Goghari Siblisuraya is all about speaking up for the concerns of her fellow staff and union members so that their grievances are settled.
The general treasurer of The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU) is a lecturer with Parkway College of Nursing and Allied Health.
Fondly known as Sue Goghari, she shared with us what has kept her going in her union work since 1992.
How did you get involved in union work?
Sue Goghari: My journey with SMMWU started in 1992. One factor that made me more passionate about my union work was seeing my colleagues who were not vocal enough to speak up for their rights and who were “pushed to a corner” by their supervisors. This made me realise that something had to be done. Someone had to speak up for them. I just took it upon myself to do it. But of course, I became unpopular or “popular for the wrong reason”. As long as I am aware of the protocol at the workplace and I know that what the staff has done is not wrong, I will call the Human Resources department directly and deal with the matter.
What other ways have you been helping workers?
One of the issues I deal with these days is staff that have been given a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) without proper processes. There have been instances when it was not done the right way and I managed to have the decision to have the issuing of the PIP to the staff to be revoked. In order to issue a PIP, there must be proper documentation in terms of the particular employee’s case.
How is SMMWU ensuring its members stay relevant in their jobs in the digital age?
SMMWU is working with NTUC LearningHub to explore relevant courses such as the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace for our members as well as our management partners. Such courses will help our members stay relevant. On my part, I advocate lifelong learning to my colleagues and members. Take for example the sector I work in, healthcare. Some services are being outsourced. Instead of retrenching staff, we are sending them for training in new areas. One new skill that we train our staff in is phlebotomy or drawing blood. Drawing blood can never be replaced by a machine. You still need a human touch. On my part, I keep myself relevant and updated with current practices in the industry by attending seminars and conferences.
How does the union get younger workers and women to be active in union work?
This is ongoing. The union first identifies potential members and place them in standing committees to test their leadership skills and abilities. After 2 to 4 years, those capable will be elevated to the executive committee. Underpinning this process is our effort to ensure a good mix of age, gender and ethnicity. Enticing them to come forward is a difficult thing but at the end of the day they have to be passionate. The womenfolk have been responding better these days to union and work, thanks to better and more childcare facilities available for them at their workplace. Personally, in the next five years, I would like to encourage more women to join me in union work.
Good To Know
The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU)
Date of Registration: 11 February 1959
Date of Affiliation to NTUC: August 1971
Membership: 99,000 Members
