He and his team of unionists not only take care of the needs of union members locally but also help alleviate the distress of foreign seafarers when their ships are put ‘under arrest’.
Meet 65-year-old Captain Robin Foo, president of the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union (SMOU).
Captain Foo, who started sailing in 1970 at the age of 19, shares with us his union journey.
NTUC This Week: When did your journey with the union begin?
Captain Robin Foo: An old schoolmate of mine who was then the Assistant General Secretary encouraged me to take up union membership after I had injured my right ankle. The union also needed help at that time and so I was asked to come into SMOU to volunteer. Also, my late father, who was a social worker, influenced me to be caring and charitable. I first volunteered at SMOU and then became a welfare officer. That suited me well and I carried on. I was elected as the president in 1989.
What does your work with SMOU involve as the president?
As SMOU’s president, I take care of the union’s work at the national level.
A key area which the union is involved in is ‘Care and Share’. Of concern now for us is the issue of ageing. We are looking into helping our aged members. We recently set up an SMOU Care Fund.
You mentioned something about the Gulf War. Can you share more?
In 1988, I flew to Dubai to visit our SMOU members in hospital who were injured during the Gulf War on board the vessel Havglimt. The vessel was very badly shot. Two Singaporeans died, two were injured. During the visit, which also involved officials from the company, we gave the injured workers the assurance that the union and their employer were behind them. It was quite bad. After some of them came back to Singapore, they decided to quit the sea. They were all covered by the ship insurance.
What have been the high and low points in your years as a union leader?
My high point – we have been helping the seafarers, those stranded who come to our ports and we have claimed back wages, and those have gone into the millions. A second high point – when I see our union being able to help families of members who have passed on.
Low point – in 1986 during the downturn and recession, the industry did a restructuring and as a result some of our members had to look for new jobs. In one case, the company told some of the officers that they could go and look for their own job. It’s a shame that the company did not help the officers secure jobs. Right now, there is a big shortage of seafarers.
What you would like to pass down to the younger generation in SMOU?
It is rewarding to see people I have helped become successful in life.
These are the happy moments and rewards you get helping others and see them grow. It is important that the younger ones must have a caring heart to serve. Those coming in must realise that they are coming in not for the money. If you don’t have the heart to serve your fellow seafarers, then it is better that you consider some other things.
