Text and Photo by Jonathan Tan
It was purely chance Mr Varukatty A Mohamed, began serving the needs of workers as a union leader back in 1975.
“I was chosen to be a committee member for one simple reason: “My fellow were mostly non-English speaking while I was one of the few English-educated workers. They thought that I could communicate with the boss, who wasn’t a local,” quipped the 65-year-old as he recounted how his company, Crown Cork and Seal Singapore Pte. Ltd., became unionised under the Singapore Industrial Labour Organisation (SILO) following a secret ballot that year.
The branch eventually came under Metal Industries Workers’ Union (MIWU) representation following the restructuring of SILO.
The appointment would eventually spark Mr Varukatty’s passion to serve his fellow workers, with the former technician gradually rising through the ranks to serve three terms in NTUC’s Central Committee and as MIWU President. Mr Varukatty flowed on from union work in 1996, when he was retrenched because his company had ceased operations.
NTUC TW: What was Union work like back then?
Mr Varukatty: Those were difficult times. The relationship between the union and the management was very confrontational. The management was very reluctant to give us what we wanted because they felt that they didn’t need to be told what they should give to the employees. Many times, we would take the company to the Ministry of Labour for reconciliation. Table-banging and walking out of meetings were very common, even over trivial matters.
How did you manage those situations?
It was teamwork. The six, seven of us in the branch committee had to work together with support from SILO headquarters. From that confrontational atmosphere, things eventually became more consultative and the management began to understand how our requests had actually helped productivity, making it a win-win situation for all.
What motivated you to keep going?
You must have the interest to want to work for the welfare of the workers. You must have their concerns in your heart. I will never forget how at MIWU, our factory visits to meet up with our members and see their working conditions helped establish the relationship between the union and management. It’s a kind of personal enrichment and fulfilment for me. Enrichment comes from the way you get to develop your leadership skills and when you’re contributing. Fulfilment comes from when you’re able to do something and solve a problem. No words can describe that feeling that comes in your heart. It kept me going.
What advice would you give a young union leader?
As far as the union leaders of today are concerned, they have a far more urgent job because our workforce today is shrinking. They will have to work even more closely with workers on the ground. It is very important to be close to your members. Together with the relationship they have with the management, concerns facing workers at work can be addressed.
