Greetings.
Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak with you.
Confucius was quoted as saying: “At 15 I set my heart on learning; at 30 I firmly took my stand; at 40 I had no delusions; at 50 I knew the Mandate of Heaven; at 60 my ear was attuned; at 70 I followed my heart's desire without overstepping the boundaries of right. “
Our union celebrates its 42nd Anniversary this year. If Confucius is right, we should now be working without delusions, building on the experience accumulated over the years.
And I believe that to indeed be the case.
Over the past 42 years, our union, just like Singapore, has come through a lot to be where it is today. In the process, it has encountered and helped its membership through crises and hardship, shared in their joys, understood their hopes and worries, and through their support worked with management to carve a fair and better future for all sides. In the same process, it has also learnt that the most productive and sustainable way to work industrial relations in Singapore is through the sincere practice of tripartism at the national level, and effective labour-management relations and partnership at the company level. Most of all, the union has seen enough to deeply recognize that neither circumstances, nor trust, nor security of membership and employment could be taken for granted in the least bit.
So as we celebrate our union’s 42nd birthday, we want to apply this clarity of mind to key developments in the economy and industry, so that we will be able to deliver ever better care and service to our members, and value to our partners.
This evening, I would like to highlight to you 3 developments.
First, economic recovery and service sector expansion. IR, MICE, Vivocity, remaking of Sentosa and Orchard Road especially have created a buzz. This is surely a welcome change from the depression of SARS and recession. We must make hay while the sun shines.
Second, changing business environment and workforce characteristics. The business environment has become more volatile. Restructuring continues relentlessly. Planning for the possibility of shocks like SARS, bird flu and terrorism is an integral part of business calculations. Company ownership often changes hands. Long standing landmarks make way for new creations, e.g. Neptune Theatre Restaurant. These are the realities of the times. In this climate, older workers are feeling less secure. And in an aging population, this segment of workers will grow. Younger workers may be less patient and more foot-loose, and they see many choices while still young. Employers want flexibility of employment and deployment, and a better grip on costs. Yet they also fear the harm that fast turnover, competition for good workers within the industry, and labour shortage can do to their customer service and business. There is a lot of capacity and skills building, work redesign, fine balancing and smart HR and IR strategizing to do.
Third, amid these cyclical and demographic shifts, a generational transition is also taking place. In management and leadership, whether in politics, in business, in unions, or in community organizations, current links must be strengthened even as new links are forged. In our context, we all know the value of a good relationship in problem solving and overcoming challenges. Nurturing this relationship capital is now all the more important.
It is precisely for this reason that President S.R. Nathan, in his speech at the Opening of Parliament last night said, “ To achieve our full potential in this ever-changing environment, we must be nimble, flexible and alert. ,,. Our people must continue to work closely together, with a strong tripartite partnership among workers, employers and the Government.”
Let us therefore all do our part, and do our best to seize the opportunities, tackle the obstacles and create that better future. I wish you a very enjoyable evening.
Thank you.
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For media queries, please contact:
Chong Yan Cheng
Consultant
Corporate Communications Department
National Trades Union Congress
DID: 6213 8190
HP: 9797 8985
Email: chongycheng@ntuc.org.sg
