The bulk of employees at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will now be offered union membership.

This came after the integrated resort signed a memorandum of understanding with the Attractions, Resorts and Entertainment Union (AREU) on Tuesday.

The agreement was reached after extensive discussions spanning two years, and was witnessed by NTUC secretary-general Lim Swee Say at Orchid Country Club.

Under the agreement, a committee will be set up by employees to discuss issues such as skill-upgrading.

MBS and AREU said that collective bargaining is not the objective of the collaboration.

More than 80 per cent of the over 9,000 employees at MBS will be eligible for general branch membership with the union, and membership fees will be paid for by the company.

In a media release, MBS president and chief executive George Tanasijevich said that the partnership would result in more social and recreational benefits for employees, beyond what they currently enjoy at the company level.

AREU president Hassan Abdullah said: "We are happy to be given the opportunity to be a trusted voice for the workers at the workplace. We look forward to engaging with management for the betterment of the employees' welfare as well as the company's business."