The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is taking proactive steps to shield workers from the global tariff situation by collaborating with its tripartite partners.
In a joint message issued on May Day, NTUC President K Thanaletchimi and Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng acknowledged the uncertainty brought by global events and highlighted Singapore’s vulnerability to escalating global trade tensions.
They emphasised NTUC’s commitment to supporting workers through challenges and facilitating the exploration of new opportunities in the ever-evolving economic landscape.
“As global events reshape our world in these uncertain times, Singapore is not immune, especially to the impact of intensifying global trade tensions,” affirmed Thanaletchimi and Ng.
The labour movement’s strong relationships with key tripartite partners – the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore National Employers Federation – play a pivotal role in reinforcing Singapore’s stability and resilience, ensuring mutual economic and social progress. The deep-rooted and symbiotic relationship between NTUC and the government continues to uplift workers and drive sustainable progress for the Republic.
Thanaletchimi and Ng provided insight into NTUC’s multifaceted support for different groups of workers. For youth members, NTUC offers tailored programs to ease their transition from school to the workforce. The NTUC Starter Awards, launched in 2024, represent a bond-free scholarship and leadership scheme aimed at nurturing educational and leadership skills among the youth.
Moreover, initiatives for professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) focus on mentorship and career advancement guidance. NTUC’s advocacy for older workers to remain in the workforce is bolstered through the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, which seeks to provide upskilling opportunities and workplace support.
The tripartite guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, endorsed by NTUC, ensure fair consideration of flexible work requests for working caregivers. Furthermore, platform workers benefit from protections under the Platform Workers Act, championed by NTUC to create an equitable work environment.
NTUC’s relentless efforts extend to ensuring workplace fairness through the Workplace Fairness Act, promoting equal opportunities and a level playing field, particularly for PMEs amidst foreign competition. The Strategic Economic Priorities bonus, awarded to employers under the Complementarity Assessment Framework for EP applicants, encourages local workforce training alongside EP holders to enhance workforce development.
Additionally, NTUC’s Company Training Committee initiative, synchronised with SkillsFuture Singapore’s SkillsFuture Queen Bee program, focuses on upskilling suppliers through collaboration with larger companies. This approach aims to upskill a broader ecosystem of workers, thus increasing productivity across various business sectors.
