.
Business Times
5 hours ago
- Business Times
Is it boom or bust for car-sharing in Singapore?
In the latest episode of TransportBT, the podcast from The Business Times that takes you under the bonnet of Singapore's transport stories, correspondent and host Derryn Wong tackles a question that's been idling in the background. Is car-sharing in Singapore running smoothly or is it still stuck in first gear? Earlier this month, BlueSG announced a 'strategic pause' to regroup before a relaunch next year. Depending on whom you ask, that's either a pit stop or a breakdown. So, is this about one company's model failing, or is car-sharing itself a hard sell in a city where the MRT is king and cars are priced like collectibles? To find out, Wong sits down with Toh Ting Feng, CEO of GetGo, the platform that's quietly become Singapore's largest car-sharing service with over 3,000 cars and half a million users. If anyone can make the case for 'cars as a service' in this city, it would be him. Why listen? Behind the wheel of GetGo's rise Toh explains how GetGo went from a pandemic-era newcomer to Singapore's biggest car-sharing player without deposits, subscriptions, or fuss. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up BlueSG vs GetGo Two models, two very different fates. Hear why 'A to A' round trips may be the smarter play in Singapore's dense landscape. The future of mobility From EV fleets and ZipZap's long-term rentals to the not-so-distant reality of autonomous vehicles, what role will car-sharing play in reshaping ownership and transport habits here? This episode won't just give you the business story, but asks the bigger question: Do Singaporeans really want to share cars, or do we just want to complain about COEs while waiting for a Grab? Catch the full episode of TransportBT with host Derryn Wong, and decide for yourself whether car-sharing has finally found the right gear. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times. Join Derryn Wong every month as he breaks down the headlines and the policy moves behind them for you. Listen now at . Got feedback or an idea for a future episode? Drop us a line at btpodcasts@ . --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Toh Ting Feng, CEO, GetGo Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts:
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
Forum: Let's preserve human connection in the workplace
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox S ingapore's SG60 celebrations offered a moment to reflect: In the country's growth from a small port city to a powerhouse economy, our workplaces have been essential to the national story. We've evolved from kampung-era enterprises built on personal trust to high-tech global businesses. Even now, workplaces remain at the heart of our success. Yet the employment landscape continues to change rapidly. Singapore's total employment grew by 44,500 in 2024, a slower pace than the 78,800 surge seen in 2023, reflecting shifts in market cycles and industrial needs. Despite this, unemployment remained low – just 2 per cent overall – demonstrating ongoing economic resilience. While overall layoffs fell in 2024, heightened activity in some sectors shows that contract hiring, redeployment and episodic redundancies are now part of the new normal. In some industries, the push for productivity and cost control is causing human resources practices to become more transactional. Workers – including contract staff and returning 'boomerang' employees – may feel like they are commodities rather than valued team members. But Singapore's history proves that businesses can thrive without losing sight of human connection. FairPrice , for instance, has invested in staff training, growth opportunities, and welfare for over 50 years, including programmes in leadership and innovation, and clear career pathways. BreadTalk Group started from a single outlet and became a global brand by nurturing talent and promoting from within. Sheng Siong is recognised for rewarding staff with profit-sharing and bonuses. Many other organisations echo these values, showing that Singapore's success is built on trust, respect and a sense of shared purpose. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists Business New online tools by SkillsFuture Singapore help companies plan and curate staff training Life Chinese EV brand Nio to be launched in Singapore in first quarter of 2026 Asia 2 firefighters die in building fire at Osaka's Dotonbori tourist district Singapore Driver hurt after car turns turtle in Upper Thomson accident Sport National tennis player Shaheed Alam serves up charity event to benefit migrant workers Life New Blackpink album scheduled for November, YG Entertainment confirms Singapore Jail for driver of 11-tonne garbage truck that ran over cyclist in Woodlands Surveys and studies confirm that Singaporeans value much more than a monthly pay cheque. Work-life balance, career advancement, flexibility and recognition are central to job satisfaction. The new Workplace Fairness Act underscores our commitment to fairness and dignity. This law, effective by 2026 or 2027, legally prohibits workplace discrimination and requires employers to treat employees justly, including protections for age, gender, race and disability. As we look beyond SG60, our biggest challenge may be to balance efficiency with empathy. Technology and artificial intelligence will change how we hire and manage people, but the relationships that build loyalty, creativity and resilience should never be neglected. Let's ensure our workplaces remain vibrant communities, not mere commodities. Singapore's competitive edge will come not just from productivity, but also from the enduring strength and unity of its people. Adren Sim Whee Liang
