By Gwen Sin
Although it was the first day of the Lunar New Year, workers at SembWaste Pte Ltd went about their regular duties while most Singaporeans were sound asleep in the comforts of their homes.
In appreciation of their tireless efforts, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and key NTUC leaders visited workers at SembWaste's Bukit Merah depot branch that morning. These SembWaste workers included waste collection truck drivers and crew, administrative staff, as well as truck maintenance workers.
During the visit, PM Lee and key NTUC leaders thanked workers of the waste collection sector for their important contribution to a clean 24/7 Singapore. The guests also learnt about SembWaste's participation in NTUC's Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) initiatives to improve productivity and wages of lower wage workers, and working closely with the Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees' Union (BATU) in implementing the IGP initiatives, as well as re-employment of its retiring workers.
The Lunar New Year Visit to unionised companies by key NTUC leaders has been ongoing since 1999 to show appreciation to workers who continue to perform essential duties during the festive celebrations. It is notable that PM Lee has led these visits since 2008.
During this visit, PM Lee made rounds to distribute ang pows and mandarin oranges to some 170 workers present, and also catch up with them on their work and welfare.
PM Lee said: "I’m very happy to be here. I have been doing this for several years now, and this year we chose SembWaste. It’s an essential service. The rest of us are enjoying the festival and being with our families. But they are working hard, keeping Singapore clean, keeping our systems going. They make a good contribution to our society, and to Singapore. So I was happy to meet them and to show my respect and appreciation."
The visit ended with PM Lee, key NTUC leaders and guests joining SembWaste's workers and management in the traditional tossing of Yu Sheng to usher in the Lunar New Year and many good blessings for the years ahead.
Source: NTUC This Week
