By Shukry Rashid
It’s 18 February 2015, the first day of the Lunar New Year and it is work as usual for some across the city-state. To convey their well-wishes and appreciation for workers who continue to provide public transport services on a public holiday the executive committee and staff of the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) made its annual visit to greet some 400 workers comprising bus captains and train operators at Hougang Depot, Sengkang Depot and Tanah Merah MRT Station.
It was an extra special occasion this year as they were joined by NTUC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) Chan Chun Sing, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Finance Josephine Teo, and management from SBS Transit and SMRT.
A moment to remember: Mrs Josephine Teo taking a selfie with NTWU leaders and management of SBS.
Workers of SBS enjoying the presence of DSG Chan over breakfast.
“…on behalf of all Singaporeans, we want to thank these workers behind the scenes who are helping us in our day-to-day running of the essential services,” said DSG Chan during an interview.
DSG Chan and Mrs Teo giving out red packets and oranges to workers at the Sengkang Depot.
The Next Visit
After her visit with NTWU, Mrs Josephine Teo, who is also Advisor to the Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU), went on to visit the HarbourFront Cruise and Ferry Terminal to meet staff of the Singapore Cruise Centre, Aetos, and porters.
During the visit, she expressed appreciation to over 70 workers back on duty on the first day of Lunar New Year catering to Singaporeans travelling out to visit their overseas friends and families.
Mr Lim Yeok Keong, 45, Manager of the Cruise Terminal Department explains the daily operations at the Singapore Cruise Centre to Mrs Josephine Teo.
Mrs Josephine Teo expressing appreciation to staff of the Singapore Cruise Centre, such as Mr P Elancharan PBM, 49, Assistant Manager (Operations).
“They (workers) have found a way to serve the customers well and play a part in helping the company capture their businesses during this period. That I think is a very good reflection of the attitude of our workers that when it comes to the crunch, they are willing to put in the effort,” she said in an interview.
Members of the public who were about to embark on their journey at the Singapore Cruise Centre also received oranges from Mrs Josephine Teo.
Source: NTUC This Week
