I APPLAUD the Government's decision to release Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing to join the labour movement ("Chan Chun Sing joins labour movement"; last Saturday). It is a loss for the Cabinet but a big gain for the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and a reflection of the symbiotic relationship between the Government and the labour movement.
While many other countries have seen labour unrest, we have enjoyed strong economic growth because of this relationship.
Restructuring of our economy is under way and the relationship between the Government and workers will be tested like never before. Having a strong leader like Mr Chan, with experience in leading and transforming the army, augurs well for the future.
My only wish is that Mr Chan will focus on protecting the rights of Singaporean workers.
While we must not adopt a protectionist stance, NTUC needs to remain true to its core values by protecting the rights of Singaporean workers.
Over the years, NTUC has ventured into several businesses, from childcare and insurance to supermarkets and golf course management. While several of these businesses benefit Singaporeans in general, some seem to cater mostly to the high-income group.
How do such businesses tie in with the labour movement's aim of protecting ordinary Singaporean workers?
On another note, while Singapore cannot be totally without foreign talent and workers - and there are areas where foreign manpower can contribute - more can and should be done for Singaporean workers. In some industries, foreigners continue to be favoured over locals, even for mid-level executive jobs.
I hope Mr Chan will take the labour movement to the next level. He has very big shoes to fill and I wish him the best.
Patrick Tan Siong Kuan
While many other countries have seen labour unrest, we have enjoyed strong economic growth because of this relationship.
Restructuring of our economy is under way and the relationship between the Government and workers will be tested like never before. Having a strong leader like Mr Chan, with experience in leading and transforming the army, augurs well for the future.
My only wish is that Mr Chan will focus on protecting the rights of Singaporean workers.
While we must not adopt a protectionist stance, NTUC needs to remain true to its core values by protecting the rights of Singaporean workers.
Over the years, NTUC has ventured into several businesses, from childcare and insurance to supermarkets and golf course management. While several of these businesses benefit Singaporeans in general, some seem to cater mostly to the high-income group.
How do such businesses tie in with the labour movement's aim of protecting ordinary Singaporean workers?
On another note, while Singapore cannot be totally without foreign talent and workers - and there are areas where foreign manpower can contribute - more can and should be done for Singaporean workers. In some industries, foreigners continue to be favoured over locals, even for mid-level executive jobs.
I hope Mr Chan will take the labour movement to the next level. He has very big shoes to fill and I wish him the best.
Patrick Tan Siong Kuan
