NTUC is an unusual Union?

[Isogallardo]

Chan Chun Sing said the unions in Singapore is unsual unlike their counterparts in the rest of the world! Do you agree?

When I first joined the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) a year ago, I never fully appreciated how “unusual” this organisation was. It was only when I first participated in the annual International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting in Geneva that I began to appreciate just how “unusual” we were.

Why “unusual”, and how so?

In most parts of the world, unions are seen as an anachronism of the past. Unionisation rates amongst workers in these countries have progressively declined as workers simply cannot find any reason to join them. This has resulted in many unions across the world, locked in an internecine fight over a shrinking pie with either their respective governments or companies, if not both. We, on the other hand, have been fortunate that our unionisation rate has continued to grow. This has been possible because of Singapore’s unique model of tripartism – where unions work together with the government and employers towards better outcomes for our workers.

In fact, in our many interactions with foreign MNCs, many were taken aback by our approach to working together; dealing with challenges; and perhaps most shockingly, to caring for our workers, including Professionals Managers and Executives.

Let me elaborate.

Firstly, they were surprised that we defined our mission as taking care of ALL working people, and not just the blue-collared rank and file workers. They were surprised that we saw it in our mission to help all workers, from rank and file to PMEs and even non-unionised workers in SMEs, to upgrade and stay competitive.

Source: http://goo.gl/bu6zKO

 

[Vulture]

who cares?????

 

[frenchbriefs]

unusual as in we are the only union in the world with our own brand of supermarkets,food courts and insurance.

 

[mojito]

Unusually good. Well done, Chun Seng!

 

[GoldenDragon]

It is unusual because nobody wants to emulate NTUC anywhere on earth. It is exclusive to Singaporeans.

 

[GoldenDragon]

unusual as in we are the only union in the world with our own brand of supermarkets,food courts and insurance.

...... and a safe haven for defeated MIW in GEs before the next GE. World class salary too.

 

[mojito]

It is unusual because nobody wants to emulate NTUC anywhere on earth. It is exclusive to Singaporeans.

Better the government run the unions than foreigners run their own unions in SG, no?

 

[Narong Wongwan]

Like the fake democracy we have here......
The trade unions are also fake ones.

 

[50000]

...... and a safe haven for defeated MIW in GEs before the next GE. World class salary too.

plenty of people officially employed by the NTUC linked businesses but doing grassroots and PAP related work.....

 

[GoldenDragon]

plenty of people officially employed by the NTUC linked businesses but doing grassroots and PAP related work.....

That is surely an incentive to lean towards the establishment. a businessman friend of mine once told me that it is okay if you don't lean on these people. Stay neutral. Once you are seen as the 'other side,' the bureaucracy will be watching you.

 

[Papsmearer]

Chan Chun Sing said the unions in Singapore is unsual unlike their counterparts in the rest of the world! Do you agree?





Source: http://goo.gl/bu6zKO

Kee Chiu is right for once. Other unions in the world really look after their membership and protect their jobs. While NTUC will collaborate with the PAP to bring in more FTs to still their member's jobs. They are more interested in profitable businesses. In other words, they are a Pte Ltd company masquerading as a union. I would call that highly unusual.