WEDNESDAY'S editorial ("Labour's new man at the helm") has prompted me, an old Singaporean, to remind young Singaporeans of the country's past labour troubles.
It is hard for present-day Singaporeans to imagine how chaotic life can be during a labour strike. But in the past, labour strikes were almost an everyday occurrence.
We now complain bitterly when public transport stops for a few minutes.
But during the 1955 strike by the Hock Lee bus company, for example, there was no transport for days and weeks. Add to this, the violent clashes in the streets between the strikers and the police.
Strikes by garbage collectors, power station workers and many others added to the chaotic situation, which paralysed the nation.
We have enjoyed peaceful labour relations for half a decade. This is due, in no small measure, to the good and enlightened leadership of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Government.
Tripartite cooperation and harmony are of the utmost importance. It is not just the Government and NTUC which have important roles to play, but the employers as well.
Let us be thankful for a continued peaceful tripartite existence, and ensure that this harmony will continue for at least another 50 years.
George Wong Seow Choon (Dr)
It is hard for present-day Singaporeans to imagine how chaotic life can be during a labour strike. But in the past, labour strikes were almost an everyday occurrence.
We now complain bitterly when public transport stops for a few minutes.
But during the 1955 strike by the Hock Lee bus company, for example, there was no transport for days and weeks. Add to this, the violent clashes in the streets between the strikers and the police.
Strikes by garbage collectors, power station workers and many others added to the chaotic situation, which paralysed the nation.
We have enjoyed peaceful labour relations for half a decade. This is due, in no small measure, to the good and enlightened leadership of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Government.
Tripartite cooperation and harmony are of the utmost importance. It is not just the Government and NTUC which have important roles to play, but the employers as well.
Let us be thankful for a continued peaceful tripartite existence, and ensure that this harmony will continue for at least another 50 years.
George Wong Seow Choon (Dr)
