The Labour Movement Applauds the Government’s 2009 Budget
23 January 2009
Media Statement
1. In the year ahead, the three core priorities of the Labour Movement is to help companies cut costs so as to save jobs; up-skill and re-skill workers for new and different jobs; and stay the course to achieve our longer term objectives of improving the employment rate of women and mature Singaporeans.
2. The Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) launched last month, and the release of National Wages Council's revised guidelines earlier this month, are important steps taken by the tripartite partners to help companies manage excess manpower so as to minimise the impact of the global economic downturn on the companies and workers.
3. However, in view of the severity of the global downturn, the Labour Movement had been anxiously looking forward to the Government’s Budget for additional measures to help businesses cut costs and save jobs.
4. The release of Budget 2009 yesterday was an injection of trust and confidence. The Government’s unveiling of the $20.5 billion Resilience Package and its bold and decisive action to draw down on the nation’s past reserves for the first time to fund the newly created S$4.5 billion Job Credit scheme will have a significant impact on workers, companies and our economy. This is reflective of the Government’s clear commitment and best efforts to save jobs for Singaporeans. To the Labour Movement, this is a strong display of commitment by the government, and reinforces the trust and unity forged over many years among the tripartite partners. It gives us tremendous assurance, encouragement and confidence to stay the path of tripartism, a unique advantage Singapore has over other nations.
5. On behalf of our 7,000 union leaders, 520,000 union members and the workers of Singapore, we applaud the Government for this bold and decisive Budget. The year ahead will not be painless. We, as a Labour Movement, pledge to remain united with the Government and employers to save jobs and create growth as we weather this global downturn.
Together, we will overcome the challenges and emerge stronger.
On behalf of the Central Committee,
|
John De Payva |
Lim Swee Say |
