Latest news with #K.Thanaletchimi
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Job security today must be complemented by future job mobility: NTUC president
NTUC president K. Thanaletchimi spoke about the need to reskill workers for emerging sectors at the International Labour Conference. PHOTO: INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION LIVESTREAM SINGAPORE – To help workers adapt and thrive amid global economic uncertainty, the labour movement must aim to not only secure today's jobs, but also help workers ride on future opportunities. To this end, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will push on with reskilling initiatives so workers can improve their chances of landing roles in emerging sectors, its president K. Thanaletchimi said in a plenary speech on June 9. 'We believe that job security today must be complemented by job mobility tomorrow,' she said, while addressing a mostly foreign audience at the 113th session of the annual International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, held from June 2 to 13. The Singapore delegation attending the conference, organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) , comprises representatives from the Government – including Manpower Minister Tan See Leng – NTUC and the Singapore National Employers Federation. In her speech, Ms Thanaletchimi said providing jobs, labour rights and economic growth have been key to Singapore's peace and progress over the last 60 years of independence. She said Singapore, like many other nations, is navigating the challenges of global economic uncertainty – an issue that came to the fore after US President Donald Trump announced unilateral 'Liberation Day' tariffs on most trading partners on April 2. This poses risks to the supply chains that Singapore is part of in key industries such as electronics and maritime – and the job security of those who work in these and other related sectors. To tackle the risks, the Government, employers and the labour movement have come together to set up the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, she noted. She added that NTUC has also set up some 3,000 Company Training Committees (CTCs), with 400 transformation projects benefiting more than 7,400 workers to date. Under the CTC programme, employers form committees with unions and industry experts to map out the skills workers need to stay relevant. As for workers' rights, Ms Thanaletchimi highlighted two new laws passed in Singapore to shore up protections for platform workers as well as stamp out workplace discrimination, as she addressed delegates from the ILO's 187 member states. Under the Platform Workers Act, for instance, platform operators are now required to provide work injury compensation insurance for platform workers, as well as pay more in Central Provident Fund contributions. She also expressed hopes that the ILO and its constituent members will be able to come together to develop one or more international agreements to safeguard the rights of platform workers, who often 'face challenges such as poor working conditions, misclassification and exclusion from existing labour laws and social protections'. In his earlier speech, Manpower Minister Tan cited the two new laws as examples of how patient, honest dialogues between the Government, employers and unions could lead to 'win-win-win solutions'. Another example he cited was the Progressive Wage Model, which sets out sector-specific minimum salaries tied to a worker's skills and productivity improvements, with the Government stepping in to boost lower-wage workers' income through the Workfare Income Supplement scheme. Over the last five years, wages at the 20th percentile rose faster than the median, indicating that wage gaps have been narrowing, Mr Tan said. 'The trust, painstakingly built over decades, is what allows us to have difficult conversations, find common ground, and move forward in a way that is good for workers, employers and Singapore,' he said. The minister added that Singapore hopes to extend this same spirit of partnership to support efforts in creating decent work regionally and globally. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Labour movement has made good strides helping workers earn a better living, live a better life: NTUC
NTUC said it will continue to work with the Government and employers to support workers, overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI 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.
