Labour movement prioritizes flexible work for caregivers and engages youth as part of new compact, says NTUC Secretary-General.
SINGAPORE: Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) will take center stage in the labour movement’s new compact for workers, according to labour chief Ng Chee Meng. The Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) shared that NTUC will place greater focus on younger workers, a segment he described as “underserved,” and continue to address the evolving needs of the workforce.
In an exclusive interview with CNA, Mr Ng said that the labour movement has engaged with nearly 40,000 workers over the past year to understand their concerns and challenges. This engagement is part of an ongoing effort to ensure workers’ voices are heard as Singapore’s fourth-generation (4G) leadership shapes a new social compact.
“I think we are making good progress in the workers’ compact, but there will be some coordination needed as we finalize and consolidate the report,” Mr Ng explained. “We want to share this with our tripartite partners, both employers and the government, to ensure that workers’ concerns are factored into the social dialogue.”
Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)
FWAs are a key focus in the new workers compact, as NTUC aims to better define work structures and wages, especially for specific groups like caregivers. Mr Ng acknowledged the pressures faced by working mothers, who balance career, family, and caregiving responsibilities. He emphasized that flexible work arrangements should be negotiable and tailored to meet the needs of both employers and employees.
“We think that flexible work arrangements, structured and flexible, in a more negotiable fashion with employers where both sides have a good understanding of what FWA means, and how we can tailor needs, would be very helpful,” he said.
Mr Ng highlighted that the concept of FWAs remains a “grey zone” for many caregivers, where business obligations often clash with personal family commitments. He believes that negotiating better structures for FWAs would greatly alleviate these stresses.
Focus on Youth
The NTUC also intends to do more for Singapore’s youth, who Mr Ng identified as a key group that has traditionally been underserved. This includes young people transitioning from school and national service, who will form the future workforce.
“I think that, humbly, we have underserved this segment. In the development of the last 50 years, we have focused very much on workers in need, from the rank-and-file, to freelancers, and PMEs (professionals, managers, and executives),” Mr Ng said.
NTUC has already engaged around 10,000 youth to better understand their views. Issues they’ve raised include career opportunities, workplace adaptation, finances, and mental well-being. Mr Ng noted that NTUC is piloting the “career starter lab” to address these needs and help youths find their footing in the workforce.
Additionally, NTUC has been active in engaging inmates through its outreach initiatives. “We are also looking at how to facilitate Yellow Ribbon to help some of these brothers and sisters reintegrate into a productive workforce,” Mr Ng added, referencing the organization that assists ex-inmates in transitioning to life outside prison.
“We hope to do more than just hold conversations. We plan to take concrete actions as Singapore progresses,” he concluded.
