To extend better protection to PMEs during the recession, the NTUC will be working with the Government to review existing policies; forming a taskforce to identify PMEs’ needs and areas of support; as well as getting more PMEs to join NTUC.
NTUC made the announcement on 27 August 2020.
“PMEs are increasingly vulnerable, especially those who are a bit more mature, aged between 40 to 60.”
“We want to see how we can come together to help this group of PMEs so that they can have fair access to the job market, and if they are employed, how to make sure that they are adequately protected especially in a down economy,” said NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, at a virtual media briefing.
To address the needs of PMEs, in both the immediate and long term, NTUC will continue to work with the Government to review existing policies that affect PMEs.
Mr Ng cited the examples of reviewing frameworks that dictate the quota of foreign and local manpower; income criteria for work passes; and the Fair Consideration Framework.
Mr Ng also said NTUC will be setting up a taskforce to engage PMEs and identify areas of assistance. This taskforce will work together with employers, as both partner and enabler, to push for better protection of PMEs.
Together with Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) President Robert Yap, who has affirmed SNEF’s commitment to collaborate with NTUC to do more for PMEs, Mr Ng will be an advisor to the taskforce.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay and SNEF Executive Director Sim Gim Guan will lead the taskforce.
On collaborating with NTUC, Dr Yap said: “SNEF hopes that we can develop Singaporean PMEs, especially those aged 40 to 60, that would meet employers’ skills demand in the future economy.
“With a strong Singaporean core complemented by a foreign workforce, it would put Singapore in good stead to remain globally competitive to achieve sustainable growth for the benefit of all.”
The taskforce will also look into strengthening the collective voice of PMEs.
NTUC also urged local PMEs to join the unions to have their interests protected, and ensure that their concerns are known by the Government when it comes to policymaking.
NTUC added that it will continue to stand firm alongside all workers, PMEs included, to preserve jobs and livelihoods; provide necessary support; all while protecting the Singaporean core.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said: “We are seeing a tipping point for our local PMEs. A recalibrating of the foreign and local PME workforce is thus necessary to ensure this group, especially the precarious mature PMEs, are well protected.
“We will work closely with SNEF for the PME taskforce to better engage and support our local PMEs. The Labour Movement has been consistently advocating for a strong Singaporean Core, and we will redouble our efforts, leaving no stone unturned, especially during this challenging time.”
