At union headquarters level, key branch officials represent their branches at Union Headquarters as delegates. They have a right to vote or stand as candidates in elections to the Union Executive Committee which is responsible for the effective operation of the union. Each Executive Committee appoints committees to deal with specific areas such as industrial relations, organising, financial matters, education, skills upgrading, occupational health and safety, social and welfare services, culture and recreation. The duties of the Union Executive Committee are to:

• coordinate the work of the various branches and maintain close contact with the NTUC
• guide the Branch Committees in industrial relation and other matters
• take an active role in collective bargaining. Where necessary, the Committee can tap NTUC’s expertise in carrying out complex negotiations

Affiliated unions are represented at the NTUC Delegates Conference, the supreme authority of the Labour Movement. The Delegates Conference is held once in two years. During this conference, delegates review the work of the NTUC and map out future directions for the Labour Movement.