~The awardees were applauded for their unwavering efforts in championing the employability and welfare of workers~
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) May Day Awards, with a history of over 60 years, continues its tradition to recognise the exemplary contributions of outstanding individuals and organisations for their unwavering commitment and care in taking progressive action to championing workers’ interests and rights. In line with the May Day 2024 theme, "In solidarity, we take action because we care", NTUC is set to honour 42 organisations during the award ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 10 May 2024, Friday.
In this first announcement for NTUC May Day Awards 2024, there are 42 organisations that will be awarded under the following categories:
a) Plaque of Commendation (Star)
b) Plaque of Commendation (Gold)
c) Plaque of Commendation
d) Partner of Labour Movement
NTUC will be releasing the list of May Day Awards 2024 for individual awardees at a later date.
These organisations have demonstrated remarkable dedication in enhancing wages, welfare and work prospects for workers. They ensure job security for their employees through training and skills upgrading, support employees to achieve wage improvements so as to better manage cost of living worries, among other efforts. The organisations also advocate the importance of tripartism, a unique model in Singapore where unions, employers and the Government agencies collaborate to create positive outcomes for businesses and workers, fostering economic prosperity for the nation.
Higher Awards for Organisations
Among the organisation awardees, Makino Asia Pte Ltd and SP Group will be receiving the Plaque of Commendation (Star) Award, while Mediacorp Pte Ltd and Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd will be receiving the Plaque of Commendation (Gold) Award for their steadfast and enduring efforts towards promoting and supporting the Labour Movement’s initiatives.
SP Group, a Plaque of Commendation (Star) awardee, proactively revises the starting pay of new employees and ensures that salary ranges are in line with Progressive Wage Model (PWM) guidelines, and started a scheme that doubles the annual wage increments of lower-wage workers. The company collaborated with the Union of Power and Gas Employees to address mature employees’ concerns in the workplace, retain them, and introduce skills development initiatives to enhance employability of their workforce. These initiatives underscore SP's dedication to supporting workers in the areas of job and wage security.
Organisations Recognised for Advocating Interests of Workers across Sectors and Industries
NTUC also acknowledges organisations for taking progressive steps to implement strategies aimed at enhancing work prospects for both Professionals, Managers and Executives as well as lower-wage workers. These efforts include establishing Company Training Committees (CTC) with NTUC-affiliated unions, ensuring that workers remain adaptable to meet evolving demands as industries and businesses undergo transformations.
For example, Plaque of Commendation awardees, the Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, unionised under the Banking and Financial Services Union, demonstrates their commitment for advancing workers’ welfare and skills development. Through CTC, the Bank has digitalised their human resources system, implementing an automated record-keeping that eliminates high-volume manual tasks and reduces human error. This has resulted in increased efficiency and productivity. Bulls-Eye Security Services Pte Ltd, a unionised company with Union of Security Employees, transformed their business model, shifting from a manpower-intensive approach to embracing modern security technologies by leveraging CTC. The adoption of innovative tech solutions empowered security officers and contributed to wage increase above PWM.
Other recipients of the Plaque of Commendation Award also showcased their ability to stay ahead of technological advancement and industry trends. Go Ahead Singapore Pte Ltd worked with the National Transport Workers’ Union to launch CTC initiatives, addressing bus matters for employees and digitalising the clock-in process for bus captains, enabling them to benefit from career development and wage progression. In addition, they introduced training programmes for technicians in electric vehicle maintenance, foreseeing the transition to electric buses. Mount Faber Leisure Group, a unionised company with the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union, enhanced operational productivity and upskilled workers with the
implementation of new systems, including a ticketing system for better queue management, a cable car occupancy tracking system for improved operational planning, and an automated dashboard to provide data analytics.
For more information on the organisation award categories and the full list of 42 organisation awardees receiving the above awards and their citations, please visit: https://bit.ly/MDA2024-Organisation. You may refer to Annex A as well.
