Logistic plans are being made to have 12,000 care packs packed and delivered to healthcare workers in appreciation of their services rendered during this COVID-19 pandemic.
NTUC, NTUC FairPrice (FairPrice) and the Healthcare Services Employees' Union (HSEU) issued a joint release on this initiative on 21 May 2021.
Newly appointed NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Chee Hong Tat and Group CEO of NTUC Enterprise and FairPrice Group Seah Kian Peng kicked off this initiative on 20 May 2021 by delivering the first batch of care packs to HSEU President K Thanaletchimi at the union’s headquarters.
Containing items such as beverages, snacks and hand sanitisers – the remaining packs will be packed by volunteers from HSEU, NTUC Club and Young NTUC.
Mr Chee said: “At NTUC, our priority is to champion the wellbeing of our members and workers in Singapore. As an adviser to HSEU, I am glad to see NTUC, HSEU and our social enterprises standing in solidarity with our healthcare workers during this crisis.”
Mr Seah said that this initiative is an expression of appreciation by the social enterprise group for the commitment displayed by workers in the healthcare sector.
“Through this collective effort, NTUC FairPrice hopes to encourage and bring some cheer and nourishment to them while showing our solidarity and support,” he said.
The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) and NTUC FairPrice have also rallied companies to come forth to donate to the cause.
Sponsors include local and international companies such as Ben Foods, F&N Singapore, GSK, Khong Guan Biscuit Factory, Malaysian Dairy Industries, Unilever Asia, and Yeo Hiap Seng.
Expressing her appreciation towards the contributors of this initiative, Ms Thanaletchimi said: “From procuring the items to packing and distribution, this initiative would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors and the solid backing from the Labour Movement network.
“The union is heartened by the strong support and the care packs will serve as a boost to the morale of our healthcare workers.”
This initiative is part of the Labour Movement’s ongoing efforts to show support for workers.
Since the start of the pandemic, NTUC has been continuously distributing care packs to workers in various sectors – on top of its support programmes to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
With the current heightened safe management measures, the National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Vehicles Association are also working with facility management partners to provide rest areas for drivers.
NTUC’s Labour Members of Parliament have also taken the lead by working with their constituencies to identify suitable rest areas for food delivery personnel.
