Ong Pang Boon
Singapore
“At the same time, our shoulders should be broad enough to accept criticism and even admit mistakes if need be, and be prepared to make the necessary changes. This does not mean pandering to the baser instincts of the people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry will certainly give every assistance to the villagers in clearing the debris, especially if they are left over by the contractors. I will appreciate if the Member can also let the Ministry know who are these contractors and we will prosecute them. CONSTRUCTION BRIGADE (Progress) 2.”
“The Ministry is now monitoring the results of the programme and is happy to note that there are some improvements in the cleanliness of our public toilets. It would prosecute managements of public toilets who fail to provide proper maintenance.”
“A comprehensive programme to monitor the air and sea environment in the vicinity of the Complex has been drawn up. Engineers and technicians from the Ministry and other departments have been sent for overseas training on the surveillance of petrochemical complexes.”
“The professional or other misconduct for the purposes of revocation must be of such a nature as to render, in the opinion of the Attorney-General, the notary public unfit to practise as such. This amendment is dealt with in clause 4 of the Bill.”
“All flats of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) including those at Blair Plain are rented out to employees on monthly tenancies and are not provided as part of their terms and conditions of service. These flats are therefore not service quarters.”
The complete record
Every one of 668 lines we hold for Ong Pang Boon, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 14.
“The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is: (a) 1,086 Housing and Development Board shops were built in 1977. (b) 286,256 flats and 8,662 shops have been built by the Board since 1960. (c) About 1.38 million people, or 59.4% of the total population, are living in HDB flats. (d) 145,128 flats have been sold up to 31st December, 1977. (e) 49,711 applicants for purchase and 12,625 applicants for rental were on the waiting list as at 31st December, 1977.”
“The Industrial Training Board recently organised a seminar on "Work Attitudes" with the objective of developing a set of guidelines, recommendations and other rele- vant materials for the eventual compilation of a formal instruction programme on proper work attitudes and values. Arising from this a "Blue Book" or Trainees' Handbook on Work Ethics and Proper Work Attitudes is being printed for institutional trainees. As mentioned earlier, the education process is a tripartite effort. In this connection, the NTUC has made a commendable and significant lead in holding the recent seminar on "Job Creation and Job Loss". The subsequent follow-up courses by its affiliated unions will maintain the momentum in disseminating the message of correct values and work ethics as well as skill development to the rank and file members. In time, social and economic forces will condition all the workers in employment to realise that while the Government spares no effort in promoting a healthy investment climate to increase job opportunities, the enhancement of job security and job prospects, in the final analysis, depends to a large extent on them - their willingness to give off their best, to learn patiently the skills required and to accept re-training and further training. HDB FLATS AND SHOPHOUSES (Particulars) 6. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communicatons (a) how many units of Housing and Development Board shops were built in 1977; (b) the total number of flats and shops built since the establishment of the Board in 1960; (c) the number of people now living in HDB flats; (d) how many of the flats have been sold up to the latest convenient date; and (a) how many applicants are on the waiting list to purchase and to rent fiats.”
“Members also have occasion to join the Ministry's efforts to this end by making similar exhortations. The National Productivity Board has been promoting vigorously the meaning, significance and benefits of higher productivity as well as the establishment of productivity committees and productivity incentive schemes. Its promotion of greater productivity is directed principally at managers, supervisors, workers and students in upper secondary classes and colleges and national servicemen. A display and training centre featuring productivity concepts and examples has been established and publications and audio-visual productions prepared. Programmes for dissemination of such productivity materials and visits to the display and training centre have been worked out and implemented. In addition, training in various aspects of productivity is being provided to the NTUC and its affiliated unions as well as the National Youth Leadership Training Institute. Where productivity committees are concerned, the Board has assisted firms to establish and run such committees. Publications on this subject have been made available. It has advised companies on productivity incentive schemes and scheduled in the near future a tripartite seminar to discuss merit and demerit schemes. Participation in productivity committees and the operation of productivity incentive schemes will contribute to a more responsible labour force. Schools and other training institutions are the most appropriate starting points for educating our youth in good work attitudes.”
“Sir, the education of workers on their responsibilities in increasing job security and job prospects is a new approach to meet the challenges in our social and economic development. Many factors come into play in this aspect of workers' education. These include correct work attitude, higher skill development, productivity consciousness and industrial discipline. Its success can only be assured through the joint efforts of labour, management and the Government. In the public sector, it not only involves the Ministry of Labour and its statutory body, the National Productivity Board, but also other Ministries such as the Ministry of Education and its statutory body, the Industrial Training Board. Being a process involving values and attitudes, it takes time to nurture and should begin in schools or training institutions before the aspiring workers enter the labour market. The Ministry of Labour and its statutory board, the National Productivity Board, have been playing an active role in the field of workers' education. The Ministry has sought to assure both unionised and non-unionised workers that there is social justice with industrial peace through its enforcement of the statutory provisions for labour welfare and against unjustified dismissals and retrenchments. It has also counselled' workers on numerous occasions to observe industrial discipline by not resorting to industrial action but follow proper procedures for resolution of grievances. It has also through speeches constantly stressed the need for higher productivity, skill development, positive work attitudes and curbing of job-hopping in order to overcome economic difficulties and in the process preserve job security and enlarge job prospects. I am particularly happy to note that hon.”
“Member for Khe Bong has travelled extensively abroad and must have seen how similar establishments operate in the West where labour is even harder to come by. We cannot afford to encourage less then optimum use of manpower in these establishments, especially when we are short of labour. This notwithstanding, we have assisted these establishments to some extent. As at the end of January 1978, the number of work permit holders who were coffee shop and provision shop assistants and restaurant cooks and waiters was 1,412. EDUCATION OF WORKERS ON JOB SECURITY AND JOB PROSPECTS 5.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our policy has been to issue work permits for work as bar girls and no skills requirement is imposed. Given the nature of the work involved, it is a profession which we do not want to encourage our girls to go into. The issue of such work permits, therefore, meets a desirable social objective. I do not think the hon. Member for Khe Bong is suggesting that we should be restrictive in our issue of work permits for work as bar girls so as to encourage more of our own women to work as bar girls. He may wish to know that as at the end of January 1978, there were a total of 943 work permits issued for work as bar girls. Our work permit policy is also designed generally to promote economic development through providing the required manpower. We are at present facing a tight labour market, especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Factories and construction worksites are of greater importance when compared to service establishments like coffee shops, small restaurants/eating houses and provision shops. According to the last available statistics, in 1973 the value added per worker for manufacturing was $12,796 when compared to $4,292 for coffee shops, $5,306 for restaurants and $5,000 for general provision/ sundry shops. Given their economic contribution and that the supply of foreign workers is not inexhaustible, Government must accord priority to factories and worksites. Coffee shops, small restaurants/eating houses and provision shops must adjust their operations to cope with the present labour shortage. Coffee shops and small restaurants/eating houses should employ more housewives as part-time help or provide self-service in their establishments. Provision shops should curtail their home delivery service. The hon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I, with your consent and the concurrence of the hon. Member for Khe Bong, take Questions 3 and 4 together as they are related to each other?”
“BLOCKS 74-77, NEW UPPER CHANGI ROAD (Covered footpath) 6. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether it is proposed to construct a covered footpath from the bus shelter opposite Bedok View Primary School, New Upper Changi Road, to Apartment Blocks 74, 75, 76 and 77, so as to provide shelter for the residents of those Blocks during bad weather.”
“In 1977 there were a total of 4,575 industrial accidents consisting of 53 fatal cases claiming a total of 57 lives, 135 permanent disablement cases and 4,387 temporary disablement cases. A breakdown of the industrial accidents and the number of man days lost due to these accidents for 1975, 1976 and 1977 are given in the table below. Tempo- Perma- rary nent Total disable- disable- No. of Annual ment ment Fatal acci- Man-days change Year cases cases cases dents lost (%) 1975 3,678 86 63 (67) 3,827 478,752 - 1976 4,053 141 58 (62) 4,252 457,152 -4.5 1977 4,387 135 53 (57) 4,575 434,628 -4.9 Figures in bracket denote fatalities, i.e. number of deaths. The Honourable Member will notice that there is a consistent fall in fatal and permanent disablement cases in the last 2 years. As for the amount of compensation paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act in respect of all work accidents, industrials or otherwise, a total sum of $13,883,289,07 was paid as compensation in 1977. The corresponding figures of actual payments for 1976 and 1975 were $11,290,743.47 and $4,874,247.23 respectively. It should be pointed out that these figures are payments of workmen's compensation actually made. They do not reflect all the cases for that year. The increases in 1976 and 1977 were the result largely of the upward revision of the quantum of compensation paid. The Honourable Member will recall that on 1 Oct 75 the new Workmen's Compensation Act came into operation which raised the maximum quantum from $21,600 to $35,000 for fatal cases and from $28,800 to $45,000 for total permanent incapacity cases. Separate statistics are not available on the amount of workmen's compensation paid out for industrial accidents. In future, such statistics will be available.”
“Figures on labour force in Singapore as at 31st December, 1977, are not available as data from the December 1977 labour force survey are still being processed. I would therefore supply in the following table figures as at June 1977 as well as comparative figures as at June 1976 and June 1975: ________________________________________________________________________________ June 1975 June 1976 June 1977 Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total ________________________________________________________________________________ No. of 586.5 247.0 833.5 600.3 270.1 870.4 616.3 287.6 903.9 employed persons ('000) No. of 22.7 16.8 39.5 24.2 16.3 40.5 21.6 15.3 36.9 unemployed persons ('000) Total No. 609.2 263.8 873.0 624.5 286.4 910.9 637.9 302.9 940.8 in labour force ('000) Average $378 $399 $426 gross monthly wage (employees only) ________________________________________________________________________________ INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, 1975-77 5. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Labour if he will state (a) the number of industrial accidents in 1977 resulting in (i) death; (ii) total permanent disablement; (iii) partial permanent disablement; and (iv) temporary disablement; (b) the total number of man-hours lost; and (c) the total amount of compensation paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.”
“Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill - [Mr Ong Pang Boon]. Bill considered in Committee, reported without amendment, read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Adjourned accordingly at Four minutes to Four o'clock p.m. to a date to be fixed. WRITTEN ANSWER TO QUESTION NON-PENSIONABLE ANNUAL ALLOWANCE 1. Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the administrative problems encountered in the past in the payment of Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance to both monthly-paid and daily-rated employees, if he will inform the House whether there will be policy changes in the payment of Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance for 1977.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased by the support for the Bill expressed by the Members for Boon Teck and Khe Bong. Sir, the Government has always believed that labour and management must work together with the Government for the social and economic development of our country. A necessary element in this tripartite policy is a vigorous modern trade union movement. The modernisation programme of the trade union movement started in 1969 was therefore supported by the Government. Last year the National Trades Union Congress proposed the establishment of a Labour Foundation. This was endorsed by the Government since it would facilitate the social, economic and educational activities of the trade union movement. As the Member for Boon Teck pointed out, the Foundation will in effect be a central coordinating body to channel funds from the NTUC and its affiliated unions as well as other sources to finance various projects for the interest of unions and workers and their families. Members might like to know that the financial position of trade unions has improved considerably since the Government implemented the check-off scheme in 1970. The Member for Boon Teck has said rightly that our unions have for some years sufficient funds to give effect to their objectives. The question of Government contributions therefore does not arise. The Member for Khe Bong has asked whether the Foundation would extend its welfare programmes to families of trade union members active in the fifties. Sir, this is a matter that will have to be decided by the Board of Directors of the Foundation. However, I have no doubt that the Board will take into consideration the contribution made by the old guards of the trade union movement when considering this question. Question put, and agreed to.”
“Three of the directors will be appointed by the Minister on the advice of the National Trades Union Congress, two others will be appointed by the Minister and the remaining two will be elected at the Foundation's annual general meeting. The Chairman and Deputy Chairman are elected inter se. Provision exists for one of the directors to exercise general administrative control over the Foundation's activities. Clause 12 of the Bill provides that the Foundation shall hold an annual general meeting once a year. Under clause 13, an extraordinary general meeting may be requisitioned by at least 100 members or one-quarter of the total membership, whichever is less. Such a meeting may also be called at any time that the Board of Directors deems necessary. Sir, the income of the Foundation will be derived from entrance fees, annual subscriptions, contributions and donations. Under clause 19 of the Bill, the income and property of the Foundation shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the Foundation as set out in clause 4 of the Bill and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus, profit or otherwise to members or directors. Finally, under clause 22, the Board is required, as soon as practicable after the close of the financial year, to submit to the Minister an annual report on the activities of the Foundation during that year and the Minister shall present that copy to Parliament. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.35 p.m.”
“It will grant fellowships and awards in institutions of higher learning for research into matters relating to the trade union movement. Mr Speaker, Sir, the salient features of the Foundation are already summarised in the Explanatory Statement to this Bill. Let me touch on some of the important provisions relating to the Foundation. Clause 5 of the Bill sets out the powers of the Board of Directors for the purpose of carrying out the objects of the Foundation. These include the acceptance of gifts, the obtaining of funds through contributions, subscriptions and fund raising, the borrowing of money and the investment of the Foundation's monies. The Board is also empowered to sell or purchase, take on lease or hire and lease out or mort age property. Under clause 6 of the Bill, the Foundation is to consist of such number of members as the Board may from time to time admit to membership of the Foundation. Membership of the Foundation will be open to affiliate trade unions and co-operatives of the National Trades Union Congress. Individual donors, companies or associations who or which are benefactors of the Foundation will also be eligible for membership. The Board of Directors has the power to terminate the membership of any member for such reason as it deems just or proper. NTUC affiliates and associate affiliates will lose their membership in the Foundation if they cease to be affiliated to NTUC. Clause 7 of the Bill provides that the affairs of the Foundation will be managed by a seven-man Board of Directors. The directors are to hold office for a term of three years and be eligible for re-appointment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Bill seeks to establish a body corporate to be called the Singapore Labour Foundation. Mr Speaker, Sir, the trade union movement in Singapore has expanded from the traditional role of bargaining for improved terms and conditions of service and fringe benefits to cover a wide range of activities in the social, economic and educational fields. These include the operation of co-operatives in areas like supermarkets, books, life insurance, dental care and home furnishings. The establishment of the Singapore Labour Foundation will further the development of these activities of the trade union movement. The object of the Foundation is the promotion of the welfare of members of trade unions and their families. The Foundation will also participate, aid and assist in social, economic or educational programmes and undertakings relating to the development of the trade union movement in the Republic. It will establish and maintain industrial rehabilitation centres as well as construct and run suitable premises for the use of trade unions and co-operative societies managed by the trade unions. The Foundation will also assist by way of grants, donations or otherwise any charitable, educational or other work, object or endeavour which will further the interest of the trade union or co-operative movement, not only in Singapore, but elsewhere. On the educational front, the Foundation will provide bursaries, scholarships and fellowships to children of members of trade unions which are affiliates or associate affiliates of the National Trades Union Congress. These awards will also be given to workers from the Republic and elsewhere who study or undergo training in Singapore in fields relevant to trade unions.”
“Sir,I beg to move, In page 2, line 18, to leave Out "such" and insert "the" Like the third amendment I moved earlier, this amendment is also of a drafting nature. Amendment agreed to. Mr Ong Pang Boon: Sir, I beg to move. In page 2, line 19, after "months", to insert ". except with the written authorisation of the Registrar". The need for this amendment is the same as that for the fourth amendment I moved earlier. Amendment agreed to. Clause 3, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 4 to 6 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Ong Pang Boon] Adjourned accordingly at Thirteen minutes to eight o'clock p.m. to a date to be fixed.”
“Sir,I beg to move. In page 2, line 17, to leave out "not to honour" and insert "honour any". Like the second amendment I moved earlier, this amendment is also of a drafting nature. Amendment agreed to,”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 16, to leave Out "in Singapore". The reason for this amendment is the same as for the first amendment I moved earlier. Amendment agreed to,”
“Sir,I beg to move. In page 2, line 11, after "months", to Insert ", except with the written authorisation of the Registrar". This amendment is to allow the Registrar to authorise legitimate recurrent expenditure of the union during the three-month period when its bank account is frozen. It has never been the intention of the Ministry to prevent the trade union concerned from meeting its legitimate expenditure such as staff salaries, rent, PUB and telephone charges. Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move. In page 2, line 10, to leave Out "such" and insert "the". This amendment is again of a drafting nature, Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move. In page 2, line 9, to leave out "not to honour" and insert "honour any". This amendment is of a drafting nature. Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move. In page 2, line 8, to leave Out "in Singapore". These words are redundant as the Trade Unions Act applies only to the Republic. Amendment agreed to.”
“This guideline has been adopted in implementing the existing section 16(1) of the Act. This is borne out by the fact that hitherto not all the unions which were served with notices of deregistration by the Registrar had their bank accounts frozen. The hon. Member can therefore be assured that the new provision in section 16(2) will not give rise to frivolous and vexatious investigation. The hon. Member has also expressed concern that the freezing of the union funds may be extended beyond the initial period of three months. I wish to point Out that three months will be a long enough period to establish whether prima facie there is a case against the union for improper use or misapplication of union funds. Hence, legally clause 3 provides for a freeze of three months only. As regards the question on new registration fee, the hon. Member knows that the fixing of fees will be a joint decision by the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Finance. Where the Ministry is concerned. I would like to assure the Member for Toa Payoh that we are proposing to impose a reasonable fee, Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Ong Pang Boon]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] 7.38 p.m. Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 3 -”
“The Member also expressed concern that the proposed provisions of section 50 might impede the growth of the NTUC cooperative enterprises. It is not the intention of the proposed amendment to impose any restrictions on sound investments. To do so would run counter to the Government's policy of assisting the democratic trade union movement to attain financial self-sufficiency. The proposed provisions in clause 6 will not affect the cooperative enterprises established by the NTUC because approval has already been given under the present paragraph (g) of section 48 of the principal Act for trade union funds to be expended on the promotion, organisation. operation and financing of such cooperative enterprises. Sir, the hon. Member for Toa Payoh expressed concern that the proposed section 16(2) might lead to frivolous, vexatious or malicious investigation of expenditure of trade union funds. There is no disagreement over the object of the new provision which is to safeguard the union funds in the interest of the rank and file members. The points raised by the Member concern administrative procedures in connection with implementation. Under the existing relevant laws, the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Police, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and the CPIB have powers to investigate into the use of trade union funds. The purpose of the proposed section 16(2) is to confer the additional power to freeze the bank account of the trade union while such investigations are in progress. Even if there is such an investigation, the freezing of the union's bank account will not follow automatically. Each case will be considered on its own merit. No action will be taken to freeze the bank account unless it is found absolutely necessary.”
“Lacking in organisational strength, they will not be protected by the bargaining power of a trade union. At the same time, they could not be expected to be subject to the exercise of trade union discipline. In this context, it will go against the spirit and intention of the law to extend the secret ballot requirement to the unorganised workers. The concern of the hon. Member over wild-cat industrial action by non-unionised workers is well taken. As I have mentioned earlier, a total of four strikes and 10 minor work stoppages occurred in 1976. Of this number, only two minor work stoppages were staged by non-unionised workers, despite the fact that 69% of the total of 713,200 employees in Singapore were still unorganised last year. This compared with two strikes and six minor work stoppages staged by union members without a secret ballot in contravention of the law as well as their own union rules. As regards the unorganised contract workers who were singled out for mention by the hon. Member, they seem to have little inclination for industrial action. This is borne out by the fact that during the past five years, out of a total of 36 strikes and 78 minor work stoppages recorded by my Ministry, none involve unorganised contract workers. There is therefore no compelling reason for any legislative action to be taken to deal with wild-cat industrial action by non-unionised workers. However, the hon. Member for Boon Teck can be assured that the Government will watch the situation closely and if the need arises, consideration will be given to amend the Trade Disputes Act whose provisions apply to both unionised and non-unionised workers to ensure that industrial harmony continues to prevail.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member for Boon Teck has suggested that the proposed amendments to, section 28 should also make it mandatory for non-unionised workers to take a secret ballot before embarking on any industrial action. The primary objective of enacting the present section 28 in 1966 was to prevent union officers from abusing their powers by calling industrial action without the prior consent of the rank and file members. Hence the requirement for a secret ballot to be conducted among the affected members. This will help avoid the bitter experience of other countries where strike actions are often imposed from the top. In this instance the secret ballot serves as a significant aid in fostering trade union democracy. It is not intended to curtail the right of a trade union to take industrial action. The proposed amendments to this section are aimed at furthering the democratic process in the conduct of trade union affairs by making it mandatory for the union members and branch officials to observe the rules and bylaws of their own union when they decide to take industrial action. In an important social organisation such as a trade union, it is only right that the member's right to vote for industrial action should go with the obligation to be bound by the union's rule. Since these provisions are aimed at fostering at trade union democracy and trade union discipline, they could not be made applicable to non-unionised workers. Until they are in possession of a trade union membership card, the unorganised workers who, by and large, are less well off than the unionised workers will remain, whether as a individual or as a group, outside the industrial relation system as regulated by the Industrial Relations Act.”
“Many of the unions invest their surplus funds in the NTUC cooperatives. A few unions have bought substantial amounts of shares through the Stock Exchange. The value of these shares has since declined. With most unions becoming affluent, an increasing number of them may yet invest their surplus funds in stocks and shares. As stocks and shares are not the safest securities for investment, some form of control is necessary to safeguard the use of union funds in this respect. Clause 6 of the Bill therefore seeks to prohibit trade union funds from being invested in securities except those approved by the Minister. Sir, I beg to move, Question proposed. 7.07 p.m.”
“The Government would be failing in its duty if adequate measures are not taken to safeguard the interest of the rank and file members in such funds, Clause 3 of the Bill therefore empowers the Minister to freeze a trade union's bank account, for a period not exceeding three months, if an investigation is made by the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue or the Director of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau regarding the improper use or misapplication of the funds of the trade union. In order to ensure that union officials under investigation do not tamper with union funds during the period when the union's bank account is frozen, appropriate amendments will also be made to Regulations 25 of the Trade Unions Regulations to deprive the union officials concerned of the power of using union funds until the investigation is completed. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, since the introduction of the Bill, the Member for Toa Payoh has expressed his concern to me that the freezing of the union banking account may result in hardship for the union concerned by making it impossible for the union to meet its legitimate expenditure of a recurrent nature such as staff salaries, rent. PUB and telephone charges. I am indeed grateful to the Member for drawing my attention to this possible difficulty and accordingly, I shall be moving an amendment to clause 3 to enable such legitimate recurrent expenditure to be expended subject to the approval of the Registrar of Trade Unions. The Trade Unions Act at present has no provisions to control the investment of union funds. Every registered trade union makes provisions in its rules empowering its executive committee to invest union funds in any manner as it deems fit.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, since the amendments made to the Trade Unions Act in 1967, the democractic trade union movement has gone through a dynamic modernisation process. The number of employees who carry union membership cards has now reached an all-time record high figure of 221,936 as at the end of 1976. Ninety-three per cent of these unionised employees belong to 51 unions affiliated to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Another significant development is that there has been an appreciable improvement in trade union finance following the introduction of the check-off system in May 1970. As 31st December, 1976 implemented by 39 NTUC affiliates whose assets totalled nearly $17 million. A total of seven of these unions have assets of $1 million or more. The assets of the richest of them exceed $4 million. We are fortunate in the Republic that there has been, by and large, no abuse of union funds in recent years. It is an eloquent testimony to the responsibility of our present trade union leadership. However, we should provide for proper safeguards regarding the use of union funds. At present subsection (1) of section 16 of the Act only empowers the Minister to freeze the bank account of a trade union after it has been served with a notice of deregistration. In practice, notice of deregistration is normally served on unions involved in activities prejudicial to national security and public order. No provision was made to freeze a union's bank account when only the funds of a trade union are under investigation. When millions of dollars are passing through the accounts of trade unions, there is a need for additional preventive measures to protect union funds.”
“Clause 4 of the Bill therefore seeks to remedy these defects. The Registrar is empowered to require any person who is acquainted with the illegal strike or industrial action to fully assist him in his investigations. Members of unions who are involved in such illegal action are also brought within the ambit of section 28 of the Act. In addition, it makes it an offence for any person, including paid officials and non-union members, to instigate or incite others to take part in illegal strikes or industrial actions. Under the existing provisions of the Trade Unions Act, a person who is under the age of 21, but above the age of 18, may be a member of a trade union, but he is not allowed to hold office. Representations have been made by the NTUC. SILO and PIEU, that this stipulation has handicapped the efficient running of trade unions in establishments which employ a large percentage of young persons such as the electronics and garment factories. An analysis of union membership reveals that there are at present about 1 5,000 unionised employees who are between the age of 18 and 21. If the present law is rigidly adhered to. the unions may not be able to find sufficient eligible members to stand for elections as office-bearers in certain branches where there is a high concentration of young workers. This would create difficulties in unionisation of establishments which employ a large percentage of young persons. The Government has therefore decided to lower the age qualification from 21 to 18 years for a union member to be eligible for holding office. Clause 5 of the Bill adds a provision to section 29 of the Act vesting the Minister with the authority to allow a union member who is below 21 but above 1 8 years of age to hold office in or to be a trustee of a trade union.”
“But industrial action in contravention of the constitution and rules of the trade unions will not in any way foster trade union democracy. Wild-cat industrial action would defeat the national purpose of more exports and more investments to generate more wealth. Non-observation of union rules in the conduct of any form of industrial action would erode trade union discipline. Without effective exercise of union discipline it would be idle to talk of increasing productivity and of creating employment through capital investment. It is desirable. therefore, to ensure that any form of industrial action initiated by a branch committee is conducted according to the constitutional provisions of the trade union concerned and with prior sanction of the Union headquarters. Under the existing subsection (1) of section 28 of the Act any strike or industrial action is illegal if it is taken without obtaining the consent by secret ballot of the majority of the members so affected. Subsection (2) of the same section makes it an offence for a trade union or the members of its executive committee to commence, promote, organise or finance such illegal strike or industrial action. These provisions are inadequate. The Registrar of Trade Unions has no power to deal with persons who, though fully acquainted with the illegal strike or industrial action, refuse to cooperate in his investigation. The Registrar is powerless to deal with ordinary members or paid employees of the trade union who not only commence, promote or organise but also participate in illegal strikes or industrial actions. He is also unable to take action when union branch committees take illegal strike or industrial action in contravention of their union rules or by-laws.”
“The Union then demanded that the workers should be paid full wages, inclusive of all allowances, due to them in respect of the week ending 20th February, on the following pay day which fell on 23rd February. The Union made this unreasonable demand knowing full well that it would not be possible for management to work out the full salaries of the 600-strong workforce in time, as the factory would be closed for the Chinese New Year holidays from 17th to 21st February. The management suggested two alternatives. The first was to pay the workers their basic wages on 23rd February, and the other allowances on the following Wednesday. The second was to pay full wages to the workers on 24th February and not on 23rd February as demanded by the Union. Both alternatives were not acceptable to the Union. The management then tried but failed to persuade all the three wage clerks who are also members of the Union. to return for work on 21st February over the holiday, so that full wages of their comrades could be worked out in time for payment on 23rd February. The Company finally decided to pay only basic wages on 23rd February and the other allowances on the following Wednesday. On 23rd February, the workers were accordingly paid their basic wages in respect of the preceding week, Some 60 workers then downed tools. The Union again claimed ignorance of any prior knowledge of the illegal industrial action. A third incident occurred on 4th March when the union members in two production lines staged a go-slow which cut the production of the affected lines for the day by about 30%. Sir, it is Government's policy to promote the development of a healthy non-communist democratic trade union movement, as an essential element in our economic life.”
“In many cases, the union headquarters or branch officials claimed ignorance of any prior knowledge and invariably attributed these to spontaneous actions on the part of the rank and file members. Ironically, these protestations are tantamount to an admission that the industrial actions taken were not only contrary to the law, but also in contravention of union rules. An illustration is the recent illegal industrial action in Metal Box Singapore Limited. The Company's employees are organised in a house union known as the Singapore Metal Box Workers' Union. On 1 5th February, 19 union members in the factory applied for a day's leave on 16th February, the day before Chinese New Year eve. The applications were turned down by the Personnel Office. On 16th February, these workers reported for work as usual at 2.30 p.m. for their shift duties which were supposed to end at 11 p.m, that night. But at around 6.30 p.m, all of them decided to walk out of the factory, although their request for early release were earlier turned down by their supervisor. The walk-out rendered two production lines idle. Union officers could have stopped the illegal walk-out. They failed to do so and disclaimed responsibility. In another incident, some 60 workers stopped work for 1 1/2 hours on 23rd February over an issue created by the Union. The circumstances leading to this illegal work stoppage are briefly as follows. On 14th February at around 4 p.m. the Union's secretary requested the management to advance the normal Wednesday pay day, which fell on 16th February, to 15th February. The request was turned down by the management of Metal Box because the notice was too short.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks in the main to take into account recent developments in the labour field as well as to consolidate the existing provisions governing industrial actions so as to further strengthen industrial harmony and trade union democracy. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, clause 2 of the Bill seeks to abolish the fee of $1 presently prescribed by subsection (2) of section 9 of the principal Act for processing an application to register a trade union and to provide that any such application shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed by the Minister. The $1 fee was fixed in 1941. It has become unrealistic in the context of present circumstances. The new fee will be spelt out in the Trade Unions Regulations. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the industrial relations scene in the Republic over the past few years has been stable and harmonious despite retrenchment and wage restraints consequent upon world-wide recession and inflation, This happy situation could be attributed to the close tripartite cooperation of the workers, the managements and the Government. A strong, patriotic, responsible and democratic trade union movement was an important asset. Union leaders as a whole were able to maintain a rational approach to the adverse effect of economic recession. Notwithstanding the overall satisfactory situation, a weakness in the industrial relations practice deserves our attention. I refer to the frequency of illegal industrial actions. In 1975, six out of the total 26 work stoppages were illegal. Last year, two strikes, six minor work stoppages and a go-slow action were staged without conducting a secret ballot to obtain the majority consent of the union members affected as required by law.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the 1st March, 1978, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my point is that that man can go about and maintain another establishment. Mr Teong Eng Siong(In Mandarin): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, concerning the answer given by the Minister of State, I am quite satisfied with it generally. However, I want to raise a supplementary question. I hope the Minister of State will answer it. He said that we should give priority to industrialisation. I agree. But in addition to being an industrialising country we are also a commercial state. We have other economies and commercial enterprises. Ours is a plural economy. In our commercial enterprises, of course, we need workers. If we do not have enough local citizens to work in the commercial enterprises we need to reassess the situation and allow non-citizens to fill the vacancies. The situation has changed and our employment rate now is high. Therefore, restrictions should be eased in order to allow foreign workers to work here in commercial enterprises. This is my first point. The second point is this. He just said that if we pay a higher salary to our local citizens, then we would be able to recruit them to fill those vacancies. But Government's labour policy is to restrain from paying higher wages in order to keep this State so as to be in a competitive position to attract more investments from abroad. So a higher salary is incompatible to our policy. Could the Minister of State explain?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that is precisely my point. If the man is sterilised, then no matter how many establishments he maintains, he cannot produce any more children.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am surprised at the ignorance of the Member for Khe Bong in this respect. Surely he must know that there are hundreds and thousands of cases of men keeping mistresses. They are not registered or legally recognised. Surely the Member knows many prominent people in Singapore who have kept more than one establishment.”
“I would have imagined that it should be the man for, quite apart from a simpler and easier operation, in our Asian society it is invariably the man who keeps mistresses and maintains more than one family establishment. In the specific case that the Member for Khe Bong has mentioned. I do not see why the man should refuse to go for sterilisation if he genuinely loves his wife and his two children and wants his wife to join him and to look after the two children.”
“It would have been better if the work permit holder can wait until he or she has worked for five years before entering into matrimony or if he or she can acquire the necessary skills to qualify for permanent residence and thereby approval for early marriages without having to undergo sterilisation. 7.45 p.m. Furthermore, I fail to see how the offer of sterilisation which will only be carried out after the birth of the second child can be inhumane when our own citizens are being asked to stop at two. It would appear that a kind and humane act to assist couples, who, either through folly or force of circumstances, have to get married early is not being appreciated. If the Member for Khe Bong is reflecting the general feelings of the great majority of the people concerned, the Members of this House included, and not just the selfish interest of the husband he is championing, then I am prepared to reconsider whether the offer of sterilisation should be withdrawn, in which case, I must point out that it will mean loss of job to the work permit holder and the separation of husband and wife and children. Now, the Member for Khe Bong, on behalf of the couple that he is championing, has asked. "Why not just sterilise the woman instead of requiring both parties to undergo sterilisation operation." The answer, I think, is quite obvious. To be really effective in controlling population increase, especially when both parties are young and in view of the high divorce rate, there is nothing to prevent the divorcee to marry again and raise another family. I am surprised that the Member for Khe Bong should advocate sterilisation for the woman only.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to supplement what the Minister of State for Labour has said regarding marriages between citizens and non-resident work permit holders and at the same time indirectly answer the point made by the Member for Khe Bong. Sir, when a citizen marries a non-resident work permit holder without prior approval, the Government's policy is to cancel the work permit of the holder and at the same time ask him or her to leave the State, as is what happened in the case cited by the Member for Khe Bong. Several MPs at that time appealed to me on behalf of those affected on compassionate or humanitarian grounds because, by asking the work permit holder to leave the State, it means the break-up of the family and worse still, if the couple concerned has already had children or are expecting a child on the way. The anxiety and hardship suffered are even greater in the latter case. It was in response to these appeals by some MPs and also numerous appeals from those couples concerned that a decision was made to offer sterilisation as the humane way out. This in a way will meet the national interest of keeping the population increase under control so as not to over-stretch our social, medical and education services while at the same time the marriage can be regularised and the family unit can be kept intact. I wish to emphasise again that acceptance of sterilisation is strictly voluntary and the operation is only carried out after the birth of the second child. Sterilisation as a way out of the couple involved is only offered after repeated appeals by the parties concerned and with great reluctance.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I have said just now, it does not make economic sense for the company to upgrade bargainable employees to the category of non-bargainable employees and pay them higher annual wage supplement unless there are good reasons for doing so. In any case, there are these provisions in the Industrial Relations Act for the unions to challenge the company's action in unilaterally reclassifying its employees from the category of bargainable to the non-bargainable. On the question of the half-day off for New Year festivals, I have said that where it is an accustomed fringe benefit then the workers should continue to enjoy the benefit. I think there are a good number of manufacturing companies offering their employees more than just half a day off. In any case, I shall refer the point raised by the Member for Boon Teck to the Minister for Finance for his consideration as to whether the half-day off for civil servants should be abolished completely.”
“In order to enhance the employment prospects of prisoners on their release, the Government has set up a statutory board, the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitation Enterprises, which provides specifically for the industrial and vocational training of prisoners. The objective of such a training programme is to instil work discipline in the prisoners as well as to promote their vocational skill. Prisoners are being trained in a wide variety of trades for their eventual employment in both the public and private sectors. My Ministry's Employment Service also renders employment assistance to every job seeker who registers with the Service, irrespective of their background. Introduction of registrants to prospective employers for employment is based strictly on their work suitability. In other words, an ex-convict seeking employment assistance from the Service is given the same treatment in job opportunities as the others. The Member for Anson has also mentioned that there were some marriage applications between citizens and work permit holders which were turned down, and that although appeals made by Members of Parliament on their behalf were not successful, subsequently approvals for their marriage were granted. I wish to assure the hon. Member for Anson that there are no double standards in the consideration of applications for marriage between citizens and work permit holders. The cases of subsequent approvals are those where the applicants later meet with our policy requirements, like the requirement of having to work for at least five years, or being skilled after having been trade tested by the Industrial Training Board. Sir, I think I have covered most of the points.”
“Notwithstanding this, all employers should exercise greater initiative to inculcate and motivate their work force towards greater harmony and increased output. The hon. Members for Anson and Paya Lebar have raised the subject of unscrupulous contractors and poor working conditions in the building construction industry. We are all aware of the tight labour market in this sector. That being so, it will not be feasible for a contractor to unduly exploit his workers without risk of losing them to another contractor. It is true that some workers due to the casual nature of their jobs may not be enjoying benefits like annual leave, rest day. CPF, etc. However, this is sometimes done with the mutual consent of both parties. The Central Provident Fund Act, for instance, lays down explicitly the liabilities of the employer and employee. Workers can always lodge a complaint to the CPF Board in cases of non-CPF payments where such payment is due. On the examples cited of some contractors withholding salaries, the Employment Act provides for the payment of salaries before the expiry of the seventh day after the last day of the salary period. Failure to do so is an offence under this Act. Again. workers can seek redress through the Labour Ministry. Cases of non-adherence to paid holidays, annual leave and paid sick leave can also be referred to the Labour Ministry for appropriate action. The Member for Anson has referred to job opportunities for ex-convicts. Sir, Government departments and statutory boards have in recent years adopted a more liberal and enlightened policy with regard to the employment of ex-convicts in order to assist them in integrating into society.”
“I would like to assure the Member for Paya Lebar that the Ministry of Labour adopts a flexible stand and has advised companies to accept medical certificates issued by Government medical officers even when companies have their own appointed medical practitioner. Furthermore, hon. Members would like to know that it is the prevailing practice in collective agreements to recognise medical certificates issued by the company or Government medical officers or in the case of a bona fide emergency by any registered medical practitioner. In the circumstances, it is unnecessary to amend the Employment Act relating to sick leave. 7.00 p.m. The Member for Anson has raised the issue of job-hopping and cautioned against condemning workers who change jobs for valid reasons, like adverse working conditions, distance from work, etc. The latter point is well taken. However, of equal consideration is the need for our workers to imbibe higher skills and competence and thus increase productivity. It is only through increased productivity that Singapore can compete effectively in the international market. If job-hopping especially among the younger generation affects overall productivity, then this habit has to be stopped. Most cases of frivolous job-hopping are due to lack of dedication and personal pride in job accomplished. This is compounded by the impatience for higher monetary rewards and rapid promotion. I have already informed the House earlier during the debate on the President's Address that to discourage job-hopping for frivolous reasons, the NWC will be asked to consider whether such employees should be deprived of the full NWC wage increase.”
“To do so, it means that a company has to constantly raise its productivity and this may involve either improved techniques of production, the introduction of new machinery, and sometimes reduction of the labour forces as a result. This is probably the only way for the company, or in the wider context the country, to survive and prosper in this intensely competitive world. The workers so retrenched can be redeployed in other productive activities and in the tight labour market like Singapore they will soon find alternative employment. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Member for Paya Lebar has called for an amendment to the Employment Act on the provisions covering sick leave. He has urged that in the event the medical report of a company's appointed medical practitioner differs from the Government medical officer's report, the latter should be accepted. The Employment Act at present provides for an employee to consult first the company's medical practitioner. If no such medical practitioner has been appointed, the employee can consult the Government medical officer. When a company has appointed a duly registered medical practitioner or has set up a medical clinic within the factory premises, it is only right that any employee falling sick should first consult the company's doctor. There are many reasons why this should be so. Firstly, the company's doctor can attend to the employee immediately should there be an urgent need for medical attention. Besides, the company's doctor would have the medical history of the employee and can make proper and correct diagnosis. Secondly, by providing immediate medical services productivity is maintained by curtailing unforeseen disruption of work due to illness of employees.”
“It has long been an established practice for Government where the exigencies of the service permit to allow the employees to take a half-day off on the eve of festivals, such as the New Year, This arrangement is subject to the condition that departments having business with members of the public have to keep their normal working hours and no additional expenditure should be incurred on overtime, Pre-festival time-off with pay is quite prevalent in the trade and services sectors. It could be regarded as an existing fringe benefit in establishments where such an arrangement has been in practice for some years. The Member for Boon Teck is well aware of Government's policy that there should be a freeze on the range and quantum of existing fringe benefits and that the bizarre ones or those which are not conducive to our economic growth should be discontinued. Therefore, there is nothing to prevent firms from continuing to observe pre-festival time-off with pay if such an arrangement is an accustomed benefit. The Member for Toa Payoh has referred to a case of retrenchment by a certain company in 1975 and in 1976 while at the same time showing profits. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not know the particular company concerned nor do I know the reasons for the two retrenchments carried out by this company. But it is possible that the retrenchment could be the result of over-staffing or better management and the introduction of labour-saving techniques, hence resulting in redundancy. If this is the case, then it makes economic sense to retrench the redundant staff so as to make its products more competitive. Mr Deputy Speaker, Singapore has to face intense competition for markets abroad.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the term "non bargainable employees" used by the Member for Boon Teck normally refers to managerial executives and confidential staff. The Employment Act does not cover persons employed in a managerial, executive or confidential position. The provisions in the Act governing the payment of annual bonus and annual wage supplement are, therefore, not applicable to them. Besides the National Wages Council has decided, as a matter of principle, that its wage increase guidelines are not intended to cover these categories of employees except those who are subject to collective agreement. They are excluded because their salary structure and promotion prospects and system of rewards are worked out competitively and applied individually according to performance. It is true that in certain small establishments due to the nature of the business or profession, the majority of the staff are in the managerial, executive or confidential categories. The common ones are the consultancy firms where the engineers or professional executives outnumber the clerical employees. But this situation is not present in the industrial sector. I do not think that the exclusion of the managerial and executive staff from the ambit of the Employment Act and the NWC wage increase guidelines would encourage employers to upgrade certain subordinate employees to the non bargainable categories with the aim of discriminating against the bargainable employees. Economic reasons would be a deterrent against exploitation of the situation, Besides, there are provisions in the Industrial Relations Act for trade unions to challenge the unilateral classification of non bargainable employees by the employers and for the Industrial Arbitration Court to rule on such dispute.”
“These statistics and their analysis are supplied to the two Advisory Committees for remedial action. These statistics are also supplied to shipyards and contractors. I might add that any employer or occupier should know the nature and causes of accidents in their own factories or worksites. They need not therefore rely on the Ministry for such statistics as implied by the hon. Member. However, his proposal that safety committees be required to keep standardised accident frequency and severity rates will be looked into by the Factory Inspectorate.”
“It is an unsafe practice to pull them up using metal scaffolding. The hon. Member for Potong Pasir can profitably enrich his knowledge on this subject if he acquires a copy of this report. In the case of shipbuilding and repairing industry, my Ministry, through the Advisory Committee on Accident Prevention in the industry, will work with shipyards to implement industrial safety and health self-regulating systems as part of their management functions. A consultancy team has been set up to assist shipyards in this and other safety problems. My Ministry is examining a proposal to set up an Occupational Safety and Health Institute to provide training, consultancy and research services. At present, training, consultancy and research are conducted on an ad hoc basis by different bodies. Therefore an institute to co-ordinate such activities appears necessary, especially as we continue to industrialise and meet other problems of industrial safety and health. A report submitted by an ILO expert on the matter is being examined by my Ministry. Finally, I agree with the hon. Member for Potong Pasir that one important technique of accident prevention is analysis of accident statistics. He complained that the statistical data in the Ministry's Annual Report lacks vision and does not allow employers and workers to pin-point the areas that need greatest vigilance. Mr Speaker, Sir, statistical data on industrial safety in the Annual Report is to give a summary picture of the situation in the year reported on. It is therefore general and not meant for use for specific safety measures by employers or workers. The hon. Member might like to know that detailed statistics on industrial accidents in construction worksites and shipyards are being maintained and analysed by the Ministry.”