May Day Awards 2018: Comrade of Labour - Conferred on serving trade unionists who have made significant contributions to their unions and are still active in their Executive Committees. They have also served the Labour Movement continuously for more than five years.
By Jonathan Tan
“Union work is not always visible. But for me, I’m glad to serve in the union as it means helping and supporting my fellow colleagues whenever they encounter any issues at work,” said Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) Assistant General Secretary Diong Chui Ping.
With some 14 years of service in the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) as a branch committee member, Chui Ping’s commitment is evident in how she often goes out of her way to support her members. The 53-year-old is always ready to lend a listening ear to her members and help them address any queries or workplace issues they may have.
Maintaining Good Relations
Known for her insightful perspectives and objectivity, Chui Ping’s fairness has enabled her to help both her members and management achieve amicable outcomes.
However, she credits this to the good labour-management relationship HSEU enjoys with KKH.
“We have regular union-management meetings to ensure that issues on the ground get heard, and to exchange information. At the same time, we are also ready to lend our support if human resources should need our presence when engaging members,” shared Chui Ping, who has also extensively supported trips and workshops organised for union members in the branch.
Developing Her Peers
Chui Ping has also been active in growing and grooming the pool of union leaders and activists.
“The Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi) conducts various courses throughout the year that is relevant to my fellow union leaders – in terms of industrial relations or future skills. I encourage my union leaders to attend such courses as they will benefit not only themselves, but their fellow colleagues in the future,” she said.
A member of the NTUC Healthcare Cluster Committee, Chui Ping has also shared relevant insights during engagement sessions with the Ministry of Health. This has had a far-reaching impact, especially in the review and enhancement of the career path for nurses.
A Shared Effort
On what it means to receive the Comrade of Labour Award during the May Day Awards 2018, Chui Ping said: “I am honoured to receive this award and I would like to share it with my colleagues in the Labour Movement as we continue our valuable work to advocate for our members.”
