More workers will soon be able to access NTUC’s extensive suite of career support resources and union membership privileges.
The move is part of an agreement between the NTUC U Small and Medium Enterprises (U SME) and the Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore (FMAS) at the Punggol Shore Constituency’s National Day Fiesta event on 29 July 2024.
NTUC U SME is an initiative to help SMEs tackle critical issues and challenges.
Meanwhile, FMAS is the association representing the interests of merchants and hawkers operating at HDB shops and National Environment Agency hawker centres. They cover over 70 per cent of the heartland precincts and 30 per cent of the hawker community in the country.
Under the agreement, workers employed by businesses affiliated to FMAS can access NTUC’s network of services and resources to elevate their careers and lives.
Workers can expect benefits, such as the Union Training Assistance Programme, which defrays up to $500 in training costs, NTUC GIFT Group Term Life Insurance with up to $40,000 coverage, and special rates for health and medical-related services.
Jobseekers eyeing jobs with FMAS’ heartland merchants can also look forward to career opportunities with flexible work arrangements. This will allow jobseekers, especially women who wish to return to work, to earn a living and manage their caregiving needs.
Meanwhile, FMAS’ businesses will have structured support to recruit new talent and provide existing workers with welfare perks, protection and career advancement.
Ms Yeo said that businesses will get to work with Project Success, a non-profit organisation supported by North-East Community Development Council, for their hiring needs.
Under another U SME agreement, the Punggol Shore Merchants Association (PSMA) will be the first association affiliated with FMAS to leverage the partnership for their workers and constituency residents.
Residents can savour affordable budget meals at Punggol Shore coffeeshops. Meanwhile, lower-income residents can look out for $10,000 worth of support.
Additionally, over 200 home-based businesses will have more opportunities to expand their reach. They can leverage NTUC’s collective resources and expertise to upskill their workers and scale their businesses.
NTUC U SME’s partnerships with FMAS and PSMA were formalised at the Punggol Shore Constituency’s National Day Fiesta event.
Senior Minister and Adviser to Pasir Ris-Punggol Grassroot Organisations (GROs) Teo Chee Hean attended the event, along with fellow advisers Dr Janil Puthucheary and Yeo Wan Ling. Ms Yeo is also the director of NTUC U SME.
NTUC U SME Deputy Director David Lim, who inked both agreements at the event, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore and Punggol Shore Merchants’ Association to strengthen business and workforce transformation.
“We look forward to extending assistance to merchants through NTUC’s ecosystem, so that the lives of their workers and the larger community they serve can be improved."
Click here to discover the full-range of NTUC union membership benefits.
