The key to a good working relationship between a company and its employees is trust.
For ExxonMobil Chemical Operations Private Limited (EMCOPL), this has been the main thrust of the collaborative relationship between management and employee representatives.
The company features a plant council that comprises employee representatives and management who work together on the welfare and training needs of employees. Through the years, this arrangement has allowed the plant council to function as an intermediary and engagement platform between the 800 workers it represents and the company.
Plant Council
“As a plant council representative, we are the people whom workers on the ground turn to for advice and information. It is very important for us to have basic industrial relations knowledge so that we can help our colleagues,” said Plant Council Chairman Jose Tan.
“We are the platform for communication between the management and the ground. Our role is to collaborate and find the best solutions to issues that arise, create win-win outcomes and build trust as a result,” added Saleha Mohd Nor, secretary of the plant council.
According to Peh Chee Ee, the plant council management member, the council also works together on other aspects such as workplace safety, logistics and productivity. These matters are all addressed in an open and transparent manner during regular forums.
Deepening Knowledge
Mr Peh added that EMCOPL’s management is very supportive of the plant council, and ensures they receive the necessary training in areas such as industrial relations to allow them to gain relevant knowledge to support their members and actively participate in discussions.
This is where training courses such as Understanding Singapore Industrial Relations Systems and Labour Legislations organised by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi) on 5 October 2017 proved useful for the 29 attendees including plant council representatives and management members.
“This course is important in giving us a better understanding of human resource policies; why things are the way they are and how certain government regulations affect them. If any clarifications need to be done with colleagues, we will also be able to share background information with our members,” shared Saleha.
