ST Forum: Why NTUC Works Closely With PAP

[Vulcann]

This is assuming the government of the day is still them.

 

What if they become the main opposition after a freak election?

 

Then it is back to the free-for-all old days?

 

It is too pro-ruling party a heading.

 

It should be "Why NTUC works closely with the government"

 

But that's just me.

 

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_645126.html

 

Why NTUC works closely with PAP

 

THE mission of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and its affiliated unions is to protect and advance the interests of the workers of Singapore ('Explain role of NTUC in politics' by Mr Ang Miah Boon; last Wednesday).

 

Having seen militant unions disrupt growth and destroy jobs in the 1950s and 1960s, NTUC believes that a constructive brand of trade unionism and tripartism remains the best way of serving our workers.

 

Since 1961, NTUC has worked closely with the People's Action Party (PAP) Government to grow our economy and strengthen our society. Our low unemployment rate and steady increase in real wages have not happened by chance.

 

They are the direct result of this shared effort between NTUC and PAP to enable our people to have meaningful jobs and lead a purposeful life.

 

Labour MPs give workers a voice in Parliament and make NTUC a more effective labour movement. As labour leaders, they are responsible to the unions, members and workers at large. They express the concerns and aspirations of workers and speak up for balanced government policies that are both pro-business and pro-worker. They also work directly on measures to benefit workers, such as re-employment of older workers and back-to-work women, re-skilling of low-wage workers and upgrading of PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians).

 

As MPs, they are responsible to their voters and the public, and contribute actively to nation-building. Currently, three labour MPs lead the Government Parliamentary Committees for Manpower, Education, and Community Development, Youth and Sports, having been elected by their fellow PAP MPs to these posts.

 

How many labour MPs we have depends on the quality of NTUC candidates. Labour MPs undergo the same stringent selection process as other PAP candidates. As NTUC nurtures promising candidates for selection by PAP, we also recruit potential PAP candidates who can contribute to the labour movement. Such a two-way approach has served our workers and union members well.

 

On this 50th anniversary of NTUC, it is timely to recapitulate this symbiotic relationship between NTUC and PAP. Together, we are partners in nation-building.

 

John De Payva

President

National Trades Union Congress

 

 

Lim Swee Say

Secretary-General

National Trades Union Congress

[Parkingidiot]

This is assuming the government of the day is still them.

 

What if they become the main opposition after a freak election?

 

Then it is back to the free-for-all old days?

 

It is too pro-ruling party a heading.

 

It should be "Why NTUC works closely with the government"

 

But that's just me.

 

 

I was thinking the same thing when I read the article earlier. I was thinking of posting a comment:

"If the government changes after this election, will NTUC continue working as closely with the new government?"

then we'll know their true allegience... whether it's to the people of Singapore or their paymasters...

 

[Vulcann]

It is so amazing that they are able to say it so bluntly that they are aligned to the ruling party. Granted their links go way back but the main objective of it's function is serve the workers & not the ruling party (note it is not the government of the day) I fail to see how is it that it can wear two hats at the same time despite all the statements of being pro-worker.

 

For one did they know the ground sentiments of their big paychecks? It is very diffcult for normal folks like us not to think of the conflict of interest "predicament" these so-called labour ministes/MPs are in.

 

Just my 2 cts.

[Kb27]

NTUC is PAP extension.

 

What's there to talk about ?

[Vulcann]

From today's ST Online:

 

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_646306.html

 

NTUC key to nation's evolution

 

THE connection between the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the People's Action Party (PAP) is a historical one and is part of Singapore's ongoing process of nation-building ('Why NTUC works closely with PAP' by NTUC president and secretary-general; Tuesday).

 

It would have been difficult for Singapore's evolution if the unions were fractured and run by disparate interests bent on scoring political points rather than focusing on the welfare of the country and its people.

 

Rather than have them as a large interest group on the outside lobbying the Government for change, a symbiotic relationship allows for labour interests to be represented and tailored within the administration.

 

If the PAP sees itself as a national movement, then it is logical for it to create a symbiotic relationship with the NTUC. The Democratic and Labour parties in the United States and Britain openly support union-backed candidates for high office.

 

How effectively those elected to political office serve the interests of the workers is another matter. In the case of Singapore, this can be worked through with greater ease than elsewhere.

 

The issue is not really about whether there are more labour candidates fielded in the coming general election compared to previous ones; it is whether the PAP, though in itself a non-ideological party, advocates clearly and carries out effectively policies grounded on labour and social values.

 

Sanjay Perera

 

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Many benefits

 

'My children who were born into this stable and prosperous society may not know of the contributions to nation-building by FairPrice.'

 

MR PATRICK SIO: 'The symbiosis between the NTUC and PAP has benefited Singaporeans in many ways ('Why NTUC works closely with PAP'; Tuesday). Though NTUC's reply did not mention the contributions by FairPrice, I remember that as a boy living in Commonwealth Drive in the 1970s, I used to go with my parents to Strathmore Avenue's cooperative store to buy rice. Over the years, FairPrice has taken over the role of regulating prices of rice and other daily essentials. My children who were born into this stable and prosperous society may not know of the contributions to nation-building by FairPrice.'

 

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Dual role

 

'Can people who wear multiple hats take an unbiased and objective stance for the Singapore worker?'

 

MR PIETER KOK: 'An effective labour movement should be independent of the ruling party. Suppose the PAP government wants to push through an unpopular law against the wishes of workers.

 

What would be the stance of NTUC secretary-general Lim Swee Say, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Office? Would Mr Lim act in the best interests of the Singapore worker or would he be influenced by the PAP government? Can people who wear multiple hats take an unbiased and objective stance for the Singapore worker?'

 

[Gearoil]

Freak result?

 

Opposition wins this time round?

 

Day dreaming is one thing....

 

GETTING YOUR RICE AND THOSE OF YOUR DEPENDENTS FILLED IS YET ANOTHER!

[Vulcann]

Freak result?

 

Opposition wins this time round?

 

Day dreaming is one thing....

 

GETTING YOUR RICE AND THOSE OF YOUR DEPENDENTS FILLED IS YET ANOTHER!

 

Agree.

 

With this first-world government, there is no such thing as a FREAK result..

 

Almost anything is carefully envisioned, meticulously planned & properly executed to the dot.

 

Only thing they cannot do anything about is freewill...

[KARTer]

Freak result?

 

Opposition wins this time round?

 

Day dreaming is one thing....

 

GETTING YOUR RICE AND THOSE OF YOUR DEPENDENTS FILLED IS YET ANOTHER!

whatever is being said... i will vote for opposition even if there's half a chance......

[Vulcann]

whatever is being said... i will vote for opposition even if there's half a chance......

 

Provided there is no walkover at your constituency bro