Our Brother-In Arms, Workers’ Keeper and People’s Leader – these have been just some of the words used to describe the late Mr S R Nathan for his work in the Labour Movement.
On behalf of the Labour Movement, NTUC President Mary Liew and Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing jointly penned a letter of condolence for Mr Nathan’s family.
They handed the letter to Mrs Nathan in the evening at the private wake at 8.30 pm on 23 August 2016. Mr S R Nathan passed away on 22 August 2016.
Standing In Solidarity
In their condolence letter, both President Mary and SG Chan said the Labour Movement stood in solidarity with Mrs Nathan and the family during this time of mourning.
They expressed how Mr S R Nathan had always looked out for the workers’ interests.
They recounted how he had once said: "The trade union movement is the place where the small man rises. The small man is important. Don't take him for granted. It's the trade union movement that gave me the courage to stand up and speak to big people without fear.”
They noted that Mr Nathan’s indomitable and fearless fighting spirit in the I960s, when he was with the National Trades Union Congress' Labour Research Unit, helped win over workers' and unions' trust.
This included the pro-communist unions, despite all political, economic and social odds.
Mr Nathan was also all hands on when negotiating for workers and encouraged union leaders to stay rooted to the cause; be close to the ground; and change with the times with an eye for the future.
“We will miss his inspiring stories and insightful lessons about being our brothers' and sisters' keeper and how our Labour Movement needs to be at the forefront of economic and social changes so that benefits would go to all our people.
“We will not forget his words, comradeship and contributions. His leadership and legacy will remain with us for many generations of workers, union leaders and Singaporeans to come,” added President Mary and SG Chan.
The Special Edition
Along with the letter, both President Mary Liew and SG Chan shared a copy of “NTUC This Week Remembering S R Nathan" Edition, dated 23 August 2016, with the family.
This special edition highlights Mr S R Nathan’s journey with workers and unions and the lessons that he had shared with the Labour Movement.
