SINGAPORE - The labour movement will expand its services to professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) in a move to draw more PMEs into its ranks.
The services include career guidance, training, networking and job placement for those who make mid-career switches and older workers looking to extend their career lifespans, said the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in its May Day message released on Thursday (April 28).
These services will prepare the workforce for new jobs that replace old ones as the economy restructures. "By doing these, we are taking care of our workers, not just for today but also for a better tomorrow," said NTUC president Mary Liew and secretary-general Chan Chun Sing in a joint May Day message.
But, even as the NTUC reinvents itself as the workforce profile changes, it promises to continue to provide traditional services such as protection and representation for rank and file workers. It also pledged to continue to provide lifestyle services to families through its cooperatives.
The NTUC has about 900,000 members today and another 150,000 associate members through its tie-up with 31 professional bodies such as The Institution of Engineers Singapore and Singapore Human Resources Institute in which their members automatically become associate NTUC members.
Besides the tie-up with professional bodies, the NTUC has also signed 42 agreements covering workers from about 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it said on Thursday.
It is looking to expand both the associate and SME partnership schemes.
"Our members, associates and partners understand and appreciate the relevance of having a strong partnership with the labour movement," the NTUC said. "(They) find value in leveraging our network, interacting with fellow associates and unions, cross pollinating ideas, sharing best practices and more."
May Day celebrations kick off on Friday with the annual May Day Dinner at the Orchid Country Club at which the NTUC will present May Day Awards to 91 individuals and companies that have contributed to the labour movement.
On Sunday, May 1, it will hold the annual May Day Rally at Downtown East. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will deliver his annual May Day speech.
It will also hold events in May to thank foreign workers, companies and families of union members.
