But the month-long programme to mark May Day, which falls on May 1, will continue to be filled with events that recognise the contributions of workers to the country.

These events will also demonstrate the unity among the unions, employers and the Government at a time when other countries are embroiled in strikes and protests by workers, said National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) president John De Payva on Thursday.

'We've kept (the celebrations) to the bare minimum. It's modest yet tasteful enough and different enough to suit the economic condition,' he added.

The celebration budget will be half of the $1.5 million to $1.8 million that is typically spent in good years, he said.

Five events will be organised, all using the NTUC's own facilities - a dinner at Orchid Country Club; a walk- cum-concert at Marina Bay Golf Course; and a rally, an award ceremony and a family day at Downtown East entertainment centre.

Mr De Payva said proceeds from the dinner on April 29 - the first event on the calendar - will go to an ongoing effort to raise $20 million for retrenched workers and needy families.

Money from this 'U Care Fund' will help, in particular, laid-off workers who do not receive any or adequate retrenchment benefits because their companies have folded.

'We are celebrating with a purpose - to spend this money on a May Day to raise something like 30 times more in order to have that extra money to support these unfortunate workers,' said Mr De Payva.

The central theme in all the events is the labour movement's new mantra: upturn the downturn through Singapore's unique brand of tripartism.

Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.