As the Government adjusts its manpower policies, Singapore’s companies and workers will have to face new challenges of a slower job growth, a tighter labour market together with a conservative forecast for the economy.
Against this backdrop of uncertainties, a strong and responsive Labour Movement (LM) is critical. To ensure sustainable and dedicated leadership, the LM has put in place a 3-Flow Model of leadership renewal and development, namely “Flow In”, “Flow Up”, and “Flow On” . Union delegates have been strongly supportive of these initiatives to affirm the importance of sturdy leadership for the future.
Union leaders are being called upon to operate in an increasingly complex environment brought about by globalisation, shorter boom-and-bust cycles and volatility. Union membership is also a dynamic process with the need to adapt to an evolving workforce and address varied concerns by workers.
As a result of the strong support for the 3-flow leadership model, unions are making a determined effort to induct young blood for a more inclusive leadership. Between 2010 and 2012, the average renewal rate was 20% and the pool of unionists below the age of 45 has increased by 10%, from 1709 to 1876.
Today, 7 veteran union leaders will be honoured at the UNITE Leadership Summit 2012 hosted by National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) President Diana Chia and Secretary-General Lim Swee Say with over 500 members of the LM fraternity. These respected leaders have worked tirelessly with passion and dedication towards the betterment of their fellow workers, and ensured that worthy successors will continue their good work.
Mr Heng Chee How, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC commended, “We must gratefully acknowledge the gracious examples set by our “Flow On” leaders. They have devoted years to the service of their fellow workers and their unions. They did not look upon their leadership positions as personal possessions to be hoarded, but as stewardship responsibilities to be faithfully discharged in their season.”
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