28 Oct 2010
The Labour Movement paid tribute to 12 veteran union leaders for the passion and dedication with which they have selflessly served the trade union movement in Singapore and for nurturing a new generation of union leaders to take over the reins as they step down. In so doing, they have paved the way for the continued growth of the Labour Movement.
The 12 union leaders were honoured at the UNITE Leadership Summit 2010, hosted by NTUC President John De Payva and Secretary-General Lim Swee Say and attended by some 500 members of the Labour Movement fraternity. Started in 2007, UNITE is an annual gathering of union exco leaders, a platform for the Labour Movement to show its appreciation for the stewards of NTUC’s affiliated unions and association, and for these leaders to fraternalise and deepen their bonds within the Labour Movement. This year, for the first time, UNITE has been elevated to a Leadership Summit, to take stock of the leadership agenda and priorities, and with the inaugural UNITE Leadership Tributes given out.
Leadership renewal has been a key strategic priority of the Labour Movement, first articulated at the National Delegates Conference of 2007, and continually reinforced thereafter. Union leaders are being called upon to operate in an increasingly complex economic environment brought on by globalisation, shorter boom-and-bust cycles and volatility. Union membership is on the rise with the changing demographics of the workforce changing the profile and texture of workers represented by the union movement and the issues that concern them.
Against this backdrop, leadership renewal is a must if the Labour Movement is to remain a strong and effective tripartite partner and voice that is relevant to workers. Inclusive leadership that constantly rejuvenates itself with new blood is the way forward if the Labour Movement is to flourish and tackle the challenges of the future.
The Labour Movement formalised its action plan on leadership renewal by putting in place the 3-Flow Model comprising:
a. “Flow In” – This refers to stepping up efforts to induct a new and more inclusive profile of union leaders with the passion and capability to effectively lead their unions and branches. This will ensure a constant stream of new blood into the Labour Movement.
b. “Flow Up” – This refers to the training and development of union leaders. The aim is to groom promising leaders to take on higher responsibilities with a view to passing the baton.
c. “Flow On” – This refers to union leaders reaching the retirement age of 62 stepping down to make way for a new generation of leaders to take the reins. Nevertheless, the Labour Movement and the unions will continue to tap on the wisdom and experience of these veteran leaders. Hence, they “Flow On” and not “Flow Out”.
The 3-Flow Model ensures systematic induction, development and renewal across the leadership pipeline. In this context, the inaugural UNITE Leadership Tribute honours union leaders from the top three echelons of the union exco, namely President, General Secretary or General Treasurer, for their laudable contributions to their union work and for their efforts in advancing 3-Flow.
“Flow On” union leaders will continue to lend their expertise to the Labour Movement in various ways. At the union level, they will share their knowledge of issues and networks in various capacities (e.g. consultants, advisers, mentors) as decided by the union. At NTUC level, they will be recognised and tapped on for the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi) Teaching Associate Scheme, the OTCi Fellowship Scheme and will be part of the Labour Leadership Lighthouse Alumni. Through conducting leadership development programmes run by OTCi, dialogues, talks and engagement at international platforms, these “Flow On” leaders will pass on the ethos of the Labour Movement to successive generations of union leaders.
