Tripartism must always be a ‘stabilising and anchoring force’ for Singapore: PM Lee at May Day Rally

Noting that the firms are led by women, Mr Lee said: “Maybe that is exactly what we need to drive change. It shows how much talent and potential we have in our workforce.”

Companies like the three firms – a precision engineering firm, recycling and waste management firm and traditional Chinese medicine firm – working with unions to transform businesses happens in “very few” countries, he said.

“Only in Singapore and only thanks to the NTUC. This is tripartism in practice, a huge competitive advantage for Singapore,” he said.

He added that he deeply appreciates the contributions of the labour movement.

“It represents the interests of a broad range of workers, beyond the traditional rank and file. It helps bring Singaporeans together, so that people know they are not alone,” he said.

LABOUR A PERMANENT CONSTRAINT

Labour will be a permanent constraint for Singapore, Mr Lee said, adding that the upcoming tripartite guidelines on flexible work arrangements will help respond to these trends.

While it will involve some “adjustments” and require discipline from both employers and employees, if implemented well, the arrangements will allow more people, especially mothers and caregivers, to continue working, and achieve work-life harmony, the Prime Minister said.

There may also be other benefits such as less peak-hour travel and congestion and a boost to the total fertility rate, he said.  

As he concluded his speech, the imperative for business and workforce transformation has “never been stronger”.

Singapore is emerging from the pandemic into a world that has not only been altered by COVID-19 but threatened by significant security challenges, he noted.

Singapore can feel the headwinds, even as it senses new opportunities opening up. “For us, change and transformation is an an unending task, as we continually reinvent ourselves to maintain our place in the world.”

However, having fought COVID-19 together, Singapore can be confident of overcoming these challenges and making the most of the chances that come its way, he said.

“The Government will do our part to safeguard our national interests. We will work with Singaporeans to find the best way forward. We’ll continue to cooperate closely with the labour movement to invest in every worker, to look after every worker, to uplift every worker,” he said.

He urged employers to grow their businesses and nurture their workers so that they can give their best in their jobs.

The NTUC must remain a strong institution, working shoulder to shoulder with the Government to secure the trust of the people, he said.

“This is the symbiotic relationship that has served Singapore well since our founding and together, let us keep Singapore safe and thriving for many generations to come.”.