If you think the Labour Movement does not have a superhero in its midst, think again. Currently living on a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), 36-year-old Mohamed Rezal Mohd Yusof’s condition is akin to Iron Man – a man with a ‘broken heart’ who still chooses to be selfless and stand up for others.
Currently the Public Utilities Board Employees’ Union (PUBEU) assistant general treasurer and a senior assistant engineer for PUB, Rezal may have a lot going on in his personal life but his fellow workers’ concerns are always one of his priorities.
NTUC This Week: How did you start out in PUBEU?
Mohamed Rezal: I joined PUB in 2008 and immediately joined PUBEU. In 2013, I was asked to be a delegate for my branch as I was told that I am a vocal person, and often voiced concerns for my fellow workers. In the 2014 union elections, I was nominated to be an executive council (ExCo) member. Then in 2015, I had a heart attack, which was a turning point in my life. But I continued my union work. In the most recent union elections last year, I was promoted to be PUBEU assistant general treasurer and chairman of my branch.
Can you tell us more about your heart attack incident?
When I joined the union, I was already very keen to find out what the union was all about. When I was given the chance to represent my colleagues in the ExCo, I went for it. But on 20 March 2015, while I was at work in the morning, I had a major heart attack. My chest was in pain and I had cold sweats. My colleague immediately drove me to the hospital. When the doctor put some medicine under my tongue for the heart attack, I blacked out. That was when my heart stopped completely. I was revived only on the third resuscitation attempt. As I was heavily sedated, I only realised what was happening three weeks later and the doctors told me that my heart was only functioning at 17 per cent capacity. The doctors added that if I wanted to continue living, I must be on an LVAD while I wait for a heart transplant.
How did the incident change your life?
Being on an LVAD, I had to make many changes in my life as there are limitations to what I can do. As the LVAD is equipped with a mechanical pump, I can’t get wet, not even be in the rain. I also must clean the dressing at the opening in my stomach, and charge the LVAD’s battery every day. These are all time-consuming, but I got used to it after a while. Life has to carry on and I continued with my work. I also want to be an inspiration to people, that we mustn’t give up on life no matter what comes. I’m also glad that I inspired my colleagues to lead a healthier lifestyle and take better care of their health. In January this year, I also received great news from my wife that she is pregnant. We’re expecting a daughter in late-August.
What keeps you going with union work?
When I was hospitalised, seeing other patients on LVAD leading their lives normally made me even more determined to carry on with my union. Why must I lose hope? I was given a second chance in life, I must make full use of it and continue contributing to my union and organisation. Our branch’s Collective Agreement is expiring in September and we are currently negotiating with our management for better employment terms and benefits such as overtime salary and risk allowances. With more responsibilities being imposed on workers, we found that there are some things that should be addressed. The management knows of our concerns, but they also have restrictions. We have to consider the budget they have and we have to compromise with them.
Insider’s Guide
Public Utilities Board Employees’ Union
Date of Registration: 9 September 1999
Date of Affiliation to NTUC: 9 September 1999
Membership: 2,950
Did You Know: As 27 per cent of PUB’s workforce are mature employees above the age of 55, re-employment of its employees is one of the key sources of recruitment at PUB. With the support from PUBEU, PUB re-employs retired employees who possess the required skills and competencies for the job vacancies to be filled. Employees may continue in the same job they were in prior to their retirement or be re-deployed to a new job with a different scope and different responsibilities, depending on the needs of the organisation.
Source: NTUC This Week
