Workers’ Party Labour Day Message 2010
By Gerald Giam
2 May 2010 | 4,502 Reads | 7 Comments | 
Print
| 
Email
The Workers’ Party is pleased to note that the sub-prime crisis affecting Singapore is behind us and the economy appears to be on track to a healthy recovery.
The Workers’ Party is of the view that it is time for employers to reward workers for the sacrifices made during the economic crisis in the past years. The National Wage Council should review the current wage structure and propose an upward wage revision. The reduced employers’ Central Provident Fund contribution rate should also be restored.
It is noted that the Ministry of Manpower statistics show the employment situation has improved and the outlook is promising. However, the widening income disparity and upgrading of lower income workers to improve their skills and wages remain a challenge.
Although the government has pledged to improve the income of workers through a productivity drive and training, the workers must see real improvements in their employment prospects and incomes rather than simply being put on a treadmill of attending course after course.
Creating value-added jobs which will pay workers better is a key outcome of a successful productivity and training effort. In the long term, the only sustainable way to create value-added jobs is not just about enhancing productivity, but that of supporting continuous innovation.
To this end, having innovation and business incubators to house fledgling firms and ply them with ideas and contacts with financiers has proven successful in other countries to grow new companies and create jobs. For instance in the USA, at the University of Texas, the non-profit Austin Technology Incubator’s 20-year record grew more than 150 companies and created thousands of jobs. As Singapore’s economy moves, continuous innovation through new businesses must be supported, and facilitated by the government.
The Workers’ Party also notes that the conscious effort by the government to modify its policy and slow down the inflow of foreign manpower has somewhat eased the anxiety amongst Singaporeans. It has also reduced the tension and resentment on the ground. However overpopulation is still a concern. This is because it causes stress on our infrastructure and social facilities. Furthermore overpopulation also leads to unfair competition for the Singaporean Worker. WP will continue to monitor these issues.
In the midst of a positive outlook and relative optimism, the Workers’ Party salutes the Singaporean Worker who has again braved the economic storm and weathered the dark clouds by responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing world. We should move forward together as a nation towards a brighter tomorrow.
The Workers’ Party wishes all a Happy Labour Day!
Eric Tan Heng Chong
Treasurer
The Workers’ Party
—
Get my latest updates. Join my Facebook Page.
|
Email
I am a non-constituency MP from the Workers' Party. I blog in my personal capacity. 
May 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 AM
It got WP some coverage in ST, but I think the message is a bit weak.
Labour Day is a socialist tradition and is a day to examine the state of the ordinary workers and how far workers’ rights have progressed.
I think one should question the existence of the nwc to start with. Why should wage changes be “recommended” by such a body? Does any other country in the world have an nwc? In a free market economy, employers should be free to propose wages, while unions should be free to negotiate with employers. Why rely on the govt? Empowerment of workers to stand up for their rights is important.
Seems like not only WP, but also SDP, have called for “incubators”. Again, is it govt’s role to do this? Or should it be the private sector’s?
I also think the WP can take a stronger stand on foreign workers and overpopulation than just “monitoring” the issue. Even if it can’t change govt policy in parliament, the least it can do is to keep speaking out on the issue and making it a central part of its platform at the next election.
This is because it causes stress on our infrastructure and social facilities. Furthermore overpopulation also leads to unfair competition for the Singaporean Worker. WP will continue to monitor these issues.
Many other issues relating to workers, such as umemployment benefits, min wage, discrimination, etc are still unsatisfactory. Rather than a congratulatory message on the economic upturn, the WP’s stand and proposals on workers’ rights in these areas should have been the focus of its Labour Day message.
May 2nd, 2010 at 10:23 AM
It got WP some coverage in ST, but I think the message is a bit weak.
Labour Day is a socialist tradition and is a day to examine the state of the ordinary workers and how far workers’ rights have progressed.
First, I think one should question the existence of the nwc to start with. Why should wage changes be “recommended” by such a body? Does any other country in the world have an nwc? In a free market economy, employers should be free to propose wages, while unions should be free to negotiate with employers. Why rely on the govt? Empowerment of workers to stand up for their rights is important.
Second, seems like not only WP, but also SDP, have called for “incubators”. Again, is it govt’s role to do this? Or should it be the private sector’s?
Third, I think the WP can take a stronger stand on foreign workers and overpopulation than just “monitoring” the issue. Even if it can’t change govt policy in parliament, the least it can do is to keep speaking out on the issue and making it a central part of its platform at the next election.
Last, many other issues relating to workers, such as umemployment benefits, min wage, discrimination, etc are still unsatisfactory. Rather than a congratulatory message on the economic upturn, the WP’s stand and proposals on workers’ rights in these areas should have been the focus of its Labour Day message.
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:23 PM
[...] Day 2010 – Gerald Giam: Workers’ Party Labour Day Message 2010 – Singapore Alternatives: [NSP] May Day Message 2010 – Jacob 69er: {Videos} Labour Day Picnic @ [...]
May 10th, 2010 at 10:33 AM
[...] Day 2010 – Gerald Giam: Workers’ Party Labour Day Message 2010 – Singapore Alternatives: [NSP] May Day Message 2010 – Jacob 69er: {Videos} Labour Day Picnic @ [...]
June 26th, 2011 at 3:24 AM
You completed certain nice points there. I did a search on the topic and found nearly all people will go along with with your blog.
July 17th, 2011 at 5:14 AM
I would like to thank you for this delightful blog!! I throughly enjoyed every little bit of it. I look forward to seeing what else you post. Thanks
July 17th, 2011 at 5:50 AM
I want to thank you for this nice read!! I undoubtedly enjoyed every little bit of it. I plan to come back and review future content. Thanks