Abdullah Shafiie Mohamed Sidik, a 61-year-old veteran of the aviation industry, is no stranger to tough times.
Having been with the aviation industry for over 42 years, he is also a pioneer member at Singapore Airlines Terminal Services Workers’ Union (SATSWU) since its inception in 1984. Over the years, he witnessed several economic downtowns.
This year, he was awarded the Comrade of Labour (Star) by NTUC – an award conferred on distinguished trade unionists who have previously received the Comrade of Labour, and who continue to make significant contributions to the Labour Movement.
On Being Conferred the Comrade of Labour (Star)
Besides having attained the Comrade of Labour, Shafiie was also awarded the Public Service Star (Bar) award in 2019.
But he remains humble, stating that while he appreciates the gesture, he must thank the other loyal and hardworking leaders in the sector.
“I’d like to thank all those people who supported me all the way, especially those in the aviation industry,” he said.
On Union Work
Not a confrontational individual, Shafiie does not believe in going head-on with the company’s management to get things done his way.
He believes in a mutually beneficial relationship between management and the union, often putting in the effort to understand different views.
Unfortunately, Shafiie mentioned that he would probably step down as the president of SATSWU in a year or so.
He explained: “My aim now is to build a strong team for SATSWU – one that has the capability, and one that will be respected by the management.
“I want my executive council members to be capable and hardworking, who will do their best to help the members of SATSWU.”
On COVID-19
During these unprecedented times, with the aviation industry being one of the first direct casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shafiie is assisting with the redeployment of workers to sectors currently still needing manpower.
Even so, he hopes the company will redeploy the aviation staff to jobs where they can add value.
He said: “I see tough challenges in the two years ahead … The union must also try to convince workers to go for retraining.”
On Community Work
Besides his union work, Shafiie is also an active community leader, serving in several portfolios such as the vice-chairman of Joo Chiat Citizens’ Consultative Committee and Visiting Justice in Changi Prison.
His dedication in community work earned him the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) or Public Service Medal in 1997; Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (BBM) or Public Service Star in 2005 and the earlier mentioned Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Lintang) or Public Service Medal (Bar) in 2019.
When asked how he manages to cope with all these various roles, he just said that his children have all grown up and have their own lives to run.
He concluded: “I just try to balance my time. I enjoy doing this [union and community work], and my wife is a grassroots leader as well.”
