Good morning. On this occasion, I wish to do three things. First, I will report the progress of the NTUC-driven re-employment efforts for the unionised sector and set the targets ahead.
Good morning. On this occasion, I wish to do three things. First, I will report the progress of the NTUC-driven re-employment efforts for the unionised sector and set the targets ahead.
First, let me wish all our sisters a Happy International Women’s Day. Every year, the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat organizes the IWD to mark the significant contributions that women all over the world have made.
The Re-employment legislation will be introduced in 2012 but the public sector had announced that it intends to put its own policy on re-employment much earlier in 2010.
In order for us to achieve the target of 2 to 3 per cent growth in productivity, we need a strong and effective public service that is innovative, quick to respond and is not mired in red tapes, to partner the private sector and to carry out the various initiatives.
For workers, budget 2010 is an important and transformational budget. For the first time, we have a Budget that boldly and clearly sets a goal of one third increase in real incomes in 10 years, if we are able to achieve a productivity growth of 2 to 3 per cent.
Mr. Speaker Sir I thank the Minister for addressing our pressing need for training, in the budget. I am confident that unions will close ranks with Government, and urge workers to press towards our goal – to improve productivity.
Sir, it is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In the long road ahead to transform our economy, we are now taking the first step.
The mission of the Labour Movement is to help working people earn a better living and live a better life. As an all inclusive Labour Movement, we extend our reach and support to workers of all Collars, Ages and Nationalities.
I am pleased to join you today at the Public Seminar on “Ageing and Resilience”, and also the Handover Ceremony of Henderson Senior Citizens’ Home to NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Ltd.
Today is a very special occasion for many of us as we gather here to celebrate the graduation of 29 individuals from a Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) training course.
I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to everyone to the launch of the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat’s publication “Work!Live!Play! The Scandinavian and Singapore Experiences on Enhancing Productivity with Work-Life Innovations”.
I am very happy to see so many of you gathered here today to celebrate our nation’s 44th birthday amidst this uncertain economic downturn. While the latest economic and financial data from around the world seem to indicate much improvement in the global economy, we should all still remain cautious and be always prepared for the unknown. We believe that this economic volatility will continue for some time.
This is the second in a three part series of collaboration between the NTUC and The Law Society of Singapore under our flagship programme called “Law Awareness and U”. We did one in February this year and the third seminar will be held on 23 September this year.
Early last year, I had said that my wish for Budget 2008 was for government to re-look our foreign worker quota. I had argued that the ready supply of many foreign workers, willing to take on poorly-designed jobs with low-productivity, did not give employers sufficient incentive to improve standards, quality and productivity.
Singapore celebrates our 44th National Day this year. As a country, we have certainly come a long way. We have seen many big, fundamental changes take place within one lifetime.
First, I would like to thank Mdm Foo-Yee Shoon, Minister of State for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports for taking time off from her busy schedule to be with us today at this launch of NTUC WISE – NTUC Women Interactive Series. A warm welcome also to all of you present here today.
Since its inception in January this year, the Singapore Tripartism Forum has gained strength and traction. Two well-attended national-level seminars have been held to discuss employment issues facing workers in general, and mature olders in particular. The STF also held dialogues with various chambers of commerce to more directly explain and communicate the workings of Singapore’s tripartism model to CEOs and other key business decision-makers.
