“Whatever I do for the workers, I know I am doing something that will bring a smile to their faces.” This has been the guiding adage for Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) Deputy President Philip Lee Soon Fatt.
Serving SISEU for 20 years, Philip has seen and gone through a fair share of the good and bad times. Recalling back, Philip joked that he was “being spotted as a talkative one” and was asked to recruit members as one of his first tasks in union.
This episode has certainly led Philip this far and he continues to play an active role in the union through his engagement with members.
A Compassionate Stance
Several months ago, Philip addressed a case that saved a worker from being dismissed. He elaborated: “This young man was doing delivery service at a logistics company and already received five cases of misconduct behaviour at work. At that point, the management decided to dismiss him. When we were notified about it, we sat down with him. It then became known that he was having relationship problems with his other half. More importantly, his father had suffered a heart attack. Facing all these issues, he made the mistakes.”
Hence, Philip encouraged the management see the situation in a different perspective. “I had the management monitor his performance and ensure he is being guided properly.” After several meetings, the case was resolved. “Until now, the man is grateful to SISEU for saving his job. Sometimes both parties have to find the root cause to the problem or situation,” shared Philip.
Another case that shone through was how Philip encouraged a mature worker to learn computer skills. Philip's intention to help certainly gave the worker a chance to upgrade and better himself.
Nevertheless, there have been times when situations were challenging. During the 2007-2008 recession Philip saw six union members being retrenched, even though union and management had tried to find the best solution for all parties.
A Supportive Labour-Management Relationship
Philip admits it is not a one-day process to build a relationship and that he has come a long way to achieve a rapport with the Industrial Relations Officers (IROs) of SISEU.
He said: “SISEU has enjoyed the service of good IROs and leaders who know how to guide all of us. This certainly cements the foundation of a healthy labour-management relationship.”
His advice to new and young branch officials: Maintain a certain degree of respect and civil-mindedness when working with management. “Ultimately, it is a two-way traffic – where both parties will need each other's help one day,” Philip said.
Adding on, Philip urged young unionists to be a listening ear when members share their grievances. “You should be able to see the big picture, strike a balance and know how to handle a problem tactfully. Unions and management staff should work closely together. At the end of the day, we are all working for a brighter and stable future.”
