The IR Act amendment will see that rank-and-file unions are given the opportunity to collectively represent Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs), and have more scope for limited representation on an individual basis.
Metal Industries Workers’ Union (MIWU) General Secretary Lim Teck Chuan
“MIWU welcomes this amendment. With the changing employment profile, we are seeing more Singaporeans going into the workforce as PMEs. If we are unable to represent the majority of our Singaporeans, I don't think the Labour Movement has done our best. In fact in MIWU, we have always been putting our efforts in extension of scope long before the amendment to the IR act.”
United Workers of Petroleum Industry (UWPI) General Secretary Karthikeyan Krishnamurthy
“This is a long-awaited change, and it is good for the trade unions… This will increase our membership base and most importantly the Industrial Relations coverage… Many middle management were worried about their job security. (With the amendment) they have an avenue through UWPI.”
Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) General Secretary Lim Kuang Beng
“SISEU welcomes the changes to the IR Act as PME staff can be a part of the tripartite framework where unions, management and the government work together to ensure all workers have better jobs and better lives. For us in the unions, the change in the Act reflects the shift of our Singaporean workforce and provides a channel for us to extend assistance to PMEs at the workplace.”
Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) General Secretary Ma Wei Cheng
“…It is now realised that most executive employees… do not have substantial influence in decision making in hiring and firing, and promotion of their subordinate employees. (These) executive employees… are ordinary employees in that they also face the same employment issues like the rank-and-file employees. They too need assistance and help from the trade unions whenever the need arises. Trade unions therefore should be inclusive to welcome them. Let us all work together in an inclusive society.”
Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE) General Secretary Nachiappan R K Sinniah
“The IR Act is the legislation which enforces the important role played by the unions to protect the interests of the workers and to help resolve workplace disputes effectively. UPAGE is glad that the rank-and-file unions (will be) given the right to represent PMEs collectively and also its members on re-employment issues.
Source: NTUC This Week
