Shell employees will soon benefit from a new partnership between the Singapore Shell Employees’ Union (SSEU) and Shell Companies in Singapore (Shell).
Both company and union will set up the Joint Capability Council (JCC) to spur the transformation of Shell’s employees into Worker 4.0 through training and upskilling.
A memorandum of understanding between the two entities was signed at Shell’s facility at Pulau Bukom on 30 November 2020. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan witnessed the signing.
The initiative looks to benefit some 1,250 employees across different businesses in the company.
In-line Efforts
The formation of the JCC is in line with Shell’s digitalisation efforts to pivot its manufacturing business into new low-carbon value chains, as well as its aim to cut down its carbon dioxide emissions in Singapore by a third within 10 years, according to Shell and SSEU in a joint release.
Shell management and SSEU leaders will work together to address workers’ training gaps and help them be better equipped for future opportunities.
Dr Vivian, who is also an advisor to SSEU, commended the partnership. He stated that the JCC was a timely initiative and that COVID-19 was a well-timed ‘catalyst’ that acted as an accelerant to pre-existing trends such as digitalisation and automation.
He said: “It is a stark reminder that we need to embrace technology, particularly new technology in digitalisation and automation. This, in fact, will be a source of competitive strength for Shell.”
Labour Movement Supports Initiative
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who toured the facility together with Dr Vivian, supported the move, saying that it was a strategic one for both Shell and SSEU.
“The company is transforming into a more sustainable, green company. In this transformation process, they will bring in new technologies, and this Joint Capability Council will enable the workers to support Shell’s transformation,” said Mr Ng.
SSEU General Secretary Munirman Abdul Manaf said that the union is committed to helping workers upskill and build new competencies.
“With the set up of the JCC, the union will continue to work closely with the management to drive efforts in training and help our workers to remain gainfully employed,” he added.
