“The Future of Labour Movement” Dialogue with Union Leaders
“With the changing workforce profile and employment landscape in Singapore, would the Labour Movement continue to be relevant to the workers of tomorrow by 2030?” Over 100 union leaders were engaged in a conversation with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing on 22 March 2016 to discuss the future of Labour Movement.
This was a continuation of an inaugural dialogue session with union leaders which was held on 22 Jan 2016. There was unanimous agreement amongst unionists that one vital factor for the Labour Movement to stay relevant is to continue building upon the ideals and values of our pioneer leaders such as trust, passion, courage, and more. Through upholding and living out these values, which are embodied by our pioneers, NTUC and our affiliated unions would be able to continue to serve the changing needs of union members and workers.
Remembrance Ceremony for the Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew
One key pioneer leader was the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He was the founding father of the nation and a brother to our workers. His close links with the Labour Movement stretched back to 1952 when he represented the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union who had gone on strike for better wages and terms of service. Mr Lee had represented more than 50 unions, often for free, by the time he became Prime Minister in 1959. Under his leadership, he built a nation where there is industrial peace and social mobility; and where fruits of success are shared equitably with workers.
Following the dialogue session, a remembrance ceremony for the late Mr Lee was held. Mr G Muthukumarasamy, General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers, who delivered a eulogy at the State Funeral Service as a unionist was one of the recipients of the artillery shell casings from the 21-gun salute to the late Mr Lee. Mr Muthukumarasamy decided to gift it to NTUC. On behalf of the Labour Movement, NTUC President Mary Liew and Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing received the shell casing from him during the remembrance ceremony, witnessed by fellow union leaders.
At the ceremony, besides the shell casing, there was also a collection of other specially curated items on display: a video of Mr Muthukumarasamy delivering the eulogy, a transcript of the delivered eulogy, a photograph of Mr Lee with unionists at the Labour Leadership Appreciation Dinner on 30 January 2012, as well as a special edition of NTUC This Week and a tribute video to Mr Lee which captures his involvement in the Labour Movement throughout the years. After the ceremony, these items will be placed in the NTUC Gallery at NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard for public viewing.
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