Labour Movement Continues to Prioritize Upskilling for Workers
Singapore’s National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has successfully established more than 2,300 company-training committees (CTCs) over the past five years, helping businesses enhance workforce skills and boost productivity. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng shared this milestone in his National Day message, reinforcing the labour movement’s commitment to upskilling as a key priority.
Launched in April 2019, the CTC initiative focuses on job redesign and skill development, equipping workers with the tools to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving workplace. NTUC aims to set up at least 2,500 such committees by 2025 to continue its support for workforce transformation.
Ng emphasized that developing relevant skill sets enables workers to maintain an agile mindset, adapt to industry changes, and advance their careers. This, in turn, helps mitigate cost-of-living pressures that affect workers globally.
In collaboration with the government and employers, NTUC plays a crucial role in shaping policies that foster fair workplaces, support work-life balance, and provide protections for gig-economy workers. Recent achievements include the introduction of workplace fairness laws and guidelines on flexible work arrangements. Additionally, the government has announced a temporary financial support scheme for retrenched workers, further reinforcing NTUC’s advocacy for workers’ rights.
Despite declining union membership trends in other countries, NTUC continues to expand, now boasting over 1.3 million members. Ng reaffirmed the movement’s dedication to championing workers’ interests across all demographics, ensuring fair wages, improved welfare, and better career prospects for Singaporeans.
