Media Release
Some eighteen trade union researchers and representatives from ten countries have gathered for the second Regional Trade Unions Seminar organized by the Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies (OTC Institute).
To be held from 18th to 20th September 2007 at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Centre, the seminar will examine the issue of “Achieving Decent Work in a Globalizing Economy”.
Key note speakers include Ms Sachiko Yamamoto, ILO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and, leading researcher Professor Russell Lansbury, President of the International Industrial Relations Association and Professor of Industrial Relations at Sydney University. Experts from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the National University of Singapore will be facilitating seminar discussions.
Participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, China and Korea, will share insights on the challenges faced by trade unions and policies related to decent work, globalization, labour market deregulation and its implications for development in the region.
NTUC Secretary-General Mr Lim Swee Say in his opening address noted the seminar involving ASEAN and East Asian unions was timely in pursuing the “Asian Decent Work Decade” and stronger regional integration within ASEAN.
Late last year, tripartite leaders from 40 Asia-Pacific Countries declared the "Asian Decent Work Decade" - a commitment to make a concerted and sustained effort to realize decent work for all in Asia by 2015 at the 14th International Labour Organisation (ILO) Asian Regional Meeting in South Korea.
In January this year, the goal of closer regional integration by 2015 was declared at the ASEAN leaders’ summit in Cebu, Philippines to narrow the developmental gaps amongst ASEAN countries.
LM 2011 Supports Decent Work Agenda
The NTUC is committed to pursuing decent work for all under its Labour Movement 2011 vision. Key initiatives under the plan relate to unskilled and low-skilled workers, casual and contract workers, and older workers.
Under the Job Re-creation Programme (JRP) NTUC is working closely with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) to re-create low-paying jobs into better paying jobs through job redesign, increased productivity and worker training.
The NTUC has also set up the Unit for Contract and Casual Workers (UCCW) to help this group of low-wage earners in areas relating to training, medical benefits and fair employment terms. Earlier this year, a Tripartite Committee on CPF and Work-related Benefits for Low-wage Workers was set up to bring more such workers into the CPF social safety net.
Under the auspices of The Tripartite Committee on the Employability of Older Workers, WDA in partnership with NTUC and SNEF introduced the ADVANTAGE! Scheme to help companies implement systems and processes to recruit, retain and re-employ older workers. In 2006, a Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) was launched to shift mindsets amongst employers, employees and the general public towards fair and responsible employment practices for all workers.
Unions alone cannot make decent work a reality for all. Engaging all the stakeholders is key and unions need to work in close partnership with the Government and employers to bring about better opportunities for workers. Towards this end, the Singapore Tripartism Forum, another strategic initiative was launched in January 2007, providing a platform to strengthen, deepen and widen tripartite engagement.
Seminar Proceedings
Professor Russell Lansbury will deliver the opening keynote address on “Achieving Decent Work in a De-regulating Labour Market Environment”. The second keynote address on “Promoting Decent Work through Job Creation, Skills Acquisition and Productivity Enhancement” will be by Ms Sachiko Yamamoto.
Delegates submitted papers sharing their country perspectives, experiences and promising initiatives in pursuit of decent work. Plenary sessions will address four areas relating to decent work – Job Creation, Labour Standards, Social Protection and Social Dialogue.
S Thiagarajan
Director
Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies
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About Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies
The Ong Teng Cheong Institute for Labour Studies was set up on 1 September 1990. Its mission is to strengthen union leadership and advance the practice of good industrial relations in Singapore. OTC Institute works closely with unions and the NTUC on trade union education and training programmes. It designs and delivers programmes and activities to strengthen labour-management relations at the enterprise level. OTC Institute is the main driver of the Singapore Tripartism Forum, a strategic intiative under the LM 2011 Vision.
About National Trades Union Congress
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a national confederation of trade unions in the industrial, service and public sectors representing 500,000 workers in Singapore. NTUC comprises 63 affiliated unions, 6 affiliated taxi associations, 9 co-operatives and 6 related organisations. NTUC’s objectives are to help Singapore stay competitive and workers remain employable for life; to enhance the social status and well-being of workers; and to build a strong, responsible and caring labour movement. NTUC's vision is to be an inclusive labour movement for all collars, all ages and all nationalities. For more details on NTUC, please visit our website at www.ntuc.org.sg
