From left, UITS GS Elson Koh, UITS DGS Lisa Leong and UITS Trustee Thiruchelvan Nagamuthu
Story and Photos by Jonathan Tan
Just as Singapore’s education system has had to evolve to keep up with changing times, the Union of ITE Training Staff (UITS) has also had to do things differently to better meet the needs of its membership base, which number close to 1,500 today.
Beyond the suite of membership privileges available to members, the union has been working with its management partners and the Labour Movement’s network to offer relevant training opportunities for its members. This unique approach allows UITS to better complement the efforts of ITE’s human resources department in supporting members with professional development and add value to their union membership.
However, this could not have been possible without the efforts of its union leaders and the support of ITE management. We catch up with UITS General Secretary Elson Koh, Deputy General Secretary Lisa Leong, and Trustee Thiruchelvan Nagamuthu to find out what keeps them going.
Elson Koh, 45
UITS general secretary and section head for Rapid Transit Engineering at ITE College West
What sparked your involvement in union work?
As a member, I witnessed how the union had represented the workers in negotiating the staff compensation structure and how they had successfully fought for better welfare benefits.
As a beneficiary, I wanted to pay it forward for what they’ve done to help me. As I got more involved, I saw the sacrifices made by the different union leaders for the benefit of our members and progressively, I became convinced that the union is a place where I can serve meaningfully and help fellow staff members.
Tell us more about the issues closest to your heart.
I’m focused on maintaining the good labour-management relationship we have. This is something that has taken years to build up to what it is today. I see the importance in upholding and continuing to foster this relationship and I’m focused on having the union support ITE in achieving organisational excellence.
Working together, our union has helped ITE to be the first educational institution to achieve the Singapore Quality Award, and with Special Commendation.
How would you describe your union experience in a word?
Rewarding. The role of the union has been very important and if it didn’t exist, we would have lost out in so many ways. I see the importance of partnering the organisation to do things right, and do them well.
What’s your biggest takeaway from your experiences?
To be able to think like management and yet have the heart of a unionist and feel for my members. Being able to combine this together will enable one to gain respect from both management and members.
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I enjoy working out and have lately been spending more time keeping fit to stay healthy.
Lisa Leong, 44
UITS deputy general secretary and senior lecturer in the School of Business and Service at ITE College West
What sparked your involvement in union work?
I was one of the very few female leaders in the union’s executive committee and I felt that it allowed me the privileged opportunity to serve and be able to represent the members from both my faculty and highlight issues that many working mothers may face. This is something that is very relevant for me and it is an area in which I can help shape improvements. As I stepped up in my union involvement, I realised the meaning and satisfaction in my work as a unionist.
Tell us more about the issues closest to your heart.
Issues facing working mothers, and in helping to lobby for facilities that will be beneficial for them, such as a personal space where they can nurse.
Another thing close to heart is in educating management partners, especially in the middle level, for how to do things right. Our senior management has been very supportive of our work, but there’s a lot of work to be done in advocating the positive role of the union and what we stand for to this group of managers.
How would you describe your union experience in a word?
Learning. I’ve been learning from different aspects of the work I’ve been doing in the union from advocating for working mothers to engaging with members and in future, from negotiations with management.
What’s your biggest takeaway from your experiences?
Having the confidence to know the value that I can bring to a discussion as a union leader who knows the ground.
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I enjoy travelling and would try to travel to scenic places around the world… I realise that a lot of memories and experiences are forged through travelling and I enjoy learning about new places.
Thiruchelvan Nagamuthu, 62
UITS trustee and senior lecturer in the School of Engineering at ITE College West
What sparked your involvement in union work?
There were many issues in the 1990s, from grievances to welfare matters. I moved through the ranks as branch treasurer, secretary and then the chairman where we negotiated with management, sometimes for days on end. There is satisfaction when members thank you after you have been able to help and the appreciation is what kept me going.
Tell us more about the issues closest to your heart.
There is often a gap in communication between middle management and staff and building the culture of effective communication is what I hope to bridge.
Being on the ground, there are many ways in which we can complement the management in helping to solve issues and build better, more positive outcomes. At the end of the day, our work is to ultimately benefit the students.
How would you describe your union experience in a word?
Satisfying. It’s really satisfying to have been able to be there for members and try my best for them. They want to be heard and they want us to fight for them. As long as we try our best for them, that is what really matters.
What’s your biggest takeaway from your experiences?
All leaders must have a good listening ear. I learnt how to develop that and be a better communicator in the way I respond to people. People management is very important. In fact, the union had sent me for training, such as how to handle conflicts.
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I enjoy listening to public speakers to observe how they engage audiences.
