It was yet another year to remember for the Labour Movement as it took to the spotlight in news headlines, marked by its many achievements, various events for all workers, new milestones and fresh initiatives. Here is a quick look back at 2012 in news headlines. (Source: NTUC This Week)
Hello, old friends, 30 Jan 2012: It was a special night to show appreciation to nine NTUC Central Committee members who had stepped down, with Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew as guest.
Make age management friendly, 16 Feb 2012: The Labour Movement together with the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore National Employers Federation held the Singapore Tripartism Forum (STF) CEO Breakfast Roundtable to help shed some light on the issues of age management and the work ability of an ageing workforce.
Wider variety of jobs for seniors, 22 Jul 2012: Seniors at the U Live Symposium had a peek into the 1,300 job openings for them – an effort by NTUC Industrial Relations Department Re-Employment Group, Council for the Third Age and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute.
Progressive wage – keep getting better, 21 Jun 2012: Addressing industry partners and union leaders at the Labour Movement’s Cleaning Journey held at NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute, NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say said the Labour Movement will now adopt a progressive wage strategy to level up salaries of low-wage workers through the Inclusive Growth Programme.
Productivity and wages go hand-in-hand, 18 Apr 2012: With $30 million committed to impacting 33,000 workers across over 30 sectors as of March this year, the Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) spearheaded by NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute is thriving in helping companies increase productivity since August 2010.
e2i continues to bring jobs into the heartlands, 23-24 Oct 2012: NTUC’s e2i
(Employment and Employability Institute) conducted a job fair at the Yio Chu Kang Community Club where some 1,000 job positions were offered by 28 companies from various sectors. Close to 580 job applicants attended the job fair over the two days.
NTUC Enterprise born to do more for working families, 28 Aug 2012: Announcement made of the new entity NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Limited (NTUC Enterprise) to assist the Labour Movement’s 12 Social Enterprises to scale up rapidly to meet the growing needs for affordable, quality products and services for working families.
Impossible without U, 29 Apr 2012: A total of 92 individuals and companies were honoured at the May Day Awards 2012 for their extraordinary contributions to the Labour Movement. This year’s award ceremony saw the largest number of awardees since the first May Day Awards given out in 1963.
Always rooting for the Labour Movement, 6 July 2012: The Branch Officials Recognition Awards (BORA) 2012 ceremony saw a record 83 branch officials from 51 unions honoured for their exemplary service to the Labour Movement. This is the highest number of awardees so far since BORA was incepted nearly 10 years ago in 2001.
NTUC hits 700,000 membership mark!, 29 Aug 2012: Announced at the U Summit 2012, the Labour Movement attained its membership milestone of 700,000 members for the year
U Care Fund crosses $10.5m target!, 12 Sep 2012: Continuous support from the Labour Movement family and corporate donors helped NTUC-U Care Fund achieve this year’s target $10.5 million – announced at the U Care Charity Dinner.
NTUC spells out wish list for changes in Employment Act, 9 Nov 2012: At a press briefing, it was announced that the Labour Movement has stepped forward with its wish list of changes to the Employment Act, in order to stay relevant to the changing landscape of Singapore’s workforce. NTUC proposes key changes in two major areas – an increased scope of coverage to protect PMEs (Professionals, Managers and Executives) and better protection for vulnerable groups of workers.
Greater outreach and advocacy for PMEs, 31 Aug 2012: PMEs (Professionals, Managers and Executives) can now look forward to enhanced services from the Labour Movement, with 4Ps to be rolled out: Protect, Professional Development and Progression, Placement and Privileges.
A new recreation centre at Penjuru, 16 Dec 2012: The Penjuru Recreation Centre was officially opened to give migrant workers in the area a place to relax and unwind. Migrant Workers’ Centre, a bipartite initiative of the NTUC and Singapore National Employers Federation, also marked its first partnership with Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and the grassroots organisations in Penjuru, where a significant number of foreign workers reside.
You can also catch the Labour Movement's 2012 headlines journey in photos here. Wishing everyone the best in 2013!
