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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Singapore turns 59 this year. We have good reasons to celebrate. Singapore has transformed into a global hub, and the lives of Singaporeans have been transformed as well.
Our workforce is a cornerstone of this success. Our spirit of tripartism – the collaboration between the government, employers, and unions – has been instrumental in Singapore’s economic growth. This in turn, contributed to better wages, better welfare, and better work prospects for our workers.
Membership: Over 1.3 mil and Counting!
Unlike many other countries where union membership is declining, NTUC has steadily grown our membership base. Today, NTUC has more than 1.3 million members! We have grown substantially. This is a testament to the trust workers place in us and our ability to represent them effectively.
As we celebrate National Day, we must steadfastly anchor on our mission to champion and protect workers’ interests. Our Labour Movement must be driven by our heads, hearts, and hands. Our actions must be guided by clear strategy and rooted in care for our workers.
Training as Key Priority to Ensure No Worker is Left Behind
For our workers to have a brighter future, we need to be alongside and help them continually upgrade their skills so that they can take on better jobs. Helping them secure employment in the future economy through training remains a key priority for NTUC. With relevant skillsets, workers can retain their competitive edge; remain agile and be adaptive to changing needs of the workplace; and advance in their careers. This is the best way to cope with persistent costs of living issue affecting many parts of the world.
To this end, NTUC has formed more than 2,300 Company Training Committees (CTCs) in the last five years to help companies, unions, and workers collaborate on training to enhance productivity and deliver better outcomes for both businesses and workers.
Strengthening Support for Workers Regardless of Profession, Age, or Nationality
This year, we continue to face new challenges in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Amidst these conditions, NTUC remains steadfast in our commitment to champion our workers’ interests.
Whether you are a youth, mature worker, lower wage worker, freelancer, Professionals, Managers, and Executives (PMEs), platform worker, migrant worker, or caregiver, we will continue to be alongside you and take action together with you because NTUC cares.
In particular, we celebrate the recent advancements in the upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation, Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, and representation for platform workers. Additionally, the Government also announced during Budget 2024 that they will be introducing a temporary financial support scheme for the involuntarily unemployed while they undergo training or look for jobs that fit them better. These milestones reflect our collective efforts and the strength of our tripartite partnership in helping our workers, including PMEs.
Together with the government and employers, we have worked tirelessly to formulate policies that preserve harmonious workplaces; ensure workers can balance family needs while contributing productively; better protect gig economy workers, and support business growth.
NTUC is also committed to championing the interests of our younger workers, ensuring they have a voice in the workforce and access to opportunities. The role of our youth in shaping the future of Singapore cannot be overstated. They are our future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This is why this National Day, NTUC wants to shine a spotlight on our youth by celebrating and empowering them and creating opportunities that bring them and the nation together. For example, NTUC and the National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 Executive Committee (EXCO) is organising the “NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations” at the Promontory @ Marina Bay this year!
As we commemorate National Day, let us look forward with optimism and determination. Together, we will build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Singapore, where Singaporeans can enjoy a fair share of the fruits of success; and workers to have better wages, welfare, and work prospects.
I wish all our workers a very Happy National Day. Majulah Singapura!
Ng Chee Meng
NTUC Secretary-General
