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Conference Chair
Distinguished delegates
This year, my country Singapore, an island city-state located on the Equator in Southeast Asia, celebrates its 60th year of independence. As a young nation, we have faced numerous challenges and crises. The Director-General's report resonated deeply with Singapore's journey, highlighting that our foundation of peace and progress has consistently relied on the same three core pillars of Jobs, Rights, and Growth.
First, regarding Jobs. Singapore, like many other nations, is navigating the challenges of global economic uncertainty. When the “Liberation Day” tariffs sent ripples through supply chains, our tripartite partners promptly established a taskforce to address the risks posed to key industries such as electronics and maritime. At the Singapore National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), we are committed to equipping our workers for emerging sectors through reskilling initiatives and portable benefits. We believe that job security today must be complemented by job mobility tomorrow.
Second, regarding Rights. In our efforts to enhance labour representation in Singapore, particularly with the rise of gig and platform work, the NTUC has been examining the need for legislation to better protect vulnerable groups such as platform workers, mature workers and lower-wage workers. I am pleased to share two pieces of legislation that were recently passed.
The first is the Platform Workers Bill, which was passed on 10 September last year. This bill aims to strengthen protections for platform workers by ensuring social security contributions for housing and retirement; financial compensation for work-related injuries; and a legal framework for worker representation. Reaching a consensus was challenging, but Singapore’s tripartite partners persevered and agreed that this legislation is the right step forward. It will take time to assess how this new bill addresses platform workers’ concerns, but we are prepared to make necessary adjustment as we progress.
At this ILC, the ILO will, once again, stay true to its mandate to advance social and economic justice by starting a double discussion on new instrument(s) to protect platform workers. These workers often face challenges such as poor working conditions, misclassification and exclusion from existing labour laws and social protections. The NTUC hopes that these discussions will result in a robust convention, supplemented by a recommendation, to effectively safeguard the rights of this new emerging group of vulnerable workers.
The second piece of legislation is the Workplace Fairness Bill, passed on 8 January this year. This bill strengthens protections against workplace discrimination based on age, nationality, sex, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language, disability, and mental health conditions. The NTUC wish to take this opportunity to thank its tripartite partners present today for their spirit of collaboration, which has fostered an effective social partnership ensuring fair treatment for all workers.
Third, regarding Growth. The NTUC is firmly committed to sustainable, innovation-led growth that benefits all. I am heartened to share that we have established approximately 3,000 union-led Company Training Committees (CTCs), with 400 transformation projects benefitting over 7,400 workers to date. These initiatives have improved wages and career prospects while driving productivity and workforce transformation. Our focus is not merely on growing the GDP but on creating quality decent jobs while helping companies transform for the future. This approach delivers shared success for everyone involved.
As we embark on the next chapter, the NTUC is prepared to collaborate with the ILO, within ASEAN, and with our global partners to promote a just transition, lifelong learning, and economic inclusion.
Together, let us advocate for a world where decent work uplifts communities, where workers' voices help shape equitable digital and green transitions, and where growth is inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind, because “Every Worker Matters”. Thank you.
