Vibrant Economy, New Look, Wider Reach!
23 April 2008
Media Release
1 Come next month, the Labour Movement will celebrate May Day with a new look and with a wider reach of about 80,000 union members, workers and Singaporeans, following a good year for the economy in 2007.
Vibrancy in the Economy
2 Last year, our economy performed well, with a steady economic growth of 7.7%, lowest unemployment rate of 2.1% in a decade and a record high of 234,900 jobs created. While there may be economic uncertainties this year, the Labour Movement continues to be upbeat and confident that Singapore will remain competitive and resilient to ride out any rough patches faster than others. Riding on the wake of the good year, we call on union members, workers and Singaporeans to join in the host of May Day activities to rejoice in Singapore’s achievements and successes.
New Look for the Labour Movement
3 As part of the May Day celebrations, the Labour Movement will unveil a new look and feel on 27 April 2008 at the Downtown East, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as the Guest-of-Honour. Our new look will better reflect the Labour Movement’s intent to be inclusive under the Labour Movement 2011 (LM2011) vision, as we strive to reach out to working people of all collars, ages and nationalities in work, live and play, so as to help them and their families lead a better life.
4 Having embarked on the LM2011 vision in 2006, we found it necessary to change the way we look, the way we do things and the way we communicate so that our stakeholders have a clearer understanding of who we are and what we stand for. Thus, it is our hope that union members, workers and Singaporeans who join us during the May Day celebrations can see and experience our new look and discover what the Labour Movement is doing to help them in work, live and play.
May Day Celebrations with a Wider Reach
5 As an inclusive Labour Movement, we have planned a host of exciting May Day celebratory activities that working people of all collars, ages and nationalities and their families can participate in. Through the May Day celebrations, we hope to reach out to a wider audience of more than 80,000 union members, workers and Singaporeans from all walks of life so that we can all celebrate Singapore’s achievements together. Please see ANNEX A for a summary of the May Day celebrations.
6 Giving an overview of the May Day celebrations this year, Mr John De Payva, President, NTUC, said, “Through our May day celebrations, we want union members, workers and Singaporeans to feel proud of Singapore’s economic achievements last year and the Labour Movement’s contributions towards the economic progress of our nation. At the same time, we want more people and their families to come celebrate May Day with us, be it the young or old, workers or professionals and Singaporeans or foreign nationals, as it is time for us to celebrate our contributions to our nation too!”
7 Mr Lim Swee Say, Secretary-General, NTUC, said of the new look and feel for the Labour Movement, “Our new look reflects our aspirations for the future – to be an inclusive and dynamic movement for all working people of Singapore. It shows our collective commitment to serve the workers and union members, and to stay united as one labour movement.”
Key Highlights of May Day 2008 Celebrations
8 The May Day celebrations are spread over six key events that involve unveiling the Labour Movement’s new look; recognising contributions of union leaders and tripartite partners to the Labour Movement; rallying and reaffirming the Labour Movement’s commitment to our cause; recognising contributions of lower-wage workers towards their companies; celebrating family ties and bonding with union members; and showcasing our new look and our social enterprises’ various offerings for union members and Singaporeans. The key highlights of the key events are:
U Launch, 27 April 2008
9 Guest-of-Honour Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will reveal the Labour Movement’s new look and feel at the Downtown East to 1,500 guests including union leaders and tripartite partners. This is part of our efforts to let our stakeholders of all collars, ages and nationalities understand us better and know what we are doing to help them in work, live and play so that they can lead a better and meaningful life. Guests will also be shown how the Labour Movement applies its new look at the new E!hub – Downtown East’s latest integrated leisure and entertainment complex.
May Day Dinner, 29 April 2008
10 The prestigious May Day Awards will be presented to 78 individuals and companies – the highest numbers of awards – during the May Day Dinner held at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. These awards serve to recognise the significant contributions of union leaders, companies and tripartite members to the Labour Movement through their promotion of good industrial relations, and support of various programmes and initiatives such as the re-employment of older workers, Job Re-creation Programme, and workers' training, workfare and welfare. A total of 1,800 guests are expected at this event. Mr Stephen Lee, President of the Singapore National Employers Federation and Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, is the Guest-of-Honour.
May Day Rally, 1 May 2008
11 On May Day, some 1,500 union leaders will gather to reaffirm the Labour Movement's commitment to work together for a better and more meaningful life for all working people of Singapore. The Labour Movement's vision is for Singapore to be one of the very few nations in the world with the triple achievement of full employment, higher growth rate compared to the global economy, and one of the highest employment rates for all ages and both genders of workers. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is the Guest-of-Honour for this year’s Rally.
May Day Model Workers’ Awards Ceremony, 10 May 2008
12 This year's Model Workers Award celebrates workers from a wide range of employment backgrounds and challenges. They include back-to-work women, contract and casual workers, re-employed and re-deployed mature workers and skills upgraders. 208 workers representing over 15 sectors will receive the award this year. Nominated by their employers, they have been selected for their resilience in overcoming obstacles in returning to the workforce, their outstanding work performance and "go-the-extra-mile" work ethic, and their belief in the value of skills re-training and upgrading.
13 Besides these model workers, 21 companies which have made exemplary effort in enhancing workers' employability will also be commended at the event. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Acting Minister for Manpower, is the Guest-of-Honour for the event.
May Day Family Carnival, 11 May 2008
14 With a wide audience in mind, the May Day Family Carnival aims to celebrate May Day with 25,000 union members and their families at this fun-filled carnival held at Downtown East. Through a day of bonding, NTUC’s Family Development Unit aims to promote the importance of work life balance and to strengthen family ties. This year, a special family-centric activity titled “The Amazing U Family Race” has been organised for union members to participate with their family. The game consists of a three to five member family team going through a series of stations. At each station, a family member is required to perform an activity that reverses the role that he or she plays in the family.
15 Competing as a team at these fun challenges, family members can foster a better understanding of each other. It also reinforces the importance of spending time together as a family, to better appreciate one another's role. Guest-of-Honour Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance, will flag off the race. The winning family will be rewarded with a $1,000 cash prize. For families who are not participating in “The Amazing U Family Race”, they can also take part in a lucky draw where they stand a chance a win a trip for five to Hong Kong Disneyland.
U Festival, 17-18 May 2008
16 For the first time, the Labour Movement will be organising a U Festival to showcase the vibrancy of the Labour Movement and its social enterprises on a large scale. To share the celebrations of the Labour Movement’s new look with a wider audience, U Festival will be held at the bustling city and is opened to the public. Held over two days at Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City, there will be performances and activities catered for people of all ages.
17 Members of the public will be entertained by street buskers, live bands from NTUC Club and a Dance Extravaganza. Families and friends can participate in interactive games such as "U Price It Right", "U Leap – a giant snake & ladder game" and "U can bowl". Sports challenges such as street soccer, pool, rock climbing and a mini-golf challenge will engage the youth and the young-at-heart. To encourage healthy living, NTUC will conduct on-site basic health screening for its members. There will also be on-the-spot membership sign-up stations with attractive prizes to be won!
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang
Co-Chairperson
May Day 2008 Organising Committee
National Trades Union Congress
Mrs Josephine Teo
Co-Chairperson
May Day 2008 Organising Committee
National Trades Union Congress
ANNEX A
Summary of May Day 2008 Events
U Launch
Celebrate this special occasion with us as the Labour Movement unveils a new look at the Downtown East. The new look will reflect our vision of an inclusive labour movement that reaches out to working people of all collars, ages and nationalities to help them achieve a better life at work, live and play. Also experience E!hub's new offerings of play space for the family at eXplorekid; entertainment for the youths at the new nEbO City; a multi-screen Cineplex; a 32-lane bowling centre; and a host of entertainment, retail and food and beverage outlets.
Date / Time: 27 April, Sunday,10.30 am
Venue: URA Carpark opposite Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close
Guest of Honor: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
May Day Dinner
An event to honour the commitment and significant contributions of the union leaders, companies and tripartite members to the labour movement. Celebrate with the awardees as we honour and recognise their contributions towards the labour movement. Each award recipient will receive a plaque and medal in recognition of their invaluable contributions. Companies will also be given a plaque for their support towards the labour movement's programmes and work initiatives.
Date / Time: 29 April, Tuesday, 7.00 pm
Venue: Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Level 6, Hall 602
Guest of Honor: Mr Stephen Lee, President, Singapore National Employers Federation, and Chairman, Singapore Business Federation
May Day Rally
On this May Day, union leaders will gather at Downtown East to re-affirm their commitment to work together to improve the lives of working people of all collars, all ages and all nationalities in Singapore. Apart from pledging their allegiance to the cause of the labour movement, all guests will also be treated to performances by Young NTUC.
Date / Time: 1 May, Thursday, 10.20 am
Venue: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, D’Marquee
Guest of Honor: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
May Day Model Workers Award Ceremony
An occasion to recognise and reward outstanding and deserving role model workers for their contributions in Singapore. Celebrate with the model workers as they have truly demonstrated the values and attributes of the labour movement. The model workers will receive a trophy and a certificate at the award ceremony. They will also be treated to a regional trip Asia. Companies are also recognised with a trophy for their support of the tripartite efforts.
Date / Time: 10 May, Saturday, 10.00 am
Venue: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, D’Marquee
Guest of Honor: Mr Gan Kim Yong, Acting Minister for Manpower
May Day Family Carnival
Families are brought together at this May Day Family Carnival to celebrate the importance of family ties and bonding. Enjoy a day out with your family at the carnival with the labour movement. Interesting and fun activities have been lined up for all ages - children, parents and grandparents!
Date / Time: 11 May, Sunday, 9.00 am
Venue: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close
Guest of Honor: Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance
U Festival
To celebrate and spread the joy of the new U, U festival promises two days of fun-filled activities and goodies for everyone! Union members and the public can also enjoy interactive games, live bands and other exciting performances brought by the NTUC’s social enterprises.
Date / Time: 17 – 18 May, Sat – Sun, 11.00 am on both days
Venue: Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City
Guest of Honor: NA
