NTUC-NTWU-SSTA U Associate Partnership Agreement
The NTUC U Associate programme, launched in March 2011, added yet another association to its membership today, as part of the Labour Movement’s efforts to reach out and serve more members through existing industry associations, alumni clubs, etc.
The Singapore School Transport Association (SSTA), which shares a long-standing partnership with the National Transport Worker’s Union (NTWU), inked the agreement today. This is the first time an industry association has come on board the U Associate Programme to bring the NTUC social benefits to its members and in the process strengthen the relationship further with the Labour Movement.
The agreement was signed between Mr Wong Ann Lin, Chairperson of the SSTA and Mr Ong Ye Kung, Executive Secretary of the NTWU. A total of 800 SSTA members are now able to enjoy the social benefits offered by the NTUC under this agreement. SSTA hopes to reach out to some 4,000 school bus drivers and bus attendants under this programme.
U Privileges for SSTA Members
Mr Ong Ye Kung noted, “The SSTA has been around since 1958, looking after the interests of self-employed school transport vehicle drivers. We are happy to be able to extend the union membership to SSTA members so that more members can enjoy the privileges offered by NTUC, such as insurance coverage, various discounts and assistance programmes. This is part of our efforts to be an even more inclusive Labour Movement.”
Mr Richard Fong, 1st Deputy Chairman of SSTA is a new member who signed up under the U Associate Programme. Mr Fong strongly believes that the tie-up with the Labour Movement will enhance the benefits that employers like him can offer to the drivers and bus assistants. Recalling with much regret, Mr Fong shared that he once had a driver who passed away due to a fall while at home. Unfortunately, Mr Fong could not claim any insurance for the said driver as the insurance he bought for his drivers covered only accidents while they are at work. If there was an insurance scheme such as the Gift insurance offered to NTUC members, the family would be relieved of much pain and grief as the financial payout would have helped lessen the financial burden for the family, especially for those who do not have personal insurance.
“We believe the Gift insurance will be valuable to many members as it provides some insurance coverage to those members who could not afford to buy their own personal insurance. There are tragic events, similar to the case of the cleaner who passed away unexpectedly when he was knocked down in a freak car accident at Changi Airport’s Budget Terminal. He was a union member and the Building and Timbre Industries Employees' Union (BATU) could bring the insurance entitlement to his bereaved family," said Mr Vivek Kumar, Director, NTUC Membership Dept.
