By Shukry Rashid
The freelancer pool is one of the fastest growing group of workers in an evolving workforce and the Labour Movement is making every effort to take care of their interests too.
“I see it as my job and our mission in the Labour Movement to take care of all the working people,” said NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing during a dialogue session at the Creative Industries Freelancer Bootcamp on 29 June 2016. The session was attended by over 210 freelancers and was held at *SCAPE.
Concerns Raised
Three main concerns for freelancers were surfaced during the dialogue – legal and contractual issues, financial planning, and training and upgrading.
To allay their concerns, SG Chan encouraged freelancers to attend workshops and courses organised by the industry and tripartite partners to find out how they can better protect themselves. He also urged freelancers to tap on the Labour Movement’s network of unions, U Associates and U SME partners to further their careers.
Together as a Group
SG Chan said freelancers are currently not protected under the Employment Act. He added that unlike full-time workers who have union representation, the case for freelancers is not as straightforward. The discussion of their status as ‘traditional’ employees is still ongoing in different parts of the world as the Labour Movement ramps up efforts to protect their interests.
For the time being, it is important that freelancers come together as a group to network and share each other’s concerns. And when the need arises, share these concerns with the Labour Movement as early as possible.
Good to know
For more information and enquiries, visit www.ntuc.org.sg. For freelancers in the creative media industry, visit www.ntuc.org.sg/ucreative or email freelancers@ntuc.org.sg.
Source: NTUC This Week
