7 Women Who Shaped the Labour Movement

Whether it is championing women’s rights or establishing worker-friendly labour policies, the women of the Labour Movement have been at the forefront of ensuring better wages, welfare and work prospects for the working population of Singapore.

To end our celebration of International Women’s Month, we honour seven illustrious women who have played a role in ensuring that every worker matters.

#1 Diana Chia: The History-Maker

Diana is a founding member of the Health Corporation of Singapore Staff Union (HCSSU) and veteran unionist who has served in the Labour Movement for over 30 years, including involvements in various tripartite bodies.

Most remembered for:

• Becoming the first female NTUC president in 2011, where she strengthened the tripartite relationship between the union, employers

and Government.

• Forming the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) through the merger of HCSSU and the National University Hospital Employees’ Union.
• Garnering salary increases for lower-wage workers through the National Wage Council guidelines.
• Pushing for the amendment of the Employment Act to allow for more PMEs to be covered under the law and to ensure that vulnerable workers receive greater protection.

#2 Halimah Yacob: The Workers’ Crusader

In a career spanning 33 years, Mdm Halimah held multiple positions, including the head of NTUC’s legal services unit and NTUC Women's Development Secretariat; executive secretary of United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries; and NTUC deputy secretary-general.

Most remembered for:

• Implementing initiatives to help women return to the workforce and promote family bonding at workplaces.
• Becoming the first Singaporean to be elected to the governing body of the International Labour Organization in 1999.
• Becoming the first woman and unionist to be elected Speaker of Parliament in 2013. 
• Becoming the first female Singapore President in 2017.

#3 Yu-Foo Yee Shoon: The Working Women’s Champion

Starting out as an industrial relations officer in 1971, Mrs Yu-Foo rose through the ranks to become NTUC deputy secretary-general. She has also held various NTUC appointments and served as a board member of statutory boards, co-operatives and listed companies.

Most remembered for:

• Co-founding NTUC Childcare (now NTUC First Campus) in 1977 to give child minding support to housewives who wanted to enter the workforce to supplement their family’s income.
• Becoming the first female chairman of the NTUC Central Committee.
• Championing women’s rights and family values.
• Organising union membership recruitment drives.

#4 Josephine Teo: The Manpower Advocate

Josephine joined the Labour Movement as the human resource director in 2005. Along the way, she took on additional roles, including executive secretary of the Singapore Industrial & Services Employees' Union, Youth Development Unit director and NTUC assistant secretary-general.

Most remembered for:

• Establishing a strong and robust talent development system within the Labour Movement.
• Grooming youths to be the next generation of unionists and labour leaders.
• Becoming the first female manpower minister in 2018.

#5 Mary Liew: The Seafarers’ Supporter

Mary is a veteran unionist and NTUC’s second female President, who holds various positions in NTUC and external bodies such as the National Wages Council.  

Most remembered for:

• Becoming the first woman to helm Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union as general secretary in 2013.
• Being involved in the International Labour Organization in 2014.
• Becoming nominated labour member of parliament in 2012.

#6 Lee Yoke Lan: The Pioneer

Pioneer union leader who served in the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees in the 1960s till she retired from nursing in 2002.

Most remembered for:

• Participating in the nurses’ strike of 1963.
• Being a strong advocate for women’s rights.

#7 K Thanaletchimi: The Healthcare Warrior

A veteran unionist of over 30 years at Healthcare Services Employees’ Union, Thanaletchimi also holds various roles within the Labour Movement, including as chairman of the NTUC Women’s Committee.

Most remembered for:

• Having a strong desire to improve the well-being of workers.
• Being involved in the Job-Redesign Programme for the healthcare sector.
• Becoming nominated labour member of parliament in 2016, where she spoke up on women’s issues and gender equality.