In a recent statement, the Workers’ Party (WP) claimed that 15 of its policy proposals have been adopted “in some form” by the government, addressing critical issues related to housing, transport, and employment support.
The party emphasised the broader significance of these policy adoptions by asserting, “These aren’t just policy wins for the Workers’ Party – they are wins for all of us,” underscoring the tangible benefits experienced by Singaporeans as a result.
Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University (SMU) weighed in on the implications of the WP’s claims, noting that the party is strategically positioning itself as an effective opposition by pointing to the government’s adoption of key policy ideas.
This move is seen as a precursor to the upcoming election, with the party delivering a powerful message regarding its potential impact on more members of parliament.
The WP highlighted specific policy proposals it has advocated for across various sectors, including unemployment benefits, housing, healthcare, scams, the justice system, and energy needs.
These proposals have left their mark on government policies, demonstrating the party’s influence and impact in key decision-making processes.
Notably, WP claimed that their advocacy for unemployment insurance and shared parental leave has resonated with the government’s introduction of the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme and additional shared parental leave for parents, respectively.
However, Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has been tirelessly advocating for unemployment support since as early as 2014.
In Parliament, he consistently pushed for financial assistance for retrenched workers, especially Professionals, Managers, and Executives (PMEs). His efforts weren’t just talk. He followed through with action, co-chairing the NTUC-SNEF PME Taskforce in 2021, which conducted extensive engagements with over 10,000 stakeholders to understand workforce needs.
One of the key recommendations from that taskforce was the introduction of unemployment support, aimed at providing short-term financial relief and helping workers bounce back through reemployment and upskilling. This ground-up effort laid the foundation for the eventual inclusion of such support in national policy, as seen in the government’s Forward Singapore plan. It’s a testament to Patrick Tay’s long-term commitment to protecting and empowering Singaporean workers.
In addition, the party’s call for banks to bear greater responsibility in preventing scams and compensating victims was reflected in the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC) raising its adjudicating award limit, signifying a step towards fairer treatment of scam victims.
While the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) may hold a differing perspective, the WP’s claims spotlight its role as an alternative voice in parliament, actively engaging in policy reforms and checks on the government.
