More than 1,600 union leaders, tripartite partners, and guests came together for the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) May Day Rally 2026, an annual event to celebrate the contributions of workers across Singapore and reaffirm the Labour Movement’s commitment to stand with them through change.
Held at the D’Marquee in Downtown East today, the event was attended by Guest-of-Honour Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, who delivered the keynote address. The rally was hosted by NTUC President K Thanaletchimi, NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Ng Chee Meng, and members of the NTUC Central Committee. SG Ng also delivered the opening speech.
SG Ng’s May Day Rally Speech: Tripartite Jobs Council to support workers and businesses through AI-driven transformation
In SG Ng’s May Day Rally opening speech, he highlighted the Labour Movement’s strong track record in supporting workers through change. Noting the uncertainty and challenges ahead, he reaffirmed NTUC’s commitment to stand together with workers to overcome these and seize new opportunities.
SG Ng underscored that the strong spirit of tripartism shared by unions, employers and government has enabled Singapore to overcome challenges. The mutual trust and respect among the tripartite partners are more critical now than ever to address the varied and complex challenges brought about by long-term AI disruption.
He also highlighted that NTUC, together with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), had earlier announced its intent to form the Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC). The TJC will bring together and build up the capabilities of tripartite partners to better support workers in seizing new opportunities and navigating transitions with confidence, while building better businesses and better jobs.
NTUC continues to commit financial assistance, and more, for workers and their families to support better lives and livelihoods
SG Ng underscored that NTUC’s care for workers remains at the heart of the Labour Movement, and that NTUC will journey alongside workers through change and uncertainty. Beyond supporting workers through disruptions and transitions, he announced that the Labour Movement will commit a total of $37 million this year to provide workers and their families with practical help for their everyday needs.
The total amount includes but is not limited to the following care efforts to help workers and their families:
NTUC will continue to strengthen workers’ voices at work, help them progress towards better jobs and better livelihoods, and provide support for their everyday needs – because Every Worker Matters.
