The Labour Movement can better serve the needs of members with the use of technology, shared NTUC President Mary Liew in her welcome address at the NTUC National Delegates’ Conference held on 15 October 2019 at the Orchid Country Club.
“The needs of our members are also changing – some of them are caregivers and have to look after their aged parents and young children.
“Some are in their mid-career with some reaching a certain level of seniority and have started to think of what to do for the rest of their career life,” she said.
She was addressing over 1000 attendees, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Madam Ho Ching, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad and President of Singapore National Employers Federation Dr Robert Yap.
She added that technology can play an important role to meet members’ needs at every life stage and will include not just privileges but in areas of training to help them stay gainfully employed.
“Just as we have done so in the past, with unions at the core, I am confident that we can and will continue to evolve to meet the needs and concerns of all workers and help them stay relevant in the face of disruptions and changes,” said Ms Liew.
Tripartism was also a key highlight in her address, as she pointed out that the success of the Labour Movement would not have been possible without a not-so-secret recipe underpinning all the work that the Labour Movement does for workers.
“I have shared on many occasions how union leaders from other countries admire the actualisation and effectiveness of Singapore’s tripartism – that it is not just empty talk but there are real action and results.
“This strong tripartite relationship that is based on trust must continue to be the unique hallmark of Singapore’s Labour Movement,” added Ms Liew.
She concluded by saying that she was confident that by working alongside the Government leaders and company management partners, the team of union leaders can take on the current challenges head-on and help workers achieve even more in time to come.
