John De Payva
Singapore
“This explains why our trade unions have an ongoing membership recruitment drive. More members mean more leverage. We can speak with a stronger voice. We can get more companies to offer discounts. It is the same with GRCs.”
“Sir, I have mentioned about democracy and human rights because I know that no matter how the House votes today, there will be critics who say that the Government has changed the rules for political expediency. I do not share such views. I fervently believe that larger GRCs will serve the interests of the workers better.”
“Here is the bone of contention. Employers actually question whether they should really pay retrenchment benefits vis-a-vis the way the Act is worded.”
“So there are several positions that have over a period of time changed, indicating the progress of the nation, and several rank-and-file positions have been given executive officer and managerial titles. This puts the rank-and-file labour movement in a dilemma.”
“This is alarming, considering that many companies in Singapore are small. In 1991, there were 108,467 companies that employed less than 50 workers in each company. In 1994, the number rose to 129,031. Again, in 1991, 569,000 workers were employed in small companies. This figure rose to 581,815 in 1994.”
“On its part, the Government can help employers by granting generous tax incentives for workers' training. Sir, let me end by quoting what Mr Gary S. Becker said in an article on human capital and this was reflected in Business Week on Economic Viewpoint. I quote: `No nation can thrive in a modern world without investing in its people.'”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I also rise in support of the Bill. Any effort to enhance safety is always welcomed as a safer working environment will eventually minimise the number of unnecessary fatalities amongst workers. These fatalities are preventable if only more detailed attention is given to safety regulations and procedures. Experience has shown that without deterrent sentences being imposed, some management tend to give safety very low priority. Hence the provision in the Bill for a fine of up to $200,000 or a jail term or both, if two or more workers died on the job, is not excessive. Numerous seminars and forums have been organised by the Ministry of Labour, NTUC and other authorities, but yet some worksites fail to put in place a proper safety management system. In this connection, I would like to reiterate the labour movement's call to get all companies, regardless of their size, especially those in the heavy industry, to submit annual safety plans. We are of the view that such a measure would compel those managements with indifferent attitude to take the appropriate action to beef up safety requirements at their workplace. Would the Ministry of Labour look into this suggestion and consider implementing it? Of late, a major concern is the fact that most fatal workplace accidents involve contract workers, the majority of whom are low-educated and lower skilled. This group of workers cannot be ignored if we want to create a safer working environment. Legislation after legislation is not enough to maintain or improve safety standards until and unless people in the workplace are trained and committed to observe safety procedures.”
“Sir, would the Minister be in a position to tell us how many people in Singapore would be contributing based on the impending salary ceiling of $1,000? Mr Goh Chee Wee: With the salary ceiling of $1,000, it will cover about 50% of the workers. PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD (Termination of gas supply to older private housing estates) 2. Mr Goh Choon Kang asked the Minister for Trade and Industry why the Public Utilities Board has decided to terminate the gas supply to older private housing estates and how many estates are affected.”