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Raffles Hospital and the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) inked a landmark agreement today, opening the doors for six in every ten employees working at the private hospital to join the union. This was witnessed by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng who was also the Guest-of-Honour, and NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay who is Advisor to the union.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both parties is the first private hospital signing for HSEU. With this breakthrough, union membership will be offered to about 60 per cent of Raffles Hospital’s total workforce, across both rank-and-file workers and professionals, managers and executives. This translates to some 500 employees, including nurses, allied health staff, as well as ancillary and administrative staff.
Through this collaboration, HSEU will be able to make inroads into the private hospital sector with the aim to help healthcare workers secure better wages, better welfare and better work prospects. As part of the MOU, a Union Branch Committee will be set up by eligible employees who are union members under HSEU. The formation of this branch committee will provide workers with an additional platform to discuss workplace issues with management.
As a critical next step, both HSEU and Raffles Hospital are committed to identifying ways to upskill and reskill the workforce and equip them to become Healthcare Worker 4.0, given sweeping disruptions in the industry. These include addressing skills gaps and training needs, developing programmes to help existing and new workers adopt, adapt and embrace change. In partnership with the Healthcare Academy, HSEU has already set up Company Training Committees with public healthcare institutions such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University Health System as well as with NTUC Health. Similarly, efforts to ensure that workers in the private healthcare sector are not left behind could follow through a similar approach.
To mark the significant milestone, Raffles Hospital has agreed to pay union membership fees for eligible employees. As a further extension of goodwill and show of commitment to promoting employees’ welfare, Raffles Hospital also presented a cheque of $5,000 at the MOU signing, which will go toward engagement activities for staff.
Dr Loo Choon Yong, Raffles Medical Group Executive Chairman said, “At Raffles Hospital, our employees play a key role in providing the best care for our patients. This collaboration with HSEU will allow our employees to stay ahead and remain relevant with ongoing industry transformation. We are committed to building a future ready workforce together with our employees, to enable us to be the trusted partner for health for our patients and stakeholders.”
Ms K. Thanaletchimi, NTUC Vice-President and HSEU President said, “Today’s signing is very significant for all of us in HSEU. We are truly delighted that Raffles Hospital has acknowledged the union as the valued partner and has joined hands with us to better the lives and livelihoods of its workers. As the voice for all workers in the healthcare sector, we look forward to working closely with Management to bring about win-win-win outcomes for our workers, the organisation and the healthcare industry at large.”
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