His union journey started in 1983 when workers in the company he was in began approaching him for solutions to their workplace problems.
Fahmi Abu Bakar Bafana, 55, later joined the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI) as a branch official.
Today, he is the president of the union which represents more than 60,000 workers in Singapore.
He and his executive committee have been working regularly with management and workers to get them ready for the electronics sector’s industry transformation map while taking care of members’ welfare.
We met up with him recently to find out how UWEEi is helping workers and members.
What is UWEEI’s priorities currently?
Fahmi: In the past few years as we went through a period of transformation, we have been advocating the principles of care, fair and grow. This will continue to be the focus areas for the union. In caring for our members, we continue to look after their needs with scholarships and bursaries for their children. Now we have gone a step further. We also visit the homes of some of them to see how they have been fairing and render whatever help they need.
Q: What about the job front?
A:The next priority is to ensure our members are ready for the transformation of the jobs they are in. Last year during the preparations for the electronics industry transformation map launch, we had a dialogue session with the Economic Development Board and the Ministry of Manpower. This was so we could explain to our members the significance of developments like Industry 4.0 and they could then go back to their respective branches and explain to their workers and work with management to see what needs to be done to prepare for the changes and improve productivity. UWEEI has also been working closely with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) to tie up with companies which want to send their workers for upskilling.
Q: How would you describe the union’s ties with the management of various companies?
A: Our labour-management relations with our management partners are very good. Both the workers and the companies regularly keep us updated on their various programmes to upskill our members and the steps they are taking to match workers to the jobs according to the skills they have attained. Many companies also have a buddy system where workers are paired with seniors, especially when it comes to on-the-job training. All these ensure our members are well prepared for the changes at the workplace.
Q: What does training and upskilling mean to you personally?
A: For me life is a learning journey and everyone has their own way and pace of learning. So far for my age, I have been able to cope with upskilling and training. I like to impart my skills to my co-workers too because I learn at the same time. Personally, I have taken a diploma in computer studies. When my company introduces new machines, I take a few courses on how to operate and maintain the equipment.
Good To Know: United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI)
Date of Registration: 14 July 1981
Date of Affiliation to NTUC: 1 August 1981
Membership: 66,000 members.
