PropNex is the first real estate agency in Singapore to have a formalised framework with a labour union; one that seeks to better the welfare real estate salespersons, as well as to promote professionalism in the sector.
Called the “PropNex Real Estate Salespersons Chapter”, the chapter will also act as a platform to protect real estate salespersons, and act as an avenue for them to voice their concerns.
The chapter’s formation was cemented on 7 October 2021, when PropNex signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (SISEU). NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng was the Guest-of-Honour at the event and witnessed the signing.
Striving to be a fair and progressive real estate agency, PropNex CEO Ismail Gafoor said that the partnership is timely, just as the company nears its 10,000-salesperson mark.
“It is timely now for this partnership with SISEU so as to strengthen PropNex’s offering as a fair and progressive real estate agency as we adopt fair recruitment and best practices within the industry when contracting with salespersons and establishing a dispute resolution mechanism for salespersons,” he said.
SISEU General-Secretary Richard Sim said that the union is committed to helping the salespersons at PropNex, offering them guidance on their work concerns.
He said: “We shall be assisting to build a progressive organisation, such that the terms and conditions within the contracts for services between PropNex and PropNex’s salespersons shall be fair, in accordance with the industry’s best practices and per relevant legislation.”
Real estate salespersons are typically considered as self-employed persons, and thus are not usually represented by any labour union.
The collaboration with SISEU will allow PropNex salespersons to take lead in playing a more active and vital role in raising employment concerns and the advocating of fair practices in the industry.
“NTUC will be alongside all of you in this Chapter,” said Mr Ng. “In Singapore, we take a collaborative approach between employers and the union so that we can create the biggest win-win, possibilities for all of us, including the Government.
“The only strategy that can work well in Singapore is to create a tripartite environment where you, as agents, can make a good living and score a win for yourself and your family.”
PropNex will be setting aside $500,000 as subsidies for its team of agents to be part of the PropNex Real Estate Chapter.
Committee members will be part of PropNex’s Company Training Committee, helping identify relevant skills and competencies for fellow agents, as well as enhancing their professionalism and capabilities to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Members will also be able to utilise the UTAP training credits of up to $500 to defray costs at approved training providers.
Other benefits include free group insurance coverage that covers both death and total permanent disability of up to $40,000, and discounted admission fee at selected places of interest and more.
