By Marcus Lin
Pictures by Alvin Toh
Once in a blue moon, when absolutely necessary, does the need arise for an NTUC Extraordinary Delegates Conference. This blue moon arose on 13 October 2011. In what NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say describes as “critical to the long term growth and development of the Labour Movement and tripartism in Singapore”, three defining resolutions to set the stage for the NTUC National Delegates’ Conference in December 2011 and underpin the LM 2015 vision were crafted.
SG Lim called on delegates to recognise that “the strength of any resolution is not in the wording; the strength is firstly in the spirit of the resolution and, secondly, in the level of support.” NTUC President John De Payva urged delegates to give fullest and strongest support “as that would signal clearly to ourselves, to our tripartite partners and to Singaporeans at large our unity and resolve to ensure that the Labour Movement continues to grow from strength to strength for the good of Singapore society.”
The delegates certainly heard them clearly. In a one man / woman one vote secret ballot, the 367 eligible delegates from more than 600 union delegates and observers present voted overwhelmingly in support of the three resolutions tabled - ensuring sustainable and broadbased real wage increase with productivity gain sharing; enhancing the outreach of the Labour Movement to include PMEs (Professionals, Managers and Executives); and ensuring leadership renewal in the NTUC Central Committee by capping the age limit at 62.
For the record, the three resolutions respectively received 99 per cent, 97 per cent and 88 per cent of the votes cast, outstripping the 81 per cent support received the last time a resolution through secret ballot was held in 1973. Not 100 per cent, but definitely not bad by any standards.
SG Lim underlined that the three very strong resolutions “shows the strength of our commitment, the strength of our unity,” and that “we will be in close consultation with tripartite partners to seek common ground to move ahead together.”
Significantly, he added: “With this strength of unity, it gives labour leaders a stronger mandate to engage our tripartite partners. They would know that these three resolutions reflect the very strong determination of the Labour Movement.”
On the other hand, with a weak resolution, SG Lim said the tripartite partners could turn around and say to the Labour Movement: "Look, you have not quite made up your mind. Half your people say do this, half say do that. So, if you yourself are not so sure or determined, why try to convince us?"
“But with 99 per cent, 97 per cent and 88 per cent resolutions, the moral authority is there. This is not something to be taken lightly by the tripartite partners because it reflects the seriousness, the determination, the unity of the Labour Movement in pursuing these three resolutions. So, if you have to say 'no’ to us, better say `no’ with very good reason because we are not going to be easily dissuaded.”
Before reading the three resolutions to the delegates at the NTUC Extraordinary Delegates’ Conference on 13 October 2011, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee How explained how they came about:
"At the Pre-National Delegates’ Conference in September, the participants discussed, deliberated and agreed that for the Labour Movement to have a strong future and to be relevant to our society it is important that we focus on three areas… and at the close of that conference, the Pre-NDC participants proposed that these points of agreement be endorsed by our delegates through resolutions and that is the reason why we are all gathered here this morning.”
DSG Heng said following the Pre-NDC, draft resolutions were worked out and there was another gathering of top three leaders from the unions when drafts were shown and discussed; inputs and advice were sought, given and taken on board; and the resolutions were refined accordingly.
“So this morning we bring to you the resolutions for your consideration and support.”
