Acknowledge the contributions of the working people to society – that is the main message of the Labour Movement’s newly launched ‘Appreciating U’ Movement. The nationwide initiative aims to get people to show kindness to and recognise workers at all levels, beginning with cleaners.
Held at HDB Hub, the event was attended by NTUC Secretary-General (SG), Lim Swee Say and NTUC Central Committee members with cleaners as the guests-of- honour. An appreciation lunch especially for the 115 cleaners working in the vicinity of HDB Hub was also organised by NTUC U Care Centre and the Housing and Development Board Staff Union (HDBSU). SG Lim and NTUC Central Committee members and management partners even donned aprons and served the buffet.
In addition, 26 cleaners from HDB Hub, public streets, and town councils who were nominated by their employers for their outstanding work performance received certificates of recognition. Among them was 85-year-old Ang Geok Kheng. For the past 13 years, this octogenarian has been walking 15 minutes from her home at Toa Payoh Lorong 1 to her workplace at HDB. She takes great pride in what she does and is a dedicated worker who is always full of zest and good cheer.
Another cleaner who was recognised was Madam Tagamas, 68. She moved from cleaning schools to offices three years ago and though the change took some getting used to, she now enjoys her job as a cleaner at HDB Hub.
“After all, it is all about cleaning and taking responsibility in your job. I know that as long as I learn the correct way of doing things, I will be okay,” she said.
Mr Mohamed Buang Ali, 57, was lauded for going the extra mile. Whenever residents at the area he cleans make additional requests for him to discard their bulky items from their flats, he does it willingly.
“It is all part of my job, and I am happy to do it,” he said.
The Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), which supported the event with the Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees Union (BATU), has contributed S$2 million to fund the movement targeting low-wage workers for two years.
More than 200 organisations, including private companies, government agencies, town councils and educational institutions have pledged to show their appreciation to their cleaners since June this year with high tea and lunch treats as well as presentation of recognition certificates and vouchers.
“We are not stopping with cleaners. We will reach out to more groups of workers and recognise their efforts and make their job a better job. And this year will be the year of breakthrough with the Progressive Wage Model for the cleaning, security and landscape workers,” said SG Lim.
Over 10,000 cleaners will benefit from the move, with more organisations slated to come on board in the months to come.
Speaking at the event, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and NTUC U Care Centre Director, Zainal Sapari, said that for the past two years, NTUC and its tripartite partners had worked hard to push for cleaners to earn better wages. From 1 September this year, all cleaning companies will be licensed and many workers will be paid wages according to the Progressive Wage Model (PWM).
The Labour Movement rolled out the PWM on 21June 2012 to level up workers in the areas of productivity, career, wages, and skills. Beginning with the cleaning industry, PWM aims to impact other sectors as well.
ASG Zainal added, “As a labour movement, NTUC knows that helping the cleaners must go beyond the call for better pay through the Progressive Wage Model. As a society, we must give them the recognition, pride and dignity that they are playing an important role. Workers of today, even low wage workers, also want the satisfaction and identity, beyond sustenance, that define them as a worker contributing actively to our nation building.”
Also announced at the event was a national-level ‘Appreciating U – Our Cleaners’ Award to recognise exemplary cleaners, cleaning companies, and their service buyers who treat their cleaners well. The award will also recognise customers who have gone the extra mile to make the cleaners around them feel appreciated. A dinner will be held on 27 June to honour the winners.
“On the whole, Singapore is clean, green, and safe. It is important to recognise that many Singaporeans and foreign workers work very hard to keep it this way. Without them, Singapore will be a very different place. We should explore ways to make their jobs Easier, Smarter and Safer. By showing our appreciation to them, we aim to create greater awareness in every Singaporean,” said SG Lim.
Original article written by Ramesh Subbaraman and Naseema Banu Maideen, and can be found in NTUC This Week (22 June 2014)
