Brighter Days on the Horizon
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26 NOVEMBER 2017
60 CENTS
MCI (P) 102/12/2016
Brighter Days
on the Horizon
The days of low pay and long working hours
for security officers will be numbered
thanks to bold changes to the law
to ramp up the security industry.
A renewed call for PAP Pick up a new skill in under Singapore Stevedores’
and NTUC to strengthen 15 minutes? That’s the Union, NTUC’s pioneer-
symbiotic ties for the future. promise of NTUC’s e2i’s affiliated union, takes a
new ULeap mobile app. bow after 80 years.
2 SECURITY SECTOR NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017
A Boost for Security Workers
Some 34,000 officers can look forward to higher basic wage floors and lesser
working hours in the next six years.
By Fawwaz Baktee
O
n 23 November 2017, the Security In a media release issued on the beyond 72 hours of overtime per month by law.
Tripartite Cluster (STC) recommended same day, the Government accepted the Currently, the exemption allows them to work up
to the Government to increase the recommendations by the STC. to 95 hours.
Progressive Wage Model (PWM) wage floors of Union of Security Employees President The STC encouraged agencies to transit
private security officers starting from 1 January Hareenderpal Singh said: “The wage review will officers who currently work 12-hour, six-day
2019. help with a problem many officers face, which is shifts per week to a “6-5-6-5” (alternating six-
Based on the proposal, officers with the the wage reset whenever there is a new provider day and five-day week) schedule. This will give
security officer rank will receive a total PWM at the worksite. With PWM basic wage floor officers two more rest days in a month.
basic wage floor increase of $300 to the current being increased yearly, officers will have more According to the STC, the reduction of
$1,100 in three years from 2019 to 2021. All certainty with their pay.” overtime hours may promote better work-life
other ranks above security officer will receive balance for all security officers and attract more
a total PWM basic wage floor increase of $285 SHORTER WORKING HOURS new entrants into the industry.
in the same three-year period (see diagram for The Government has also agreed to stop issuing It added that a three-year lead time was
details). overtime exemption (OTE) to security agencies, necessary to allow buyers to review their
From 2022 to 2024, all officers will also get as recommended by the STC. manpower needs, given the current shortage of
an annual increment of at least 3 per cent. From January 2021, officers cannot work officers in the industry.
NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017 SECURITY SECTOR 3
One worker who looks forward to the Government stops issuing the OTE. implementing technology.
changes is 38-year-old senior security officer “When you reduce the overtime hours, Currently, NTUC is working with the
Mohamed Alfie Idris. additional manpower will be needed. That is Ministry of Manpower to start an initiative
“The decrease in overtime hours will allow me why STC is recommending for service buyers to called Smart Sourcing, where service buyers can
to spend more time with my family and I will get explore a greater use of technology. Hopefully, group resources to procure technology.
more rest. That’s what I think officers lack today. this will help reduce the reliance on headcount
The PWM is a good model for officers. It helps to in the long-run,” said STC Chair and NTUC RAISING AWARENESS
motivate us to take on better roles and progress Assistant Secretary-General Zainal Sapari. To raise awareness of the upcoming changes
in our career. CapitaLand Singapore Vice President and in the industry, STC will be organising a series
“To attract younger people into the industry, Head (Property Services) Alfred Lim, a service of seminars and briefing sessions for service
I think it all depends on the benefits of the job. buyer and member of STC, said: “We know that buyers, agencies, and security officers.
It also depends on the company that you join currently, security officers work very long hours “The engagement with service buyers will
and how they treat their employees. For me, I’m and we have to do something about it. The be one key focus. I think there is a lot of buy-in
happy with my employer because they give good security officer’s pay as compared to 2017 will from a lot of service providers, but we need to
benefits and take care of us well,” said Mr Alfie, increase by 25 per cent. The increase is dramatic. tell the service buyers to change their mindset.
who works for Metropolis Security Systems. “We will have to work with service providers This is one big thing we need to do in the next
to leverage technology and optimise headcount. three years,” said ASG Zainal.
WAGE RANGE This would be the only solution left.”
Additionally, the STC encouraged security Association of Certified Security Agencies
agencies to adopt a capped wage range for each President Robert Wiener called adopting
rank. This is to move away from a seniority technology “paramount”.
wage structure based on years of experience to He added that if buyers do not do it, they
About the PWM
one that focuses on skills and productivity. will find themselves “footing bills that are
The security PWM was first introduced in
The wage ranges are as follows: 1.2 of their unsustainable”. October 2014 to create a progression
basic wage for security officers, 1.3 for senior “We have a three-year period to start talking, pathway for security officers and allow them
security officers and security supervisors, and changing mindsets of the buyers and build to get better wages as they become more
productive and better skilled.
1.5 for senior security supervisors. technology. The use of technology, if nothing
else, will maintain the cost [for the buyer],” said It became a mandatory licensing condition
for the security industry on 1 September 2016,
ADOPTING TECHNOLOGY Mr Wiener. where all private security officers must be
With the new PWM changes, the STC predicts The STC also urged security agencies to tap paid according to PWM requirements.
that the cost for security services will go up on existing Government grants under the Lean
dramatically, especially in 2021 when the Enterprise Development Scheme to help with
Progressive
Wage Model
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* Subject to review.
4 POLITICAL NEWS NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017
Workers will
need all the
help that unions can
give them. Unions will
need to work with the
PAP Government, so
that we can develop
effective policies to help
workers and enable
Singaporeans
to weather the changes,
get new jobs and
do better.”
People’s Action Party
Secretary-General and Singapore
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Improving PAP-NTUC
Ties for the Future
NTUC has always stepped up to face national challenges in the interests of
workers, says PM Lee Hsien Loong.
By Ramesh Subbaraman
P
eople’s Action Party (PAP) Secretary- more closely with the LM, and this will also PM Lee noted that the National Transport
General and Singapore Prime Minister include younger Members of Parliament . Workers’ Union is playing an important role in
Lee Hsien Loong renewed a call “This will also be a key testing ground for us maintaining workers’ morale and discipline.
to strengthen the symbiotic ties between to identify and develop our future leaders and On its part, the PAP has always had workers’
the ruling PAP and the Labour Movement to maintain the close partnership between the interests at heart when making policies.
(LM) at the PAP Convention on 19 November party and the unions for succeeding generations “In the coming years, this symbiotic
2017. of leaders,” emphasised PM Lee. relationship will be even more crucial. Workers
He noted that the LM is a very important will need support to cope with the economic
part of the PAP's support base. STEPPING UP TO CHALLENGES disruption. Some industries will see job losses
This year saw a large delegation of some PM Lee shared that whenever Singapore faced a even as we create new jobs and opportunities.
250 NTUC leaders from the NTUC Central problem, NTUC has always stepped up – whether “Workers will need all the help that unions
Committee and various unions attend the it was to tighten workers’ belts in a recession or can give them. Unions will need to work with
convention. to step in and prevent milk powder profiteering. the PAP Government, so that we can develop
“I am happy to see the unions represented This is also the case for the recent spate of effective policies to help workers and enable
in force at the convention this year,” said PM MRT incidents where various stakeholders are Singaporeans to weather the changes, get new
Lee, addressing some 2,000 party activists and making a major push to improve rail reliability. jobs and do better,” said PM Lee.
representatives from the LM.
MAINTAINING THE RELATIONSHIP
PM Lee noted that the older union leaders who
had worked closely with the PAP Government
understood the relationship well and
strengthened it.
He added that NTUC must build this same
understanding into the minds of the new
generation of union leaders, so that they will
continue to work closely with the PAP in the
years to come.
As such, PM Lee urged to nurture this
symbiotic relationship at the leadership levels
of both the party and the LM.
PM Lee noted that at the recent NTUC
Ordinary Delegates’ Conference on 15
November 2017, NTUC announced that fourth
generation ministers will take on specific
partnerships with the LM.
Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng with NTUC delegates at the PAP Convention.
He had asked the younger ministers to work
NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017 POLITICAL NEWS 5
“Let’s embark on a journey
Winning
unionists to learn about the PAP, and vice versa.
He also recommended joint learning
to ignite a new wave of journeys and exchange programmes. Unionists
personal relationships
Hearts
could also be involved in Meet-the-People
sessions at the constituencies while PAP
between NTUC and PAP activists could help out at union events.
activists at every level,” says “Let’s embark on a journey to ignite a
and
new wave of personal relationships between
Labour Movement activist NTUC and PAP activists at every level so we
David Tay at the party’s can all bring our symbiotic
Minds
relationship to even
annual convention. greater heights. And
By Ramesh Subbaraman together, we will be
able to build bridges
to all Singaporeans to
win hearts and minds
W
hen the People’s Action Party (PAP) MOVING FORWARD daily,” concluded
holds its annual convention, party When the LM held the NTUC Modernisation Mr Tay.
activists often take to the stage to Seminar in 1969, it pledged to move beyond
share their work in the PAP. wage bargaining and become PAP’s symbiotic
This year, the honour was also given to partner in nation-building.
an activist from the Labour Movement (LM) Fast forward to 2017, and Mr Tay feels
- David Tay from the Creative Media and Singaporeans cannot rely on the goodwill of the
Publishing Union. past to carry on the NTUC-PAP symbiotic ties
He spoke on the importance of the into the future.
symbiotic ties between the PAP and NTUC and “NTUC unionists and PAP activists must
had some ideas on how these relations can be strengthen this bond for a stronger Singapore.
brought forward and further strengthened. The veterans fought hand in hand
Mr Tay, 35, has been with the Labour and we need to do the same,” he
Movement since joining nEbO in 2007. emphasised.
He was part of a 5-person Young NTUC
committee team. SUGGESTIONS
The teaching specialist at a local media Mr Tay suggested that unionists and
company also helps out at Meet-the-People PAP activists get more involved in each
sessions at Tampines Changkat and attends other’s leadership training process such
PAP policy forums. as having an induction programme for
Sharing V
arious political office holders (POH) and
all Members of Parliament from the ruling
People’s Action Party (PAP) will be working
Common Goals
closely with the Labour Movement (LM) in the
near future.
In a statement issued on 21 November 2017,
NTUC said the current economic situation requires
PAP MPs and various ministers and political office both partners to strengthen their symbiotic ties
holders will be taking on advisory roles in unions and more than ever.
“Successive generations of Labour Movement
U Associates to strengthen the Labour Movement’s and PAP leaders must share the same understanding
relevance to workers. of this symbiotic relationship and work together to
help our workers overcome the economic challenges,”
By Ramesh Subbaraman emphasised NTUC.
ADVISORY ROLES
Where possible, all PAP MPs will take on advisory
roles in the unions and U Associate networks, said
NTUC.
POHs will also take on additional advisory
roles and help various segments of the LM
family transform to become more relevant and
representative for all workers.
“NTUC is grateful to the POHs who are
contributing their time and talent to work with our
Labour Movement in these times of rapid change and
help us evolve our services and methods to better
take care of all working people in Singapore. This is
a testimony to the unwavering commitment of the
PAP leaders to be always on the side of our working
Ministers and tripartite partners at the NTUC Ordinary Delegates' Conference. people,” said NTUC.
6 LEARNING NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017
U Future Leaders
Exchange: 3
Things to Get
Excited About
Getting ready for the future workplace is easier
said than done, especially when it requires
you to commit both time and money towards
picking up new skills and knowledge.
Unsure about how to get started? Or don’t
know what to look out for, and where to go?
Accessible Learning
Find out what UFLX can do for you.
1 UNLIMITED ACCESS
For just $30 per year, NTUC members will
Now who wouldn’t want the opportunity to learn from get unlimited access to a slew of workshops
and events. The general public can also
Singapore’s best and brightest? A new programme offers one participate at $100 per year.
individual the chance to pick up something new each week.
2 WIDE VARIETY OF WORKSHOPS
Story and Photo by Jonathan Tan
From bite-sized workshops on trending
topics such as digital marketing and career
“T
development to networking events like the
he U Future Leaders Exchange (UFLX) has been very useful for me,” said 44-year-old
U Future Leaders Summit to exclusive access
software manager Chan Ching Huat (pictured above).
to prominent business and government
“I was drawn to the fact that there are many different speakers from diverse fields who
leaders, you can expect sessions as often as
share their experiences and knowledge at these sessions. This got me very interested. With each
once a week.
talk I attended, I gained something new so I signed up for subsequent talks.”
3 FREE CAREER COACHING
Since subscribing to the pilot run of the programme in April 2017, Ching Huat has attended
some 10 different workshops and courses. Of particular interest to him were the sessions on
Get a status check for your career with two
change management and entrepreneurship, where he got to learn more about how and why
complimentary career coaching sessions.
change happens and how to be an entrepreneur.
Experienced career coaches can help to steer
you towards that next big step up.
CONVENIENCE AND VALUE
Aside from being able to acquire a wealth of knowledge through the programme, Ching Huat also
For registration and more information, visit
highlighted how as an NTUC member, the annual $30 subscription offered great value.
www.ntuc.org.sg/futureleaders.
“It is also very convenient for me because I can just go down after work to the NTUC Centre.
As the sessions take place once a week for now, it doesn’t impact my time much, and I can balance
my family and work commitments and take ownership of my learning,” he added.
NTUC THIS WEEK
MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR JOURNALIST/NEW MEDIA MANAGER CREATIVE DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION/ADVERTISING
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PHONE 6213 8531
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NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017 LEARNING 7
Learning at your
Fingertips
On-the-go training is taken to a whole new level with
ULeap Applied Skills mobile app by e2i where you learn
Upping what you want in 15 minutes flat.
Privileges for
By Avelyn Ng
T
ime-strapped individuals, this will be your best learning companion real
Members
soon. The first of a new series of mobile apps by NTUC’s e2i (Employment
and Employability Institute) called ULeap (Learning Enabled Through Active
Participation) Applied Skills harnesses the power of crowdsourcing to let you browse
through social feeds and learn something new.
IRASSU’s focus on lifelong learning Focusing on three trending topics for a start, you can post questions or contribute
sees it become the first union to tap on your insights on cybersecurity, Internet of Things and workplace safety and health
the new U Future Leaders Exchange to discussion threads.
give its members more value. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL?
Story and Photos by Shukry Rashid
“You no longer learn from a dead material or static
source library; it’s live and dynamic. We build
T
learning communities and emotional connections so
he Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore Staff
professionals can support one another,” shared e2i CEO
Union (IRASSU) became the first union to tap on
Gilbert Tan.
the newly launched U Future Leaders Exchange
Based on the topics of interest generated by forum
(UFLX) (see story on facing page) when they organised
participants, bite-sized e-learning lessons of up to
a lunchtime talk with Alipay for its members on 14
15 minutes each will be designed by ULeap’s pool of
November 2017 at Revenue House.
knowledge partners from institutes of higher learning,
Over 100 IRASSU members who came for the
training providers and professional guilds.
talk were also treated to a one-year UFLX membership
There are even multimedia resources for download
worth $30.
on the go such as video guides and infographics.
The talk by Alipay was on digital innovation and
Instead of the typical courses that take up to six
embracing technology in mobile payments and lifestyle.
months to develop, the contents are created “just-in-
IRASSU Assistant General Secretary Wendy Ong said
time” to meet current demands, making them more
the event was organised to spread the message of lifelong
relevant than ever.
learning and attract more professionals, managers and
From your profile, you are also able to track your progress across courses and even
executives (PMEs) to join the union.
compete with other learners via the leaderboard feature.
She said: “The workforce in Inland Revenue Authority
of Singapore (IRAS) is made up of mainly PMEs. They are
WHAT’S IN STORE
looking for effective, bite-sized and accelerated learning
What’s more, the good folks at e2i are working with their partners to see how the learning
so that they can pick up more of what’s on the market.”
hours on the app can be accumulated for some form of accreditation or qualification.
She added that UFLX will be an additional benefit
They will also be releasing two new ULeap apps in the first quarter of 2018.
for IRASSU members, on top of the basic ones like
ULeap Professional Skills will focus on business operations, with topics such as
protection.
entrepreneurship and service excellence, while ULeap Workplace Skills will guide you
on what you need to know at work such as digital readiness and employability.
And if you want more specific help with your career, we hear artificial intelligence is
on its way to propose skill gaps and jobs based on your profile.
Now for the good news! The app is now on a six-month pilot phase, where full
access is free of charge. While you may have to pay at the end of it, you can always look
forward to more topics and communities to come. More details will be announced at a
later date.
GOOD TO KNOW
➤ Launched on 17 November 2017, ULeap Applied
Skills aims to benefit 10,000 workers.
➤ View short video clip at www.youtu.be/
STRONG LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS fM78CLOVK9Y for a walkthrough of its features.
Prior to the event, IRASSU also signed a new collective ➤ ULeap acts as the engine of the e2i ecosystem
comprising U Career Network, trade associations
agreement with IRAS, where the highlight was the and chambers, and learning communities.
training grant provided by the company to members. ➤ Knowledge partners to date: Institute of
Witnessing the signing, NTUC Assistant Secretary- Technical Education, Singapore Institute of Safety
Officers, SISO Academy, NTUC LearningHub,
General and newly appointed IRASSU Trustee Patrick Available for download on App
Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Store and Google Play
Tay said: “The training grant is another testimony to the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Temasek (or scan QR code here).
strong labour-management relations, the embracing of Polytechnic.
lifelong learning and the very enlightened leadership.”
8 SOCIAL ENTERPRISES NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017
Want to be the LHUB CEO
Next Alibaba? Elected to Board
A new programme will enable workers and
businesses to gain an edge in the fiercely
of Global
competitive e-commerce space.
By Jonathan Tan
Co-operatives
Association
Kwek Kok Kwong sees more opportunities to
exchange best practices.
By Ramesh Subbaraman
S
ingapore has gotten a new voice in the International Co-operative
Alliance (ICA), an independent, non-governmental association
that unites, represents and serves co-operatives globally.
Kwek Kok Kwong, Chairman of the Singapore National Co-
operative Federation (SNCF) and Chief Executive Officer of NTUC
LearningHub (LHUB), was elected to ICA’s board as a member during
its Global Conference and General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur from 14
to 17 November 2017.
He is the second Singaporean to be elected to the ICA board and
takes over from Seah Kian Peng, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC
FairPrice. Mr Kwek will serve a four-year term starting this month.
Mr Seah, who has served on the board for three terms (2005 to
2017), said: “Singapore’s co-operatives model is by and large held in
high regard in the international arena. Our governance, efficiency and
professionalism together with how we also address social good and goals
are areas in which we have made our mark.”
T
aobao may be synonymous with an endless selection of goods
and services available online. But have you wondered about the TASKS AHEAD
business model, online retail techniques and marketing tools that Sharing how he hopes to contribute to the global arena, Mr Kwek said
helped it achieve success? there are opportunities for more exchanges of best practices.
To share its expertise, parent company Alibaba’s very own business “There are co-operative activities that can engage the world over.
college announced a partnership with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and For example, we can share about co-operatives dealing with the ageing
Employability Institute), NTUC LearningHub (LHUB) and the Nanyang population. We are one of the fastest-ageing nations in the world, but
International Business College (NIBC) to bring its holistic digital there are a few nations that are ageing even faster. Our co-operatives
e-commerce programme into Singapore. It is the first country outside can therefore learn from these nations on how they cope with the
China to launch the programme. challenges,” he explained.
Turning to the Singapore
BITE-SIZED LEARNING co-operative movement,
While the exact details are being finalised, Alibaba Business College Mr Kwek noted that
(ABC) Southeast Asia Programme Director Nick Zhou shared that it has been serving
the programme will feature bite-sized masterclasses targeted at people for many
entrepreneurs, small- and medium-sized company owners and working decades, some even
individuals keen on picking up the relevant skills to succeed in the before independence.
e-commerce space. “Collectively, the
He hopes that the programme will be able to help bridge the gap co-operatives have
between the growing number of e-commerce businesses and the talent impacted our society
needed for the jobs. by moderating the cost
Sharing how the Labour Movement will be co-developing the of living in Singapore,
programme with ABC and NIBC, e2i CEO Gilbert Tan said: “Number one, promoting health and
we will ensure that the programme is good and suitable. Number two, we well-being, and providing
will make sure that the course fees are affordable. Number three, we are quality education and training
looking at how we can mobilise the workforce [to take advantage of these to preschoolers and adults
masterclasses] through the various networks that we have in the Labour for social mobility,”
Movement, and eventually expand its reach so that more people who are he noted.
interested in the topic can come on board,” said e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.
The first intake is scheduled to commence in January 2018 and aims
to target 150 people.
To find out more about the programme, visit e2i.com.sg or
www.ntuclearninghub.com.
NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017 SMEs 9
Moving into
Industry 4.0?
With e2i’s new Step-up Industry
Programme, there is no reason for
Switching Gears businesses to wait any longer.
By Avelyn Ng
to Stay Ahead
A
re you a company trying to understand what Industry 4.0 is, or do
you know one that is looking to find out more?
We know that there may be many concerns, such as whether you
The drive towards transforming industries have the means to get there or what technologies you should invest in.
is accelerating, and businesses and even Well fret no more, a new initiative by NTUC’s e2i (Employment and
Employability Institute), the Step-up Industry Programme (SIP), is
associations are getting on board. Find looking to address all these.
out what the Singapore School Transport The SIP has helped more than 50 SMEs in robotics and automation,
Association is doing. process optimisation, and data mining and tracking since its soft launch in
April 2017. Dynamold Precision, for example, tapped on smart storage and
By Shukry Rashid quality inspection systems to enhance its operational efficiency.
Before you worry about where to begin or whether your employees can
E
very industry seems to be improving the way they do things, and adapt to the changes, know that the SIP is not just a funding scheme.
the school transport sector is no exception. To provide holistic support, it also connects you with technology
The work of bus drivers was manual for the longest time – enablers and training providers. The technologies are classified into
fetching of students, doing the headcount and planning of routes. There entry, intermediate and advanced levels, so you can pick what suits your
were also those rare erratic and dangerous driver behaviours which company’s pace of development best.
resulted in high insurance premiums due to accidents involving school
transportation. The sector also faced an increase in operational costs
Robotics & Process Data Mining
such as high maintenance and fuel consumption.
Automation Optimisation & Tracking
Since the Singapore School Transport Association (SSTA) adopted the (Examples) (Examples) (Examples)
School Bus Management System (SMBS), however, things have been better. Entry Digital quality System framework Data collection
The SBMS is a centralised dynamic bus routing system which control inspection assessment devices
includes an in-bus surveillance system with 3G video streaming, GPS, Intermediate Vision Sensing Production Inventory Tracking
real-time video recording, smart student attendance tracking system System Planning System System
and smart bus route planning system.
Advanced Integrated Predictive Remote
SSTA Executive Secretary Jeremy Ng (pictured above, extreme right) industrial robots planning and equipment
said feedback from parents has been positive, and he foresees a 15 per scheduling tracking & control
cent reduction in both maintenance costs and insurance premiums.
ENABLING BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIES
SSTA, whose members represent 80 per cent of school transport PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
operators in Singapore, adopted the SMBS with NTUC U SME’s The programme is possible thanks to a partnership agreement signed on
assistance as a Lean Enterprise Development (LED) Scheme multiplier. 3 November 2017 at Trade Association Hub between e2i and Singapore
The LED Scheme was launched to help small and medium-sized Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI). The aim is to help
enterprises (SMEs) transform and grow in the new manpower-lean small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across 23 sectors that will be
landscape. This will be done by improving processes and business models, transformed to cope with disruptions.
and developing a stronger Singaporean core and higher quality workforce. “SMEs account for 70 per cent of the workforce. We need to work with
Multipliers such as U SME were appointed to raise awareness and aggregators to multiply our efforts and reach out to as many of them as
enhance adoption of the scheme by helping businesses better understand possible. As we move into Industry 4.0 and the future, we do not want
the concept and put up high-quality proposals with desired outcomes. any local company and worker left behind,” said e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.
With the help of U SME, SSTA applied for a grant under the Local SCCCI, which houses some 160 trade associations, is working with e2i
Enterprise and Association Development programme by SPRING to reach out to 2,000 workers and 1,500 SMEs with courses relating to
Singapore. Industry 4.0, productivity, digital skills and technology.
U SME has assisted over 50 SMEs since the scheme was launched in
October 2015. SPRUCING UP JOBS
“Moving forward, we will assist all our SME partners to implement If you’re still unsure about what technology can do for you, then hear
initiatives under respective Industry Transformation Maps to stay lean from the Container Depot and Logistics Association, one of the 160 trade
and competitive, and help working people in SMEs to upgrade,” said U associations under SCCCI. To attract the younger generation to join the
SME Director Yeo Guat Kwang. industry, the association's President Peter Ho said they are trying to make
SSTA is one of the 5,200 SMEs and associations that have been it more technology-based.
enabled through the LED Scheme. This was announced during the “As an association, we are always on the lookout for technological
second LED Symposium on 17 November 2017 by Second Minister for solutions for industry use. Three years ago, we partnered a vendor to
Manpower Josephine Teo. implement the Container Management System. Now, about 80 per cent of
our members are using it, reducing the amount of paperwork [they have
For more information on the Lean Enterprise Development Scheme, to do],” said Mr Ho.
visit www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/schemes-for-
employers-and-employees/led-scheme. Interested companies can Contact an e2i industry specialist at chuyuan_zhao@e2i.com.sg for
approach NTUC U SME at ntucusme.weebly.com. more information.
10 UNIONS NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017
NTUC’s Pioneer-
Affiliated Union
to Dissolve
After 80 years of operations, the Singapore
Stevedores’ Union (SSU) will be subsumed
under the National Transport Workers’ Union
(NTWU) in December 2017.
Minister Khaw (centre, in white) at the inaugural Public Transport Workers' Appreciation Day. By Avelyn Ng
Give Respect
Where it is Due
The faults of “a few black sheep” must not
overshadow the excellent work done by
the majority of public transport workers,
says Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
By Fawwaz Baktee
D
o not let a few rotten apples spoil the barrel was the message made
by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan at the inaugural Public
Transport Workers’ Appreciation Day on 14 November 2017.
S
Minister Khaw referred to the 7 October 2017 MRT tunnel flooding SU held an appreciation lunch
incident, where authorities found that six SMRT workers failed to carry out for about 100 members and It’s not a farewell
proper maintenance and falsified records. their families on 11 November gathering, but a
“A small group of SMRT workers had negated the good work of the 2017 at Hotel Royal. At the event, new milestone for all
other SMRT workers and brought disrepute to other transport workers. SSU President Lim Ah Kiat (pictured of you today. Although
They have tarnished the reputation of Singapore and Singaporeans,” said above right) announced the decision we won’t hear SSU’s
Minister Khaw. to dissolve the union and transfer name in the future, it
He also called it “a day of shame for SMRT” and hopes that the incident all its members to the National has been etched in
will be a turning point for the organisation where “all SMRT staff dedicate Transport Workers’ Union with Singapore’s history.
their 100 per cent to their public responsibility to make SMRT train effect from December 2017. Your diligence and
services reliable again.” Formed in 1937, SSU is one of selfless contribution
the first unions affiliated to NTUC. will continue to inspire
UNSUNG HEROES “NTWU is committed to all of us at NTUC and
The event held at Bedok Square was organised by the Land Transport continue taking care of the welfare NTWU. Let us continue
Authority and the National Transport Workers’ Union to appreciate the of the new members and serve to walk the new
22,000 public transport workers in Singapore. them well. They will get to enjoy journey together.”
Minister Khaw unveiled a series of collaterals to encourage the more benefits such as discounts at
public to show their understanding, respect and appreciation to public NTWU canteens at bus interchanges Event Guest-of-Honour and NTUC
Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing
transport workers. islandwide, scholarships and
“Today is a good opportunity for commuters to remind ourselves to be bursaries, and hardship assistance.
grateful to the silent, everyday heroes who make our daily trips on public We have also come up with a condolence scheme just for them and
transport possible … I encourage our commuters to take active steps in their dependants,” said NTWU General Secretary Fang Chin Poh.
showing appreciation to all these hardworking individuals every day – not
just today. Even a simple smile can make a big difference,” he said. A VETERAN UNIONIST’S STORY
Public transport workers across Singapore will be receiving hand-written SSU General Secretary Tan Chu Beng (pictured above, left), who has
appreciation cards by students and commuters, as part of a campaign been working full-time in the union since 1967, plans to retire.
organised by LTA and the Singapore Kindness Movement. Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Tan said: “In those days, it was hard to
find work and stevedores took up odd jobs. Sometimes they worked
BETTER WELFARE on weekends, other times they went for weeks without income. Many
LTA has been working closely with NTWU and operators to improve the were afraid to accept mediation by the union during salary disputes.
welfare and working conditions of bus and train workers. Some examples They were afraid that if they offended the contractor, they may not get
include the installation of condition monitoring systems that help train the job next time. It was challenging for us.
crew efficiently detect problems, and upgraded facilities at interchanges for “Over 10 years ago, we also encouraged members to get certification
bus workers. to operate forklifts. But, stevedoring is a sunset job – companies need
According to LTA figures, daily bus and rail rides have increased by 30 less manpower nowadays and the trade is not attractive to youngsters.
per cent in last five years, numbering almost 8 million today. It’s a pity that we have to dissolve, but it is necessary.”NTUC This Week 26 NOVEMBER 2017 WEEK IN REVIEW 11
Snapshots
A quick roundup of what went on in and around the Labour Movement recently.
By NTUC This Week Team
LEARNING JOURNEY
Healthy Eating
From 1 December 2017 until the end of next year, public transport Logistics Cluster
workers will enjoy healthier food at all National Transport Workers' Over 20 union leaders from the
Union (NTWU) canteens. NTUC Logistics Cluster visited
The initiative is part of the union’s commitment to fighting diabetes. the Supply Chain and Logistics
To promote good eating habits, public transport workers will receive 30 Innovation Playground on 9
cents off all brown rice meals. November 2017, where they
Also, coffee and tea will be served without sugar. Should they wish, were given a first-hand look at
patrons can add sugar to their drinks at a separate counter. new technology available in the
market to help with productivity
and job redesign.
The tour was part of a logistics
sector transformation workshop. The cluster is made up of the
Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union, The Singapore
Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union, Metal Industries Workers’
Union, and the National Transport Workers’ Union.
ST Aerospace
As part of Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union’s
Todo Todo in the Heartlands efforts to help union leaders learn how technology can be used to
Building upon the promise to engage youths and young workers transform jobs and workplaces, 11 unionists from its ST Aerospace
with career support in the heartlands, Todo Todo – a collaboration branches toured Innosparks, an ST Engineering open innovation lab,
between Young NTUC and the People’s Association – organised on 9 November 2017.
The Skills Marketplace @ Pasir Ris-Punggol on 11 November 2017. The facility serves as a platform to accelerate technology innovation,
In addition to encourage experimentation, and foster entrepreneurship and
presentations by collaboration among ST Engineers and startups.
entrepreneurs such as SGAG’s “It is great to know that ST Engineering has such a place where
Adrian Ang, more than 30 different ST Engineering subsidiaries can come up with very innovative
volunteer career guides projects to be used for different applications from aerospace to even
shared career advice and their healthcare,” said SISEU General Secretary Philip Lee.
working experiences with
some 200 participants.
Concerns of the Self-Employed
The tripartite workgroup on Self-Employed Persons (SEP) held its
first coffeeshop talk with self-employed individuals in the creative,
media and entertainment industries on 14 November 2017.
Most participants agreed that non-payment or late payment by
clients was an issue. Participants also highlighted the need to raise
awareness and understanding of the differences between contract
workers and self-employed persons.
AWARDS
NTUC-U Care ADG Vivek
Fund NTUC Assistant Director-
For a second year, the NTUC-U Care General Vivek Kumar was
Fund was one of the winners of the presented the Partner of the
Charity Transparency Awards (CTA) Industry Award at the 12th
held on 15 November 2017 at the Supply Chain Asia (SCA)
Marriot Hotel. Industry Night.
Organised by the Charity Council Thirty other companies
yearly, the CTA is held in conjunction and professionals also received
with the Charity Governance Awards awards for their achievements
(CGA). Both initiatives aim to in the Singapore logistics sector,
promote good charity governance and which was ranked among the top
transparency by recognising charities five logistics hubs by the World
with best practices. Bank in 2016.Future Outlook: MyNTUC
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