DPM Heng affirms continuation of PAP-NTUC relationship; WP calls for more help for older PMETs
SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has affirmed on Wednesday (1 May) at the May Day Rally that the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) will continue its “close and symbiotic relationship” with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) into its next generation of leaders and beyond.
Speaking at Downtown East to an audience of about 1,600 people including union leaders and tripartite partners, DPM Heng said, “The NTUC and the PAP have always been committed to uplifting all our workers. We are committed to do this because we believe we are all in this together.
“Whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a worker or a manager, whether you are an employer or a unionist – each of us owes a duty to care for, support and sustain one another. This is how we keep our country together... We must leave no one behind.”
Key strategy of lifelong learning
Amid rapid technological advances, the changing workforce profile and sharper global competition, the challenge of not leaving any Singaporean worker behind has become tougher, said DPM Heng.
The Singapore government’s key strategy of lifelong learning is one way of making sure that workers are prepared for jobs in the future, as DPM Heng said, “We must make sure that technological advancements help workers do their jobs better – not replace them.”
This was Heng’s first speech as Deputy Prime Minister, on the very first day of his new appointment. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had announced the Cabinet changes last month, with former DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam moving on to Senior Minister positions.
It was also the first time the May Day Rally keynote address was made by a deputy prime minister since 2003, when PM Lee had spoken in his capacity as then-DPM.
Extra funding support for firms to train workers
DPM Heng also announced in his address that unionised companies will be able to tap an extra 10 per cent in funding support through the Enterprise Development Grant, if they work with unions to train workers as jobs transform.
This will be provided from 1 April 2020 by NTUC. The grant currently provides up to 70 per cent of project costs for companies to upgrade, innovate and venture overseas.
“The PAP treasures its relationship with the NTUC because the NTUC is pro-worker,” DPM Heng said. “It remains committed to the self-respect of every working man and woman, and believes that the purpose of economic development is to improve the lives of all in the workforce.
“The Labour Movement can be assured that the PAP will never abandon the working man and woman.”
Workers’ Party calls for level playing field
Meanwhile, the Workers’ Party (WP) has called for more help for older PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) in its May Day message on Wednesday.
It highlighted statistics showing that 76 per cent of all locals retrenched last year were PMETs, and almost 68 per cent of all retrenched workers were 40 and older. At the same time, PMETs are facing renewed competition from mid-skilled foreign workers, with the number of foreign S Pass holders growing by 11,100 in 2018.
WP has called on the government to provide a level playing field for Singaporeans to compete for jobs with foreigners. It said, “All Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass (SP) applicants should be subject to an Education Credential Assessment to ensure that their certificates are genuine. Enforcement of salary floors for EPs and SPs should be stringent.”
Other suggestions by the WP on helping the older PMETs include abolishing the retirement age and having stronger social safety nets.
“The economic disruptions that many workers face are not unique to Singapore. Governments around the world ignore workers’ grievances at their peril,” the WP statement said.
“The Workers’ Party wants Singapore to remain an open, global, trading nation, but one which fiercely protects the welfare of Singaporean workers, including PMETs. This is the only way to foster the social solidarity that is so vital for a strong and united Singapore.”
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