One of the yearly highlights on the Labour Movement’s calendar, the May Day Awards this year saw NTUC honour 117 individuals and organisations for doing their part to help workers achieve the three “Ws” of better Wages, Welfare and Work Prospects.
The highest award this year – the Medal of Honour – was conferred on Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan.
The ceremony was held at the University Cultural Centre on 3 May 2019 and hosted by NTUC President Mary Liew and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng.
More than 1,000 guests comprising May Day Awards recipients, union leaders and tripartite partners attended the distinguished ceremony.
The May Day Awards is held every year to celebrate the dedication, commitment and contributions of union leaders, tripartite partners and workers.
“Today it is an important occasion for us to commemorate all the good work you have done. Keep doing the good work and continue to be a model for us all,” said Ms Liew in her opening address.
Two former unionists who dedicated their lives for workers were among those who received the higher award categories.
Yeo Chun Fing, the former general secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees, received the Comrade of Labour (Star) (Bar) award, and Philip Lee, the former general secretary of the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union, received the Comrade of Labour (Star) award.
Yeo Chun Fing, Comrade of Labour (Star) (Bar)
Philip Lee, Comrade of Labour (Star)
Both these leaders exemplified passion in speaking up for the interests of workers at various union and national platforms, and actively pushed for workers’ equitable treatment and enhanced employability.
NTUC also recognised 42 union leaders for their contributions and dedication with the Comrade of Labour award.
This year, the Veteran of Labour award went to former branch chair of Singapore Insurance Employees’ Union Lucy Wong, and former executive committee member of the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union T Onn B T A Murad.
Lucy Wong, Veteran of Labour
T Onn B T A Murad, Veteran of Labour
The Veteran of Labour award is given to retired trade unionists who have made significant continuous contributions to the Labour Movement for 15 years or more.
NTUC also presented a new award – Model Worker – to outstanding workers who exemplified the Worker 4.0 spirit by displaying traits of being ready, relevant and resilient by improving their jobs through adopting or initiating productivity improvements, enhancing their skills, and adapting to the changing work environment.
The Partner of Labour Movement has also been expanded to recognise associations, in addition to the partners in the Labour Movement network.
Minister Khaw now joins the ranks of exceptional individuals who received the Medal of Honour award for their services to the Labour Movement.
In a recent exclusive interview with LabourBeat, Mr Khaw said: “Naturally, I am overwhelmed! I thank the NTUC Central Committee for this great honour. I deeply appreciate the recognition and more importantly, the friendship I have with many comrade unionists built up over the years. They have enriched my life and helped support my mission to serve Singapore.
