Tripartite partners pledge to protect livelihoods in first joint May Day message
SINGAPORE — Ahead of Labour Day, the labour movement, employers and government have pledged solidarity in protecting lives and livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a joint media statement on Wednesday (29 April), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) urged companies to retain and pay their workers, transform their businesses and upgrade their workforce capabilities even during the difficult COVID-19 period.
“COVID-19 is perhaps one of the greatest challenges we have faced as tripartite partners, but we are well prepared,” they said in the media statement – the first time the tripartite partners have issued a joint May Day message.
“NTUC, together with the Government and SNEF, resolve to stay united and get through this together with our businesses and workers. We will help businesses stay afloat and be geared for the upturn when it comes. We will put Singapore and workers at the heart of everything we do and take this opportunity to build a resilient workforce.”
One-third of Budget set aside for job and wage support
Of the $63.7 billion Budget dedicated to fight COVID-19, more than a third has been set aside for job and wage support, said the tripartite partners.
They added that initiatives such as the enhanced Jobs Support Scheme as well as increased training support help companies retain their workers and workers improve their skills.
Beyond financial support, the SGUnited Jobs initiative, led by MOM and Workforce Singapore, is creating job opportunities during this difficult job market. Meanwhile, the NTUC Job Security Council is also helping companies match jobs in demand to workers.
Re-skilling and redeployment efforts are also being ramped up in sectors most severely affected by COVID-19, such as tourism, aviation, retail, and food services. SNEF is helping to re-skill and place unemployed older PMETs in SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) during this period.
Taking care of migrant workers too
The tripartite partners said that, while supporting local workers remains their top priority, they are also taking care of migrant workers who have “contributed to building up Singapore and carry out essential services”.
“During the COVID-19 outbreak, we will prioritise their health and safety. In addition, the foreign worker levy waiver and rebate measures will provide support for their employers to pay and upkeep these workers, and maintain their workforce to resume operations after the circuit breaker,” they said in the media statement.
The tripartite partners also urged employers not to lose sight of the longer term, and continue to transform their businesses and upgrade their workforce capabilities. In turn, workers must also do their part and adapt to the new norms of work.
The partners thanked the workers for making necessary work adjustments for their safety and health, as well as the help and care extended to one another among the workforce.
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