SINGAPORE - Ms Chew Poh Yim, the founder of a stroke support charity who held leadership roles in NTUC FairPrice and the wife of Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, died peacefully on Sunday (Oct 31). The 67-year-old founded Stroke Support Station (S3) in 2015, an initiative that was started by volunteers to support stroke survivors and caregivers. S3 programmes are supported by medical professionals and therapists from various acute and community hospitals in Singapore. Ms Chew started the charity after realising that there was a need for increased community support to reintegrate stroke survivors into society and ensure their well-being. She helmed various portfolios at NTUC FairPrice, including in procurement and marketing and corporate communications, and was general manager of NTUC FairPrice Foundation. She had more than 25 years of experience in management, marketing and branding in the consumer and retail market. Ms Chew was a supporter of community programmes for the elderly through collaborations with institutions such as the National University Health System and People's Association. She was also on the board of trustees of SingHealth Foundation (now known as SHF-Foundation) and a former president of Girl Guides Singapore. She graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. Marine Parade GRC MP and FairPrice group chief executive Seah Kian Peng told The Straits Times on Tuesday that he treasured Ms Chew's friendship. "I know Poh Yim in two capacities. She was of course the ever gracious, thoughtful and caring Mrs Teo Chee Hean. We were also colleagues at NTUC FairPrice for a period of close to 10 years where we worked together closely. "In the different roles she took on, she was always thinking of the organisation, the staff and customers. From time to time, we would also share our views on various matters and on topical issues," he said. He described her as an authentic and forward-looking colleague, with a positive outlook and clarity of thought. "She was firm but fair. I found it easy to talk to her and appreciated her views... We will all miss her." A private family funeral was held on Tuesday. Ms Chew leaves behind Mr Teo, a son, a daughter and a grandchild. All donations received will go to S3, NUS Mind-Science Centre, Girl Guides Singapore, the NCCS Cancer Fund, and Assisi Hospice. The family requests no wreaths.
SINGAPORE - Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access a new initiative that provides up to $2,300 in savings and benefits per worker. Eligible SME partners of NTUC U SME can now tap the NTUC In Your Workplace initiative for such benefits. It is the first programme of its kind by the labour movement’s SME arm to help local businesses and their workers tap products and services of NTUC’s social enterprises and partners. Eligible SMEs will enjoy benefits such as a sponsored refrigerator with pantry snacks from FairPrice; a free account on NTUC Learning Hub’s LHub GO platform, which has more than 75,000 online courses; and a free two-day trial at NTUC Health Senior Care Centres for staff who require assistance for respite care. “This is on top of the benefits that workers will enjoy when they sign up for the NTUC membership,” said U SME on Monday (Aug 23). To participate in the programme, an SME must have signed a memorandum of understanding with U SME. It must also ensure that at least 80 per cent of its workforce are NTUC members and it meets at least half of the criteria set out under the unit’s 3B framework. The framework - which stands for Better Workplace, Better Worker and Better Job - covers criteria such as having rest areas for workers, employee recognition programmes and digital transformation efforts. U SME said that 10 per cent of its 400 partner SMEs are currently eligible for the initiative and that it will work with more businesses to help them achieve the 3B criteria. The unit added that it worked with SMEs to identify their welfare and training needs to curate these benefits. It cited a recent NTUC LearningHub survey which found that SMEs are less likely to send their staff for training, compared with larger companies, due to constraints such as a lack of resources. “With work from home as the default, online courses would be an efficient method to upskill workers. For workers who must return to workplaces, the pantry snacks serve as an incentive to workers, while the complimentary care centre trial will provide respite (care) support and relief for workers (swamped) with family responsibilities,” added U SME. The initiative was launched on Monday by NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng during a visit to Lim Kee Food Manufacturing - the programme’s first recipient. The company’s 60 workers will enjoy up to $140,000 in savings and benefits per year, including savings under their NTUC memberships and from the company’s regular staff benefits. Mr Ang Khim Wee, Lim Kee’s head of business development, said NTUC’s support will help the company to concentrate on its business goals and emerge stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic. “When our workers are adequately covered in welfare and training, they are able to contribute to work productively,” he said. More on this topic Related Story Govt working to push out support to firms as fast as it can: Lawrence Wong Related Story Effective tax rates for SMEs much lower than non-SMEs in S'pore: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - More than 32,000 workers have secured new jobs with the help of the Job Security Council of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to date, labour chief Ng Chee Meng said on Thursday (Jul 5). This means that about 4,000 workers have been matched with jobs since the start of this year, when Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat last gave an update on the scheme. The council, set up in February last year, helps displaced workers or those at risk of losing their jobs move to new roles or secure temporary secondments. The bulk of these workers were placed in new jobs last year, at the height of the pandemic. More than 10,000 companies now form part of the council's network, up from just 4,000 when it started. In a National Day message, Mr Ng highlighted three groups of workers who are "still reeling from the prolonged effects of the pandemic" and need extra help. These are lower-wage workers, freelancers and PMEs - professionals, managers and executives. For lower-wage workers, NTUC is working to speed up the expansion of the progressive wage model so that wages, welfare and work prospects can improve, he said. He also highlighted the efforts of the Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers, adding that he looks forward to its recommendations. The group has said it is considering all possibilities - including complementing the progressive wage model with a minimum wage - as long as such measures do not hurt workers in the long term. Mr Ng also said the NTUC hopes to formally represent freelancers and continues to lobby for them. "We recognise the need to ensure a fairer bargaining relationship between you and the service buyer," he added, directly addressing freelancers, and noting that NTUC-affiliated associations will continue to collectively champion their needs, such as income security and skills mastery. On the topic of PMEs, the labour chief said the task force jointly set up by NTUC and the Singapore National Employers Federation will share its recommendations within the year. NTUC has also called on the Government to strengthen the Singaporean core, with the Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness formed as a result. This committee will complement the work of the task force. Mr Ng noted that Singapore has made good overall progress in the fight against Covid-19, with its economy expected to grow between 4 and 6 per cent this year. "Our resident unemployment and retrenchment rates have improved and are far from the severe peaks of last year," he added. "Our workers, including PMEs, can keep their jobs and, if impacted, are better able to find and keep good jobs." He also stressed the importance of vaccination, saying: "NTUC will continue to support vaccination at the workplace to best protect workers' health and ensure business continuity." More on this topic Related Story Job security about staying employable, with new skills for future jobs: DPM Heng Related Story Digitalising, retraining workers, hybrid work: How S'pore firms can survive disruptions like Covid-19
SINGAPORE - Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) Blue cardholders can enjoy a 3 per cent discount at all NTUC FairPrice outlets every Thursday, from July 15 till the end of the year. Shoppers with the card can present it to enjoy the discount at all 149 FairPrice stores, the FairPrice on Wheels mobile truck and 84 Unity pharmacies here. The discount is capped at $200 per transaction each day, NTUC FairPrice said in a statement on Monday (July 12). This is the fourth discount initiative to help seniors and low-income families cut costs at FairPrice, adding to the Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation and Seniors discount schemes, which also provide price cuts of up to 3 per cent. The Blue card discount scheme will cost FairPrice an estimated $500,000 this year, in addition to the roughly $10 million passed on to seniors through its existing programmes annually, it said in the statement. NTUC FairPrice group chief executive officer Seah Kian Peng said: "The prolonged uncertainties brought about by Covid-19 have affected the lower-income families adversely. "FairPrice's Chas Blue discount scheme will complement our various discount programmes by serving a focused and targeted segment who need the assistance more. This scheme will provide further savings and relief to help with their grocery needs." The statement also quoted Ms Sun Xue Ling, Minister of State for Education and Social and Family Development, as saying: "I am heartened that NTUC FairPrice is launching this discount initiative for Chas Blue cardholders, which will help reduce household expenses of lower-income families. "I hope more corporate and community organisations can come forward to help Singaporeans in need, so that we emerge stronger together from this pandemic." More on this topic Related Story FairPrice extends Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation discounts for 2021 Related Story New FairPrice supermarket at Parkway Parade stocks more local produce
SINGAPORE - Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs Chee Hong Tat will join the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) from May 15 and become its deputy secretary-general, replacing Mr Koh Poh Koon, who is Senior Minister of State for Health. In a statement on Thursday (May 6), the NTUC said Mr Chee - who is relinquishing his appointment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Cabinet changes announced last month - will be co-opted into its central committee. The 47-year-old will also take on the role of group director of NTUC's training and transformation group. In addition, he has been appointed a cadre member of the Union of Power and Gas Employees (Upage) and an executive secretary in the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI). As part of the Cabinet reshuffle, which will take effect on May 15, Dr Koh will take on a new appointment in the Manpower Ministry as Senior Minister of State, in addition to his role in the Health Ministry (MOH). The 49-year-old will be relinquishing his positions in the labour movement. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had written to NTUC president Mary Liew on April 21 to request for Dr Koh to return full-time to government service, and for the labour movement to consider accepting Mr Chee in his place. The NTUC's central committee met the next day and accepted PM Lee's request. Mr Chee, who received the Distinguished Service Award at this year's May Day Awards for being a strong advocate for the interests of healthcare and public transport workers, is "no stranger to the labour movement", said NTUC. As the former chief executive of the Energy Market Authority, he worked closely with Upage to upskill the workforce in tandem with industry trends. He also took on an advisory role to the NTUC's unit for small and medium-sized enterprises in 2018 and worked with NTUC to engage SMEs. During his tenure at the MOH, he worked with union leaders to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers. At the Ministry of Transport, Mr Chee also initiated and actively engaged unions in the transport sector. Mr Chee also brings with him experience working at other ministries such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he worked closely with companies and trade associations, and the Ministry of Education, where he helped to drive initiatives such as SkillsFuture and lifelong learning. Mr Chee said he hopes to build on the work that the labour movement has done over the years. “I am excited to start work, walk the ground and learn from my fellow union leaders as we strive to protect and advance workers’ interests and livelihoods,” he said. Dr Koh was co-opted into the NTUC central committee as deputy secretary-general on April 23, 2018. Since then, he has pushed NTUC's training efforts, spearheading the formation of its training and transformation group. Under his leadership, NTUC has set up more than 600 company training committees and helped over 100 businesses to adopt the operation and technology roadmap tool. He has also been a strong advocate for the improvement of salaries for lower-wage workers through the progressive wage model. Mr Chee Hong Tat (right) will be join NTUC and become its deputy secretary-general, replacing Dr Koh Poh Koon will take on a new appointment in the Manpower Ministry as Senior Minister of State. PHOTO: NTUC Dr Koh was also the executive secretary for the Metal Industries Workers' Union from Sept 1, 2018, to March 31, 2021, and UWEEI from April 1 this year. As executive secretary, he worked to strengthen labour management relations with many companies and championed the interests and protection of workers' wages, welfare and work prospects, said NTUC. In a Facebook post, NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng said with that with Mr Chee on board the labour movement “will be able to do more to help our workers gain better wages, welfare and work prospects”. More on this topic Related Story Interactive: Who's helming S'pore's 15 ministries after PM Lee's Cabinet reshuffle? Related Story 4G leaders set out aspirations for new roles after Cabinet reshuffle
SINGAPORE - The National Trades Union Congress has set up a foundation with an initial funding of $250 million which will be invested to fund financial assistance schemes and grants to support its members. Announcing this in his May Day Rally speech on Saturday (May 1), labour chief Ng Chee Meng said the NTUC foundation, which was incorporated on Tuesday, will provide a steady stream of income for NTUC's financial assistance schemes and grants. Currently, these schemes and grants are funded with the help of donors, including the Singapore Labour Foundation, NTUC Social Enterprises, affiliated unions, private sector corporations and individuals. Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the needs of its members have increased but the ability of NTUC's donors to contribute has naturally declined, said Mr Ng. The foundation will complement these efforts, providing a stable income stream that will enable NTUC to take care of the needs of its members, even in economically difficult years, he added. The foundation will also better enable NTUC to diversify the type of support provided and respond to the changing needs of members through economic ups and downs, said NTUC in a statement. "Efforts will be targeted at boosting the welfare, working conditions or social and economic status of our members, as well as providing members' children, especially those from lower-income families, a good start in life and a good education," it added. More on this topic Related Story NTUC, STB launch initiative for workforce, business transformation in tourism industry Related Story $4m boost for Singapore workers left in lurch when businesses fail
SINGAPORE - People's Action Party MPs who serve as advisers to various unions should go beyond advising and help out on the ground and engage workers directly, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Nov 8). The PAP should also recruit more union leaders to join it, and have more party activists within the unions so that ties are kept warm and close at the working level, said PM Lee, who is the party's secretary-general. In making these points, he stressed how it is especially vital to strengthen the partnership between the PAP and the National Trades Union Congress in a time of crisis. Ties between the ruling party and labour movement remain very strong at the leadership level, he said, but the engagement is "not as deep" on the ground between PAP branches and individual unions as well as union branches. Urging PAP MPs to engage workers, he said: "That way when worker issues arise, PAP MPs and leaders will have a solid feel and understand the ins and outs of issues and why workers are worried, what their concerns are. And PAP MPs can speak up on behalf of workers in Parliament, and show them that they have a voice in the PAP." PM Lee was speaking at the biennial PAP conference, where cadre members voted to elect the party's its top decision making body. This year, the Prime Minister, other party leaders and MPs gathered at the NTUC Centre, along with invited unionists. "Fighting for workers is deeply embedded in the PAP's DNA," said PM Lee, as he highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the party and unions. This is why the PAP sends representatives to attend the NTUC delegates' conferences, and why unionists from the NTUC are joining party cadres at the PAP conference on Sunday, he added. "It is not just for old times' sake, but an expression of our abiding close ties," said PM Lee, who said that the enduring and productive relationship between both sides has formed the foundation of Singapore's harmonious tripartite relations, and sustained the country's economic success. In the current Covid-19 crisis, the unions need the Government on their side looking after workers' interests, supporting their families, protecting jobs and livelihoods, he said. "And this is when the PAP government needs the strong support from the labour movement, to keep a finger on the pulse, to get workers to understand and support the measures and the policies that will help us get out of this black time," he added. He cited a food voucher scheme for the needy by FairPrice as an example of the partnership between the NTUC and PAP branches. More on this topic Related Story PAP conference: PAP must maintain core identity representing all S'poreans while responding to changing politics, says PM Lee Related Story PAP conference: Covid-19 also a political challenge, critical to maintain public trust in govt and its leaders, says PM Lee The scheme is overseen by the NTUC team, including secretary-general Ng Chee Meng and NTUC Enterprise group chief executive Seah Kian Peng, who are both party members. The total amount of food vouchers that will be disbursed to needy families has gone up from $1.2 million last year to $3 million this year. With much more economic disruption and turbulence in the job market expected in the wake of Covid-19, along with new models of work expected, the close partnership between the PAP and the NTUC will be a "precious asset" as Singapore navigates through an uncertain future, said PM Lee. "Workers will need a strong labour movement more than ever, while the Government will rely on the unions to fulfil their responsibilities, to protect workers and take Singapore forward. More on this topic Related Story PAP conference: Govt will pay attention to lower-income groups, address competition from foreigners while keeping economy open Related Story Fears over foreign professionals: How best to put S'poreans first when it comes to jobs?