As Singapore forges ahead in a new world post-COVID-19, it is vital that the Labour Movement is kept strong and its bond with a pro-labour government is strengthened.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this call in his May Day Rally speech on 1 May 2021 at Downtown East.
He also reaffirmed the People’s Action Party’s support for NTUC in his speech.
“The PAP will always stand solidly by the NTUC and by workers because you are at the heart of what we do. You are the reason why the PAP was founded. You are the reason why the PAP exists … I ask the NTUC to remain steadfast in your mission and strengthen your close partnership with the Government to improve the lives of Singapore workers.
“Whatever storms that come our way, let us make sure that Singapore will continue to grow and prosper for many years to come,” said Mr Lee.
Mr Lee also thanked the Labour Movement for its part in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which he called a crisis of a generation.
“NTUC’s dedication to its mission has truly come to the fore. You protect workers in every way. When retrenchments were unavoidable, such as in aviation and banking, the unions ensured that they were carried out fairly and responsibly.
“Union leaders worked hard to help workers make full use of all the Government schemes … and you encouraged workers to take the long view to accept immediate sacrifices to keep business going, to make it easier for employers to hold on to their staff,” he said.
Mr Lee said that because of the efforts of union leaders, local employment did not suffer greatly and has risen a little, despite the downturn being worse than any that preceded it.
Singapore must also prepare for life after COVID-19, and seize new opportunities, added Mr Lee. The pandemic has seen the acceleration of digitalisation, automation and sustainability.
On digitalisation, Mr Lee gave the example of hawkers having to go online due to the circuit breaker last year.
On automation, he cited the example of pet supplies store Pet Lovers’ Centre using a new system to track inventory. And on sustainability, he gave the example of how a clean energy solutions provider was able to train young Singaporeans to take up jobs as solar technicians and engineers.
“Digitalisation, automation and sustainability are new trends. We must get ahead of them. Then we can seize emerging opportunities and create new, better-paying jobs for our workers … NTUC is a critical partner for the Government to transform our workforce,” he said.
This year also marks NTUC’s 60th year since its founding in 1961.
Mr Lee attributed Singapore’s sustained rapid economic growth for Singapore to its unique tripartite model, and that the model has seen the nation through many crises through the decades.
“Ever since the Modernization Seminar in 1969, a strong Labour Movement has been an essential partner in Singapore’s progress. In many developed countries, union memberships have been steadily declining. But in Singapore, union membership has grown steadily. Our Labour Movement has gone from strength to strength. Now COVID-19 has reminded us again how vital a strong Labour Movement is,” he added.
