The last four years have seen the Chemical Industries Employees Union (CIEU) grow by 6,000 members – from 16,000 in 2013 to 22,000 today. The union now represents about half of the workers in Singapore’s chemical industry.
The new membership number was released at CIEU’s fourth General Convention of Delegates held on 7 August 2017 at the NTUC Centre.
Growth Despite Disruption
The growth in membership happened despite the union seeing 1,200 members displaced from their jobs in the last two years.
In his opening address, CIEU President G Rajendran said: “It was a difficult period of time for us and our members. The market conditions today continue to remain jittery even though it seems the worst could be over. Thankfully, other than ensuring those who were displaced were taken care of, CIEU also stepped up on membership recruitment efforts. We have now expanded our portfolio to include companies from the relatively new biologics and medical technology sectors.”
The convention was graced by Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran, who also chairs CIEU’s council of advisors.
“The Labour Movement is a strategic partner in our industry transformation efforts. Unions such as CIEU not only contribute to harmonious industrial relations but also play a critical role in preparing our workforce for the future economy by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge,” said Minister Iswaran.
The Convention
The convention also saw six members step down from the union’s executive committee.
They were general secretary Tan Chee Tiong, vice president Erwane Abdul Jalil, and committee members Danny Khoo, Muhd Shamsir Haji Fazal Din, Chen Yaorong and Ang Sok Kuan.
The position of general secretary will be taken over by Wilson Low, who was previously assistant general secretary. Mahendran Adaikalam and Azmee Abdul Gani will take over as vice presidents.
New faces in the 18-member executive committee include Fok Fook Hong, Kong Lai Mee, Mohamad Yusof Tisari and Zakhiyon Abdul Hamid. They will serve as committee members.
Before the start of the conference, CIEU held its National Day Observance Ceremony, which was joined by NTUC President Mary Liew, the NTUC Central Committee, and tripartite partners.
