POTENTIAL union leaders, step right up: The labour movement needs you.
The future of the NTUC depends on it growing the next generation of leaders, and this is why the Leadership Development Department (LDD) will be working with unions to nurture and develop potential leaders this year.
Putting it in a nutshell, Leadership Development programme director Chan Soo Sen said: “The continuing success of the labour movement will rest on how successful NTUC and its affiliates can nurture and develop new generations of union leaders with strong abilities and good character.”
These new leaders, he noted, must take the initiative to play an active role in shaping the direction of the labour movement, so that it will stay relevant and serve the needs of its members.
To hone such qualities, the LDD is organising a slew of courses, together with the Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies, to develop and enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of union leaders.
One of the key highlights this year is a joint collaboration on a refresher programme called “Understanding Economic Principles & Policies”, which covers areas such as free trade agreements and its impact on Singapore’s economy.
Also planned is a Learning Exploration to Bangalore, India, where Mr Chan hopes union leaders will be able to gain wider exposure and see for themselves the rapid developments there.
“We want them to realise that worldwide competition is keen, and if Singaporeans remain complacent, we will soon lack behind,” he said.
The LDD also aims to provide a platform for potential leaders to have a say in union missions and activities, in its belief that unions need to be actively engaged in the selection, nurturing and encouragement of potential members to serve the labour movement.
Getting them young
A key area of leadership development platform is the NTUC Youth Committee (YC), made up of young leaders nominated by their unions.
It conducts key programmes such as bi-monthly meetings at various unions, and youth and labour-related organisations, and developmental programmes such as team building programmes, youth seminars and programmes.
It also runs a series of interaction programmes such as dialogues with key NTUC and government leaders, and interaction with regional young trade union leaders.
These activities involve younger members of the union.
Youth groups or committees in the various unions are also on the cards, as part of the Youth Committee’s effort to provide a platform for young union leaders to be inducted into the labour movement at the national level.
These activities and programmes offer young union leaders and unionists the opportunities to observe, experience, interact and learn.
Said Chairman for NTUC YC 2000-2003, Edwin Lye: “In short, the NTUC Youth Committee provides the platform for young union leaders to be inducted into the labour movement.
At the end of the day, it is our hope that these young union leaders would mature into capable and nimble trade unionists with conviction and a willingness to come forth to serve their fellow comrades and workers.”
Hard work recognise
No hard work goes unrewarded, and the LDD acknowledges and rewards union leaders for their pivotal role in nation building. For instance, various receptions are already planned for branch officials and union leaders at the Istana.
Leaders lauded in the Branch Officials Recognition Awards 2004 Presentation Ceremony will also benefit from a learning trip to Bangkok, and NTUC News will continue to highlight prominent unionists.
