'Companies should work with their unions to customise the proposed measures to suit their specific circumstances and business conditions. Our tripartite efforts at wage restructuring have also put many companies in a position to reduce wage costs responsibly through the flexible components that have been built up in better times'.
'We must all work together to help companies and workers to ride through this tough economic phase'.
--Mr Stephen Lee, President of SNEF
'This economic crisis will test not only the survival instincts of companies and workers but also their core values. These Tripartite Guidelines will help companies manage excess manpower in strategic and flexible ways, while being fair and socially responsible to their workers'.
'They also let workers and unions help companies conserve resources, stay afloat and fight on'.
'I urge companies to use these guidelines in the right spirit to avoid, delay or minimise retrenchments and save many jobs'.
'Together, we will tackle this downturn and strengthen competitiveness, trust and confidence'.
-- Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC, Mr Heng Chee How
'The tripartite partners maintain that retrenchments should be considered only as a last resort, but note that in situations where retrenchment is inevitable, companies are encouraged to discuss with the unions if the company is unionised, to ensure that retrenchment could be carried out responsibly and smoothly'.
'Companies should also notify MOM as soon as possible of any impending retrenchment. This would enable the Ministry and the relevant agencies to help affected workers find alternative employment expeditiously and/or to provide them with relevant training for enhanced employability'.
-- Mr Ong Yen Her, Divisional Director, Labour Relations and Workplaces, Ministry of Manpower