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09-07-08

ADDRESS BY MR HENG CHEE HOW, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, AND DIRECTOR, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE NTUC BRANCH OFFICIALS RECOGNITION AWARDS CEREMONY, HELD AT THE SCARLET CITY, LEVEL 4, AMK HUB, ON WEDNESDAY, 9 JULY 2008, AT 6.30PM
Thank you very much for joining us at this year’s Branch Officials Recognition Awards presentation.

Archived Speeches:
09-07-08 - CLOSING SPEECH BY EXECUTIVE SECRETARY JOSEPHINE TEO AT SISEU QUADRENNIAL DELEGATES’ CONFERENCE ON 9 JULY 2008 AT ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB
  The Delegates' Conference is always one of the most important events in the union's calendar, and we are very grateful indeed for the presence this evening of our Council of Advisors and Central Committee members, NTUC colleagues, as well as Management and Tripartite Partners. We are privileged to have your continued support and guidance to SISEU.

19-06-08 - SPEECH BY MS DIANA CHIA, GENERAL SECRETARY, HEALTHCARE SERVICES EMPLOYEES’ UNION (NHG) AND MEMBER, NTUC CENTRAL COMMITTEE AT THE NHG-HSEU RE-EMPLOYMENT PROJECT MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT SIGNING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NTUC LEARNING JOURNEY TO THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR ON 19 JUNE 2008, 2.00 PM AT TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL.
  I am delighted to be here today together with the rest of my union comrades and staff of NHG to celebrate this momentous partnership between NHG and HSEU.

20-05-08 - SPEECH BY MDM HALIMAH YACOB, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, NTUC, AT THE 26TH FDAWU/SHA/NTUC SEMINAR CUM “EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT M HOTEL SINGAPORE, 20 MAY 2008 AT 2 PM
  I am very happy to join you for the SHA/FDAWU/NTUC Productivity Seminar. Let me first congratulate the 38 winners of this year’s “Employee of the Year” Award. I am sure your companies and fellow workers will be very proud of you.

29-04-08 - OPENING ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE MAY DAY DINNER, HELD AT SUNTEC CONVENTION HALL 602, ON 29 APRIL 2008, TUESDAY, AT 7.00 PM
  As you have seen in the video, we have just launched a refreshed brand for the Labour Movement. The refreshed identity helps to reflect our progressive spirit and dynamism as we strive towards greater inclusiveness.

20-02-08 - SPEECH BY MDM HALIMAH YACOB, NTUC DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, AT THE LAUNCH OF NTUC WISE / “CELEBRATING WOMEN – CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES” ON WEDNESDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2008, 7PM AT THE NTUC AUDITORIUM, ONE MARINA BOULEVARD
  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.

31-01-08 - WELCOME ADDRESS BY ZEE YOONG KANG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, e2i, AT THE LAUNCH OF EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY INSTITUTE (e2i), HELD AT e2i, 141 REDHILL ROAD, ON 31 JANUARY 2008, FRIDAY, 10.00AM
  Welcome to the official opening of the Employment and Employability Institute, or e2i.

20-11-07 - CLOSING REMARKS BY MDM HALIMAH YACOB, CO-CHAIRPERSON OF THE TRIPARTITE ALLIANCE FOR FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES (TAFEP) AND DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE TRIPARTITE CENTRE FOR FAIR EMPLOYMENT, HELD AT 52, CHIN SWEE ROAD, #01-00, SEACARE BUILDING ON TUESDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2007, 3.00 PM
  TAFEP has come a long way in the last year.  Your presence and support today is appreciated.  The launch of the TAFEP Centre is both a significant and important milestone for two key reasons.

19-11-07 -

OPENING ADDRESS BY MR HENG CHEE HOW, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE SINGAPORE TRIPARTISM FORUM, HELD AT THE AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA, ON 19 NOVEMBER 2007, MONDAY, 9.00 AM
 

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.

19-11-07 -

WELCOME ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE SINGAPORE TRIPARTISM FORUM, HELD AT THE AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA, ON 19 NOVEMBER 2007, MONDAY, 9.00 AM
 

A very warm welcome to all our tripartite participants and leaders attending the Singapore Tripartism Forum today.

17-11-07 - SPEECH BY MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF HEALTH, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR JALAN BESAR GRC AND DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF NTUC, MR HENG CHEE HOW AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE OUTREACH ROAD SHOW FOR LOW-WAGE CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORKERS AT THE WHAMPOA COMMUNITY CLUB ON 17 NOVEMBER 2007, SATURDAY, 9.30 AM
 

Singaporeans are living longer.  This means that we must help Singaporeans earn enough to provide decently for all their years.

16-11-07 -

SPEECH BY MR YEO GUAT KWANG, AT THE NTUC FORKLIFT SAFETY SEMINAR HELD ON FRIDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2007, 2.30 PM AT THE FURAMA CITY CENTRE, BALLROOM 1, LEVEL 5
 

In 2006, forklift-related accidents resulted in 9 fatalities and 107 injuries at workplaces.  The key causal and contributing factors include forklift operations by unauthorised staff and lack of proper traffic management.  An increasing trend of forklift-related injuries was also observed.

29-10-07 -

OPENING ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS NATIONAL DELEGATES’ CONFERENCE 2007, HELD AT THE ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB, ON 29 OCTOBER 2007, 9.00 AM
 

Singapore has seen strong economic growth for the past two years. More recently, the GDP grew by 9.4% in the third quarter of 2007.  We are on track to meet the 7.0 – 8.0% growth forecast.

24-10-07 -

SPEECH BY MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF HEALTH, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR JALAN BESAR GRC AND DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF NTUC, MR HENG CHEE HOW AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE OUTREACH ROAD SHOW FOR LOW-WAGE CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORKERS AT THE WHAMPOA COMMUNITY CLUB ON 17 NOVEMBER 2007, SATURDAY, 9.30 AM
 

Following months of active engagement with employers, the Chemical Industries Employee’s Union (CIEU) has secured the firm commitment of 20 companies from the chemical industries to implement fair employment practices at their workplaces.  As part of an inclusive labour movement, CIEU is an advocate of fair employment practices that present equal opportunities for workers in terms of recruitment, job allocation and career progression; and reward workers for their contributions based on their merits and performances.

08-10-07 -

SPEECH BY MR HENG CHEE HOW, NTUC DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, AT THE BEST SOURCING INITIATIVE WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY NTUC, AT THE BRITISH CLUB ON 8 OCTOBER 2007, MONDAY, 9.30 AM
 

When it comes to outsourcing, who are the interested parties? There is the Buyer working on behalf of the consumer. Then there is the Service Provider, working on behalf of the shareholder. Finally, there are the workers of the Service Provider, earning a salary for their work.

22-09-07 - SPEECH BY MR SENG HAN THONG, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR YIO CHU KANG SMC, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF AMK HUB, HELD ON SATURDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2007, AT 11.00 A.M
  In 2004, we set in motion redevelopment plans for Ang Mo Kio Town Centre. Today, Ang Mo Kio residents and businesses are enjoying the fruition of those plans. AMK Hub has transformed our estate. This is indeed a very happy occasion for all of us.

25-08-07 - CLOSING REMARKS BY MDM HALIMAH YACOB, ASST SEC GENERAL NTUC AND DIRECTOR, NTUC WOMEN'S PROGRAMME AT THE JOINT SEMINAR ON GETTING WOMEN BACK TO WORK HELD ON 25 AUGUST 2OO7 AT THE NTUC AUDITORIUM
  The NTUC Women's Committee started the Back to Work Programme one year ago because we felt that there was a need for us to proactively assist women to return to work. This programme has now been elevated to a National Programme under the Tripartite-Workgroup on Enhancing Employment Choices for Women.

20-08-07 - Speech by Mr Yeo Guat Kwang at the Launch of UHEALTH at Singapore Safety Driving Centre, 20 August 2007, at, 3 Ang Mo Kio St 62, Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park at 3.30pm
  Minister Khaw Boon wan, at an event a few weeks ago, told a group of workers that there is an ar1 of getting prepared for unforeseen times even as we enjoy the present good times. This is the modern art of active ageing. Living in a real world of a mature population, it is important for us to immune ourselves with the necessary vaccines. The necessary steps are: continuous lifelong learning to acquire new skills, sound financial protection through the forms of medical insurance such as Eldershield and Medishield, and a healthy lifestyle.

16-08-07 - SPEECH BY MDM HALIMAH YACOB, NTUC ASSISTANT-SECRETARY GENERAL AND UNITED WORKERS OF ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES (UWEEI) EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, AT THE 2007 NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY PANASONIC REFRIGERATION DEVICES SINGAPORE (PRDS) AND UWEEI, AT PRDS, NO 1 BEDOK SOUTH ROAD, ON THURSDAY, 16 AUGUST 2007, 8AM
  I am happy to join all of you this morning at this National Day Observance Ceremony jointly organised by UWEEI and PRDS.

14-08-07 - SPEECH BY MR SENG HAN THONG, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR YIO CHU KANG AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL, NTUC, AT THE PRIMA LTD AND PRIMA FOODS PTE LTD, AND FOOD, DRINKS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY HELD AT 201 KEPPEL ROAD, ON TUESDAY, 14 AUGUST 2006 AT 10.30 AM
  The last time I joined you for your National Day Celebrations was in year 2000, seven years ago. I was shown how to make fine and tasty cakes with Prima Flour. I must thank you for inviting me once again to join you for the celebrations. Many of you must have enjoyed the National Day celebrations one way or another.

08-08-07 - SPEECH BY MR HENG CHEE HOW, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE ST MARINE AND SHIPBUILDING AND MARINE ENGINEERING EMPLOYEES’ UNION NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY HELD ON 8 AUGUST 2007, WEDNESDAY, 7.25 AM, AT 16 BENOI ROAD
  Thank you very much for inviting me.  I am delighted to join you at your National Day Observance.

02-08-07 - SPEECH BY MR LIM SWEE SAY, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE ST AEROSPACE AND SINGAPORE INDUSTRIAL & SERVICES EMPLOYEES’ UNION (SISEU) NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY, HELD AT THE ST AEROSPACE LIMITED, ON THURSDAY, 2 AUGUST 2007, 4.30 PM
  Singapore has done well. Strong economic performance, better profitability, more job opportunities and higher wages and bonus – These are win-win-win outcomes for our economy, our businesses and our people.

24-05-07 - SPEECH BY MR HENG CHEE HOW, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE 25TH NTUC/FDAWU/SHA PRODUCTIVITY SEMINAR CUM EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY, HELD AT THE FURAMA RIVERFRONT SINGAPORE, ON THURSDAY, 24 MAY 2007, 2.00 PM
  I thank the organizers of this Seminar for inviting me and for giving me this opportunity to share my views with you.

29-04-07 - OPENING ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE MAY DAY DINNER 2007, HELD AT THE SUNTEC CITY CONVENTION HALL 602, ON SUNDAY, 29 APRIL 2007, 7.30 PM
  2006 has been an eventful year for the labour movement. With another good year of economic growth and job creation, the labour movement did not take a breather, nor did we slow down. We knew that this growth presented us the opportunity to focus our efforts on the more vulnerable groups of workers. We also looked further ahead to work out our longer-term strategies. This culminated in the Labour Movement 2011 vision. In line with the government? call for a competitive economy and inclusive society, one of the key objectives of LM2011 is to therefore build a more inclusive and cohesive labour movement.

08-03-07 - OPENING ADDRESS BY MADAM HALIMAH YACOB, ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE RE-EMPLOYMENT OF OLDER WORKERS SEMINAR, HELD AT THE NTUC AUDITORIUM, ONE MARINA BOULEVARD, ON 8 MARCH 2007, THURSDAY, 9.00 AM
  First, let me extend a very warm welcome to everyone present at today’s event.  About a year ago, the NTUC launched our efforts to promote the re-employment of older workers with only 23 companies pledging their commitment to re-employ workers reaching retirement age.  We set for ourselves a pretty modest target of 50 unionised companies to fine-tune their re-employment policies and wage system, and to redesign jobs to make them age neutral.

24-01-07 - SPEECH BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE SINGAPORE TRIPARTISM FORUM, HELD AT THE NTUC AUDITORIUM, ONE MARINA BOULEVARD, ON 24 JANUARY 2007, WEDNESDAY, 4.00 PM
  Our tripartite partnership has worked well for our economy and our workers. Today’s tripartism can be traced to the formation of the National Wages Council in 1972.  Over 35 years, the tripartite NWC has been instrumental in keeping wages competitive and responsive. As our economic pie grew bigger over the years, our median wage has also risen from $251 in 1974 to $1,800 for all employees by 2004.

05-01-07 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE LABOUR MOVEMENT’S TRIBUTE DINNER FOR MR LIM BOON HENG, FORMER SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB, GRAND BALLROOM, LEVEL 2, 5 JANUARY 2007, 7.30 PM
  Thank you for the kind words that you have all spoken, in public and in private to me.  My role has been exaggerated somewhat.  I have simply followed a path that was laid by wise leaders who came before me.

05-01-07 - WELCOME ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE LABOUR MOVEMENT’S TRIBUTE DINNER FOR MR LIM BOON HENG, FORMER SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB, GRAND BALLROOM, LEVEL 2, 5 JANUARY 2007, 7.30 PM
  We gather as brothers and sisters this evening under the roof of the Labour Movement’s very own Orchid Country Club to say a big “Thank you” to our dear Brother Lim Boon Heng.

03-01-07 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE FAREWELL DINNER ORGANISED BY THE NTUC ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH UNIT, AT NOBLE HOUSE RESTAURANT, UIC BUILDING, SHENTON WAY, ON 3 JANUARY 2007, WEDNESDAY, 7.00 PM
  I thank you all for what you have done this evening in my honour.  It is I who has to thank you, for your support through the years.  One man cannot accomplish what he wants to do, no matter how great his vision, if he has no one to execute his dreams.  You were there, and you did the work.

18-12-06 - Speech By Mr Lim Boon Heng, Secretary-General, NTUC and Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, For We Care & We Share Project held at Red Cross Home for the Disabled, on 18 December 2006
  This will be the 6th year that NTUC is organising this annual Care and Share project. Over the last few years, we have visited Sunlove Home, Singapore Leprosy Association, Bukit Batok Home for the Aged, Moral Welfare Home and Geylang East Home for the Aged.

02-12-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE “BACK TO SCHOOL” FAIRS HELD AT BEGONIA TERRACE, DOWNTOWN EAST, ON 2 DECEMBER 2006, AT 11.30AM
  The environment today in Singapore is one that is ever changing and changing rapidly too. With the advancement of technology, people, services and resources are increasingly mobile among countries. Even viruses and bacteria, and security threats find their way more easily outside their own territories these past few years!

28-11-06 - KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE DBS STAFF UNION’S 3RD GENERAL DELEGATES’ CONFERENCE, HELD AT THE DBS AUDITORIUM, SHENTON WAY, DBS BUILDING, ON TUESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2006, AT 10.00 AM
  Recently your union conducted the elections of delegates leading to today’s delegates’ conference.  At this conference you will elect your Executive Committee for the new term.  The elections were keenly contested.  As is to be expected in keen contests, emotions were aroused, and there was elation and disappointment, depending on how the results are seen by the contenders.

20-11-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SEMINAR, HELD AT THE ORCHARD HOTEL, ON MONDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2006, AT 8.30 AM
  In the early 1980s, when the National Wages Council met, each of the tripartite partners – employers, unions and government – separately tabled their reports.  The unions’ report consisted of how the settlements in the past year had been, and tended to paint an optimistic picture of the coming year.  And if inflation was high, the unions argued for higher NWC wage increases.  The employers’ report also covered the wage settlements in the past year, highlighted the high cost of doing business in Singapore, and argued for wage moderation. The Government report was the most authoritative, containing many facts and figures. The Chairman, Prof Lim Chong Yah, an economist, then led all parties through the discussions to arrive at a common understanding of what the balanced picture was.  Then the bargaining began on what wage increase to recommend for the year.  The recommendations were actual quantitative figures.

20-11-06 - WELCOME ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SEMINAR 2006, HELD AT THE ORCHARD HOTEL, ON MONDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2006, AT 8.30AM
  A very warm welcome to all our tripartite participants and leaders to this annual Tripartite IR Seminar today.

11-11-06 - Speech by Mr Lim Boon Heng, Secretary-General, NTUC and Minister, Prime Minister’s Office at Joint Presentation Ceremony for the NTUC Back To School Vouchers, held at DXO, Esplanade on 11 November 2006
  The principle objective of the Labour Movement is to improve the lives of workers’ and their families.  We do this by helping to create a conducive climate for investments, to create jobs for workers.  Then we help workers to earn more through adding value to their organizations.  Productivity is raised through job redesign.  When workers are displaced, we help them find new jobs.  We have also helped workers stretch their hard-earned dollars through our co-operatives.  The goods and services of our co-operatives are value for money.

04-11-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AND SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE LAUNCHING OF SILVER CIRCLE (JURONG CENTRAL), HELD AT JURONG GREEN COMMUNITY CLUB, 6 JURONG WEST AVE 1, ON SATURDAY, 4 NOVERMBER 2006, AT 12.30 PM
  As most of you are aware, countries around the world, including those in Asia like Japan and Hong Kong, are facing an increase in ageing population. Singapore, though is considerably a young country, faces this challenge as well.

03-11-06 - SPEECH BY MR HENG CHEE HOW, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER OF STATE (HEALTH), AT THE FOOD, DRINKS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION 42TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER AND DANCE AT NEPTUNE ON FRIDAY, 3 NOVEMBER 2006, 8PM.
  Greetings. Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak with you.

01-11-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE SPWU 10TH CONVENTION OF DELEGATES, HELD AT THE M HOTEL, ON WEDNESDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER 2006
  I was honoured to be invited as the guest of honour for this convention almost 4 years ago – 16 January 2003. Then, I had an extremely difficult task to break the news of a possible retrenchment. PSA was facing some very challenging times, having lost 2 large customers. PSA’s cost structure was too high. Key leaders of SPWU were already aware about the possibility of retrenchment. As action had to be taken quickly, it was necessary to let the employees know.

31-10-06 - SPEECH BY MR YEO GUAT KWANG, AT THE WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH SEMINAR FOR TOWN COUNCIL CLEANING & CUSTODIAL SERVICES SECTOR, HELD AT THE BIOPOLIS@ONE NORTH, ON TUESDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2006, 2 PM.
  A very good afternoon to all!

27-10-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY FOR AMK HUB, AT 53 ANG MO KIO AVENUE 3 SINGAPORE 569933, HELD ON FRIDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2006, AT 10.00 AM
  I am very happy to officiate this morning’s Topping-Out Ceremony for the AMK Hub. This project is jointly developed by the Singapore Labour Foundation, NTUC Income and NTUC FairPrice.  Ang Mo Kio residents have waited patiently in eager anticipation for the development of this new 7-level shopping mall and integrated bus interchange.  At the same time, the AMK Hub development is in line with an exciting phase for the Labour Movement as well.  Let me explain.

22-09-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM SWEE SAY, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE UWEEI 25th ANNIVERSARY DINNER & DANCE, HELD AT THE MARITUS MANDARIN, ON FRIDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2006, 7.30 PM
  Good evening. I am pleased to join you today at the UWEEI 25th Anniversary Dinner and Dance.

08-09-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE NTUC CHARITY DINNER, HELD AT THE MERITUS MANDARIN SINGAPORE (ORCHARD), ON FRIDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2006 AT 6.30 PM
  In today’s developed countries, many are talking about the fast ageing population. What is the impact on the country’s labour force? What are the implications on health care costs? What needs to be done to care for the elderly? Is there a way to slow down the process? Very clearly, there are many questions and just no simple answer or solution.

15-08-06 - SPEECH BY MDM HALIMAH YACOB, ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, UNITED WORKERS OF ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES (UWEEI), AT THE NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY, HELD AT MURATA ELECTRONICS, ON TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 2006, 8.30 AM
  It is my pleasure to be here to join you in celebrating the nation’s 41st birthday. Although we are a young nation, we have much to celebrate in this year’s National Day. For the first half of 2006, our GDP grew by 9.4% and job creation is at a record high of 81,500. We continue to enjoy great stability, which is good for companies investing here as well as our workers as they can focus on improving their standard of living.

02-08-06 - National Day 2006 Message
Well Done, Union Leaders!
  NTUC Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng praises workers, too, for their show of resilience during tough times.

01-05-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE MAY DAY RALLY 2006, HELD AT THE SUNTEC SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE HALLS 601 AND 602, ON MONDAY, 1 MAY 2006, AT 4.30 PM
  This year we celebrate NTUC’s 45th Anniversary. How did we get here? Let me go further back. There were many unions formed after the Second World War. Unions fought for workers’ rights, better wages, and better conditions of work.

29-04-06 - OPENING ADDRESS BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE MAY DAY DINNER 2006, HELD AT THE SUNTEC SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE HALLS 601 AND 602, ON SATURDAY, 29 APRIL 2006, 7.00 PM
  Welcome to our May Day Dinner. This year, our May Day theme is, “Together, a brighter future for all”. It signifies our united and inclusive labour movement, working hand in hand with our tripartite partners, to improve the lives of all workers and Singaporeans.

28-04-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE UNVEILING OF NTUC’s 45th ANNIVERSARY BUILDING DECORATIONS, HELD AT THE NTUC CENTRE LOBBY, ON 28 APRIL 2006, AT 12.30 PM
  The NTUC, as a labour movement, has come a long way in Singapore. The NTUC was formed on 6 September 1961, in a climate of political and industrial strife. The mission of NTUC has always been to protect workers’ interests and enhance their well-being. And over the last 45 years, we have delivered on our mission. The quality of life enjoyed by our workers today was hardly imaginable 45 years ago, and is the envy of many labour movements elsewhere.

22-02-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE SINGAPORE MANUAL AND MERCANTILE WORKERS’ UNION TRIENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE, HELD AT THE MARINA MANDARIN SINGAPORE, ON WEDNESDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2006, AT 9.00 AM
  Today, the employment rate of workers aged 55-59 years is only 55%. For those aged 60-64 years, it is even lower at 35%. On the other hand, life expectancies are rising and the workforce is ageing.

07-02-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE LAUNCH OF NTUC’S EFFORTS ON EMPLOYMENT OF OLDER WORKERS, HELD AT THE NTUC CENTRE AUDITORIUM, ON 7 FEBRUARY 2006, AT 2.00 PM
  Like many other developed countries, Singapore is ageing. The median age of our workforce has increased from 35.1 in 1994 to 38.8 in 2004. The proportion of older workers aged 40 years and above has also risen steadily.

07-02-06 - WELCOME ADDRESS BY MADAM HALIMAH YACOB, ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE LAUNCH OF NTUC’S EFFORTS ON EMPLOYMENT OF OLDER WORKERS, HELD AT THE NTUC CENTRE AUDITORIUM, ON 7 FEBRUARY 2006, AT 2.00 PM
  First, I wish to welcome all of you to this launch.  I am indeed most gratified to see so many companies coming forward to partner our unions in promoting the employment and re-employment of older workers.  NTUC has been a strong advocate in pushing for the employment of older workers as we are greatly concerned that Singaporeans are retiring even before they reach the statutory retirement age of 62.  This is something that few can ill afford to do as we are living longer and not all have enough savings to take care of their needs after they drop out of the workforce.  Hence, today we are launching our key programme and I would certainly urge more corporate partners to join us after today’s launch.

21-01-06 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRD NTUC ELDERCARE CENTRE IN PASIR RIS, HELD AT BLK 112, PASIR RIS STREET 11, ON SATURDAY, 21 JANUARY 2006, AT 10 AM
  With advancement in medical knowledge and better living conditions, Singaporeans are living longer. Today, our overall life expectancy is 79 years old. On average, women live up to 81 years old and men at 77 years old. Our life expectancy is among the highest in the world.

17-01-06 - OPENING ADDRESS BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, SINGAPORE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE NTUC REGIONAL SEMINAR – TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS, HELD AT ROOM 1003, NTUC CENTRE, ONE MARINA BOULEVARD, ON 17 JANUARY 2006, TUESDAY, AT 9 AM
  We have participation of trade union centres from 11 countries.  Each of you is here with varying concerns and priorities for social reform.  The common thread in all this however is our shared aim as trade unions to improve the social security systems in our countries for the well being of our workers.

07-01-06 - REMEMBRANCE SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE C.V. DEVAN NAIR, HELD AT THE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL AUDITORIUM, ON 7 JANUARY 2006, SATURDAY, AT 3.30 PM
  At an informal gathering recently, a young unionist came up to me. He was just beginning to learn about the international trade union movement. “Overseas unionists wear their incarceration in jail as a badge of honour,” he observed.  What did I think of that?

07-01-06 - SPEECH BY MR STEPHEN LEE, PRESIDENT OF THE SINGAPORE NATIONAL EMPLOYERS FEDERATION, AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MR C V DEVAN NAIR, HELD AT THE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL AUDITORIUM, ON 7 JANUARY 2006, SATURDAY, AT 3.30 PM
  I have worked with many generations of NTUC leaders on the National Wages Council. The earliest of them was Mr Devan Nair. He was followed by Lim Chee Onn, Wan Soon Bee, Ng Pock Too, Lim Boon Heng, Goh Chee Wee, Matthias Yao and Lim Swee Say.

07-01-06 - SPEECH BY MR OSCAR OLIVEIRO, PAST PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MR C V DEVAN NAIR, HELD AT THE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL AUDITORIUM , ON 7 JANUARY 2006, SATURDAY, AT 3.30 PM
  In those days, trade unionism in Singapore was very different. Working life for the common worker was hard. Anti-colonial sentiments were growing strong. Trade unionism started against this backdrop. Strikes were a common occurrence.

07-01-06 - SPEECH BY MR JOHN DE PAYVA, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE C.V. DEVAN NAIR, HELD AT THE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL AUDITORIUM, ON 7 JANUARY 2006, SATURDAY, AT 3.30 PM
  Many young unionists and staff in the NTUC may not fully appreciate just how much Devan has contributed to the labour movement.

07-01-06 - SPEECH BY MR JANADAS DEVAN AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE C.V. DEVAN NAIR, HELD AT THE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL AUDITORIUM, ON 7 JANUARY 2006, SATURDAY, AT 3.30 PM
  On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Mr Lim Boon Heng and the NTUC Central Committee for organising this Memorial. The NTUC was the institution with which Devan Nair was most closely linked. He always looked back with pride and satisfaction on his work in the unions. He would have been deeply touched by this Memorial.

20-12-05 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, FOR WE CARE & WE SHARE PROJECT HELD AT GEYLANG EAST HOME FOR THE AGED, ON 20 DECEMBER 2005, AT 3.45PM
  This is my first visit to Geylang Home East for The Aged. It has elderly daycare services, sheltered home, respite care, community meals, befrienders’ service and neighbourhood link. I am told that residents who live around here also contributed by sharing the food they buy from the markets as well as volunteering their services. To me, this is a modern replication of the Kampong Spirit when residents within the same kampong helped one another with baby sitting, marketing, sharing home cooked food and so forth. All who lived in a kampong knew one another.  In smaller kampongs, one’s business is everyone’s business. It is a place where the community spirit is very strong.

29-11-05 - Speech by Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, and Secretary-General of NTUC at the Compass Welfare Foundation’s Charity Dinner 2005 on 29th November 2005 (Tue), 7.30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel.
  I am pleased to be here today for the 1st Compass Welfare Foundation’s Charity Dinner 2005. Today we mark another event that shows the soft and warm side of Singaporeans. I am happy that this evening brings together the donors and supporters of Compass Welfare Foundation. By your presence today you show that you care for the poor elderly in Singapore, and that you support the work of Compass Welfare Foundation.

19-11-05 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE “BACK TO SCHOOL” VOUCHER PRESENTATION CEREMONY, HELD AT THE JTC SUMMIT AUDITORIUM, ON 19 NOVEMBER 2005, AT 10AM
  In every society, there is a distribution of skills and a range of income levels. While globalisation has pushed wages of top earners up to internationally competitive levels, it has also exerted downward pressure on the wages of low-skilled workers. The way to raise workers’ wages is to raise to raise productivity.  We are working to do so through the Job Re-creation Programme (JRP), and through upgrading of workers’ skills. This will help workers at the lower end of the spectrum enjoy jobs with better prospects and higher take-home wages.

18-11-05 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, AT THE INCOME DAY DINNER, HELD AT SWISSOTEL THE STAMFORD, ON 18 NOVEMBER 2005, AT 7.30 PM
  NTUC Income Day is an occasion for the co-operative to review its performance and to thank its business partners for their contribution.

07-11-05 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, IN PRESENTING THE SECRETARY-GENERAL’S REPORT TO THE NTUC ORDINARY DELEGATES’ CONFERENCE 2005, HELD AT THE ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB, ON 7 NOVEMBER 2005
  The report of what we have done in the past two years is presented to you for your scrutiny and comments.  I believe we have done well.  Union membership is at an all-time high; we have 150,000 members below the age of 35 years.  Our finances are sound.

28-10-05 - Speech by Mr Lim Boon Heng, Secretary-General, NTUC and Minister, Prime Minister’s Office at the NTUC Fundraising Dinner held on 28 October 2005, 8.00pm at the Shangri-La Hotel
  Many developed countries are ageing societies. When I raise this matter with people from developed countries, each one claims his country is ageing faster than others!  Singapore, too, is becoming an ageing society.  If it is slower than others, it is only because immigrants are adding to our stock of younger persons.

22-09-05 - OPENING REMARKS BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE NTUC PRE-ORDINARY DELEGATES CONFERENCE 2005, HELD AT THE ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB, ON 22 AND 23 SEPTEMBER 2005, AT 9.40 AM
  Our labour movement has been effective in the past 40 years.  While union membership worldwide is on the decline, our membership is steadily increasing.  From 234,000 members in 1994, membership grew to 337,000 in 2001 and today it stands at 450,000.  In other words, between 1994 and today, membership has practically doubled.

26-08-05 - OPENING ADDRESS BY MR LIM SWEE SAY, NTUC DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL , MINISTER FOR PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE AND SECOND MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE LAUNCH OF  CUSTOMER CENTRIC INITIATIVE (CCI) ON FRIDAY, 26 AUGUST 2005, AT 9.30 A.M. AT WISMA ATRIA ATRIUM
  I am so glad to join you here this morning at the launch of Customer Centric Initiative for the retail sector.

21-08-05 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, SECRETARY GENERAL, NTUC AND MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE AT NTWU SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON 21st AUGUST 2005 AT 11AM AT SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL
  I am very happy to be with you today at NTWU’s 24th Annual Scholarship and Bursary Awards presentation ceremony. NTWU is one of our unions that has been giving scholarships and bursaries to the children of union members annually.

20-08-05 - SPEECH BY MR LIM BOON HENG, MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE,  AND SECRETARY-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS, AT THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE AIR-TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE STAFF UNION, HELD AT THE GRAND BALLROOM, GRAND COPTHORNE WATERFRONT HOTEL, ON SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST 2005, 7.30 PM
  Recently, at a social function, one energetic executive came up to me to get some free advice.  A big company had decided to outsource a line of business that it felt was not its core business.  His company had successfully acquired it.  He had been put in charge of integrating the acquired business with his own company’s.  He was concerned about the personnel issues.  Could I give him some tips?