In a nutshell, the visual summarises the different elements that make up our Unusual Labour Movement.
Think of it as an ecosystem centred on catering to the diverse needs of all working people. Our Unusual Labour Movement aims to serve them through our growing network and a still-expanding suite of services. With the world changing at such an accelerated rate, it is all about helping working people stay relevant and resilient ahead of the times.
Activating Our Unusual Labour Movement's Network
How Can This Happen?
By working together, of course. The world we live in today has become an interconnected social space, where working together and leveraging each other’s strengths can help us thrive; especially in a future that demands we adapt quickly, stay relevant through continuous upgrading, and be resilient throughout.
A Myriad of Opportunities
With 60 affiliated unions, two associations, 36 U Associates, U SME partners (small and medium-sized enterprises), a U FSE (freelancers and self-employed individuals) network, 11 social enterprises, and various other organisations and communities coming under the Labour Movement's umbrella, there are ample opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of ideas to help our working people, and the businesses that employ them.
Who is in the Network?
Our unions remain the backbone of the Labour Movement, with our 60 affiliated unions and two associations continuing to protect and represent the rights of working people in Singapore.
Additionally, the Labour Movement’s U Associate programme features a network of 36 and counting U Associates. These are professional guilds from across 22 different sectors, each of them possessing a great deal of technical expertise.
There are also the U SME and U FSE platforms. The former engages with management and human resource representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises to help them optimise their business operations so that their workers will benefit as well.
The latter looks after the interests of freelancers and self-employed individuals who eke out a living individually. Legal advice and financial planning are some examples of support.
Besides that, NTUC has communities and services to help working Singaporeans gain new skills, find jobs and also live better lives. Some examples include NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) that helps all workers, the U PME Centre for professionals, managers and executives, U Live for evergreen workers above 55, Young NTUC for younger workers between 18 and 35 and the nEbO community for youth up to 25-years-old.
For needs outside the workplace, NTUC’s social enterprises have been serving up services ranging from affordable daily essentials and food, to healthcare and childcare, and even recreational needs.
LM's Network in Action
From talks on topics such as financial planning and productivity tips for the workplace, to workshops on safety at the workplace, unions and U Associates have been collaborating to add value to their members.
As an example, the Singapore Institute of Safety Officers has worked with the Chemical Industries Employees’ Union and U SME to organise a Workplace Safety and Health workshop for members.
Tiered training programmes have also been co-developed by NTUC and its U Associates, with the support of e2i to enable workers to prepare for the challenges of the future.
Examples include the Young Engineers Leadership programme by the Institute of Engineers Singapore and Young Logistics Leadership Programme by Supply Chain Asia.
With SMEs in mind, U SME has worked with e2i and NTUC’s Industrial Relations Department to help businesses improve productivity through programmes such as the Lean Enterprise Development scheme and Inclusive Growth Programme. U SME has also been active in linking up businesses with the unions to support each other.
For the benefit of self-employed and freelance individuals, U FSE has worked together with e2i to help self-employed taxi leaders from the National Taxi Association defray their costs while attending functional courses.
NTUC’s social enterprises have also recently embarked on a campaign to transform themselves to better meet the evolving needs of Singaporeans. Key areas identified are costs of living, ageing, health and progression in life.
These may be just some examples of our Unusual Labour Movement’s network in action.
How would you like to be a part of our Unusual Labour Movement? Where else have you noticed such collaborations in action? How can more of such partnerships be developed?
Food For Thought
Having read about the Labour Movement’s network and how it can be worked to the advantage of working people and businesses, here are some things we can ponder over…
• WORKING TOGETHER –WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR ME?
• WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PEERS?
• HOW CAN I PLUG INTO OUR UNUSUAL LABOUR MOVEMENT'S NETWORK?
• WHO CAN I WORK WITH?
• WHERE CAN I MAKE THESE CONNECTIONS?
Keen to Tap into the Network?
Here’s a list of links to get you started:
The Unusual Labour Movement – www.ntuc.org.sg
NTUC’s Unions and Associations – www.ntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/up2/home/industrialrelations
NTUC U Associates – www.ntuc.org.sg/uassociate
NTUC U SME – Email: sme@ntuc.org.sg
NTUC U FSE – Email: fseu@ntuc.org.sg
NTUC Social Enterprises – ntucsocialenterprises.sg and www.ntucclub.com
NTUC e2i – www.e2i.com.sg
NTUC Membership – www.ntuc.org.sg/membership
