Speech at The Asean Seminar On Tripartism and Social Dialogue and Measures To Address The Economic Downturn

Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary , NTUC Building

Senior Labour Officials and Tripartite Representatives from ASEAN

Officials from the ASEAN Secretariat and the ILO

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

2. A very warm welcome to the ASEAN seminar on tripartism and social dialogue and measures, to address the economic downturn. To our ASEAN friends and overseas guests, welcome to Singapore. We are pleased to be hosting our ASEAN friends again, after the successful conclusion of the ASEAN HR Summit and the study on labour practices in ASEAN countries last year.

Introduction

3. It has not been an easy year for ASEAN, its workers and employers. In Singapore, the impact of the economic downturn which started in the last quarter of 2008 was keenly felt. Retrenchments rose, and many employers and workers have had to implement various cost-cutting measures.

4. In these difficult times, Singapore's model of tripartite collaboration has served us well. In November 2008, when challenging times were set on us, the National Trades Union Congress, the Singapore National Employers Federation and the Singapore Government took an important step of issuing a set of Tripartite Guidelines on Managing Excess Manpower. The Government's priority was clearly stated in the guidelines -- cut costs to save jobs. We urged employers, employees and unions to stay united and share sacrifices which had to be made, in these uncertain times.

5. One year on, as the economy shows signs of emerging from the recession, it has been as important for the Tripartite partners to respond quickly again. Just earlier this month, the tripartite partners issued the Advisory on Managing Manpower Challenges for Enhanced Competitiveness & Sustainability. Employers who are no longer confronted with excess manpower can prepare themselves to manage their manpower challenges for the coming upturn by enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability, while remaining vigilant to threats which could undermine business recovery.

6. In addition, the Singapore Government also introduced the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience, or SPUR for short. SPUR aims to do two things. One, to save existing jobs by helping employers send their excess manpower for training. Under SPUR, companies receive substantial subsidies for course fee and absentee payroll. Two, SPUR aims to help workers who have lost their jobs find new ones as soon as possible. Through SPUR, we encourage workers to enhance their employability by undergoing relevant training, which will open up more opportunities for them when the economy recovers. As of end October, about 244,000 workers have signed up to upgrade themselves through SPUR. Of these, 152,800 workers have already commenced or completed training. About two-thirds (or 163,000) of the committed numbers are workers sent for training by 3,400 companies.

Downturn measures have borne fruit

7. Singapore's downturn measures, such as the Tripartite Guidelines and SPUR, have borne fruit. Jobs have been saved. Singapore's unemployment rate has increased but remains low, at 3.4%. With more workers training under SPUR, the quality of Singapore's workforce will improve in the long run. Coupled with recent positive signs of economic recovery, these downturn measures ensure that Singapore is likely to emerge from the economic downturn strengthened and ready to ride on the winds of the upturn. The trust, common understanding and shared purpose built over the decades enabled us to address the crisis with a united front. Singapore's tripartism has been further strengthened as a result of the downturn.

Institutionalising tripartism

8. We recognise that this tripartite relationship is a valuable asset that should not be taken for granted. We need to consciously sustain, institutionalise and build this spirit of tripartism. To do this, Singapore's tripartite partners set up the Singapore Tripartism Forum (STF) in 2007. The STF provides a platform for the government, unions and employers to table concerns and work together more effectively to overcome the complex challenges that we face today. To date, some 25 dialogues, workshops and seminars on topics ranging from addressing the downturn to re-employment of older workers to industrial relations have been organised under the STF banner.

9. In addition, just last month, the tripartite partners launched the Tripartite Leadership Programme (TLP) to inculcate the spirit of tripartite collaboration among the future leaders of the government, unions and employers. The TLP aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the work of other tripartite partners and build capability in the areas of leadership and industrial relations. The first batch of TLP participants visited Vietnam earlier this month to find out more about its model of tripartite collaboration. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Vietnam Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their warm hospitality and generous sharing. My colleagues from the Ministry of Manpower and their tripartite counterparts gained many insights into the workings and best practices of tripartism and industrial relations from our Vietnam counterparts.

ASEAN projects to enhance labour practices are on track

10. Tripartism and social dialogue have been key factors in enabling ASEAN countries to address the downturn. We can certainly learn from the experiences of all of the experts present today and moving forward, we can tap on the synergies among the social partners. Along with this seminar, as a titular member of the ILO Governing Body for the ASEAN region, Singapore is pleased to inform this gathering that all the 13 ASEAN projects targeted at enhancing labour practices in the region are on track. These collaborative projects include the ASEAN HR Conference, which will be hosted by Vietnam next year. Other projects are in the areas of social security, industrial relations, skills development and networking, skills recognition, labour law, labour statistics, decent work and corporate social responsibility.

11. I would like to express our appreciation for the support of the ILO in these projects. It is a clear demonstration of the progress in cooperation between ASEAN and the ILO. I would also like to thank the ASEAN Secretariat for their support for these projects.

Building an ASEAN Economic Community

12. At the conclusion of the APEC meetings held a few weeks ago in Singapore, leaders of 21 economies throughout the Asia-Pacific declared their intent to “ensure a durable recovery that will create jobs and benefit our people” and to accelerate regional economic integration. At the inaugural ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting held here that same week, US President Barack Obama signaled his support for regional efforts initiated by ASEAN to address the impact of the global financial and economic crisis in the region.

13. It is clear that our shared vision of an integrated ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 is an important and relevant one. As we continue to strive towards this vision, I hope to see more events like this seminar, dialogues and exchanges thrive in our ASEAN family. Such events will help to strengthen tripartite understanding and build HR capability in the region. They will contribute to making ASEAN a more favourable environment for foreign investment, bringing about sustained, inclusive economic growth and job creation for the benefit of the whole region.

14. On this note, I wish all delegates a fruitful Seminar and a pleasant stay in Singapore. Thank you.

Factsheet on Tripartite Leadership Programme (9 Kb)