SINGAPORE: The Labour Movement on Friday (Feb 19) announced it has submitted its nomination of veteran union leader K Thanaletchimi to the Special Select Committee of Parliament for the position as Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP).
The 50-year-old is an elected member of the NTUC Central Commitee and President of the Healthcare Services Employees' Union (HSEU). She was the "driving force" behind the merger of the National University Hospital Employees' Union and the Healthcare Corporation of Singapore Staff Union (HCSSU), which led to the formation of HSEU in 2006, said Ms Mary Liew, President of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Over the years, Ms Thanaletchimi has built good rapport and working relationships with tripartite partners through her various representations on national-level committees, according to the press release.
She currently sits on various NTUC committees representing diverse interests ranging from industrial relations, working women, mature workers, to membership, sports and the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute,.
"As a champion for all working people in Singapore, NTUC strives to take better care of our workers, be fair to them at the workplace and help them grow for a better future," said Ms Liew.
"Should Ms Thanaletchimi be selected as a NMP, the Labour Movement would have an additional voice who would speak up for workers’ interests and welfare in Parliament."
In response, the union leader said she was "thankful" for the trust and confidence that the Labour Movement has in her. "Should I be appointed as an NMP, I will continue to advance the interests of all working people on issues that matter most to them, such as jobs and cost of living, with a special interest and emphasis on women and improving healthcare affordability."
The previous NMP from NTUC was Mr K Karthikeyan, who was in Parliament between 2014 and 2015.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/veteran-union-leader-put/2529464.html
