14 Oct 2018: History is in the making today as the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) commences its 44th congress in Singapore, marking its first appearance in Southeast Asia since its inception 122 years ago.
Held from 14-20 October 2018 at the Suntec City Convention Centre, the event is the biggest to date with over 2000 participants from some 140 countries representing over 600 transport unions with more than 19 million members.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister and NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Ng Chee Meng was the guest-of-honour for ITF Congress 2018's opening ceremony. The event seeks to set the agenda for the transport industry for the next five years and discuss strategic policies to respond to digital disruptions.
“The thesis of my speech today is to create three-wins outcome that will best serve workers – the economy must win, the business partners or employers must win so that overall, with resources, we can create the best conditions for workers to win.
“These three wins will translate to three “W”s for our workers – better wages, better welfare and in a long term and sustainable way, better work prospects. This is our Singapore way,” said SG Ng.
To stay relevant, he also stressed that all stakeholders in the transport industry have a part to play:
(Left to right): ITF President Paddy Crumlin; NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng; ITF Singapore National Coordinating Committee Chair, Singapore Maritime Officers' Union General Secretary and NTUC President Mary Liew; ITF General-Secretary Stephen Cotton
When the private hire platforms disrupted the taxi industry, the NTUC-affiliated National Taxi Association worked closely with the transport authorities and the taxi operators to iron out their concerns. In May 2016, the National Private Hire Vehicles Association was set up to represent the rapidly growing group of private hire drivers who have their own set of challenges and concerns.
To ensure smooth transition for the workers, the National Transport Workers’ Union also had to tackle other disruptions such as the shift towards the Bus Contracting Model as well as the rail network upgrade and expansion since 2013.
More changes are within sight, with the pilot of self-driving buses and shuttles in three new towns from 2022.
Unlike countries with excess manpower, Singapore faced challenges caused by a declining birth rate and tight labour market, making automation necessary.
The sea transport industry, which is at the forefront of automation, presents plenty of career opportunities. To catch up with new technologies, the Singapore Port Workers Union and the Port Officers’ Union actively worked with key stakeholders to retrain and reskill existing workers.
SG Ng explained: “Our port workers are a resilient lot as they are constantly exposed to the latest technologies, like amphibious drones, automated quay cranes, exoskeletons for port staff, and robotic arms for related container activities. As our ports automate to raise productivity, more highly skilled workers will be required to manage the automation.”
Together with tripartite partners, the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen have jointly rolled out several initiatives to attract Singaporeans to a seafaring career:
In April 2018, tripartite partners also penned a memorandum of understanding relating to the human capital development for the seafaring sector. They aim to jointly identify new competencies and skills required to operate the next generation of ships; enhance career guidance and mentorship for seafarers; and enhance outreach efforts to elevate the profile of maritime careers.
