The unique Singapore Tripartite
-
Where is the “unique Singapore advantage” to protect our workers?
By Andrew Loh
If one were to follow – and believe – what the Labour Chief and the Manpower Ministry say, one would be inclined to think that the unemployment situation here in Singapore is “not as bad as feared”, as one Straits Times report put it.
In the past few months, the picture painted was, at the very least, a hopeful one. Indeed, Ministers have been consistent in asking Singaporeans to be positive. Labour Chief Lim Swee Say, in particular, has been trumpeting the so-called “tripartite” relationship between the government, the unions and employers. “In Singapore we have tripartism, and the tripartism has served us very well,” he said in January this year. “It is a unique advantage, so as we go through this downturn, our challenge is to continue to unleash this unique Singapore advantage.” (Source)
It seems that even “unleashing this unique Singapore advantage” has not stopped the tide of retrenchments. Three months after Mr Lim made that statement, the Today paper reported that unemployment in Singapore had reached record levels not seen in six years.
To read on: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/05/where-is-the-unique-singapore-advantage-to-protect-our-workers/
-
actually... is it that bad? how many percent of your friends get retrenched? come, share share...
-
hey u need to do some hanging around lol ....the rate at 4.8% u know.
My friend at this subsidiary of GM, 250 plus pple were retrenched. Stanchart sg retrenched 200 plus. What i've heard from friends in those company so far.
-
Do we need to wait till our friends become retrenched before acknowledging the problem is at our door ?
If that is the trend of this generation of Singaporeans, is it any wonder that even the youthful and inexperienced PM can calmly state - “Unemployment Rate in Singapore – May 2009 climb from 3.7 percent – and may rise to about 5 percent even as the economy develops”
In response to the 1987 and 1997 economic downturns, there were separate Economic Review Committee set up during those respective years that collated reports from several sub-committees.
On both occasions, both set of ERC had submitted recommendations for the Government to release the vast sum of CPF to Singaporeans that will provide capital for enterprising Singaporeans to set up new businesses.
It was reported that a strong local enterprise environment - that caters to local demands - can complement and even support the MNCs, which will also lead to a vibrant employment condition that is less wage sensitive.
The ERC reported that too much of our money is locked up in the CPF - as well as too many regulations exist - that prevent local enterprise to take shape.
While regulations have been relaxed that saw HDB homes being allowed to be used as registered business addresses - (with safeguards from being seized as recoverable assets in failed businesses) - the government ignored the other recommendations for relaxation in the hoarding of cash into the CPF.
The Government has been treating Singaporeans as economic digits to fit into the industrial cogs that they planned to combined with foreign MNCs, and has no plans to build creative and independently enterprising Singaporeans to be successful.
Singaporean workers could have been helped to be less dependent on MNCs for employment by providing "micro-loans for Singapore enterprises" - ‘instead of starting such financial schemes in China’.
For more ways to protect Singaporean Workers - try reading up on CSJ book - "Your Future, My Faith, Our Freedom" published in 2001.
The Foreword of the book reads as follow:
"Like all good fairy tales, the Singapore Story as narrated by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), needs to be read with a generous measure of make-believe and fantasy. Touted as the 'Boston of the East', 'Intelligent Island', and a hub for everything from the liberal arts to the life sciences, Singapore is held up as the model for developing countries, especially autocratic ones. Singaporeans continue to be told that they can ride into a secure and prosperous future only if they stick with the PAP rule.
'Your Future, My Faith, Our Freedom' scoops away the public-relations puff and examines the going-ons behind the facade. It finds a startling and disturbing reality. Questions about the sustainability of a system that exploits rather than inspires, subjugates rather than serves are beginning to surface. The economy, social security system, distribution of wealth, and society in general are starting to creak under the weight of four decades of authoritarian rule.
Why has Singapore's economy become so shaky? Why is the CPF system in such a mess? Is the problem of income disparity more serious than the PAP lets on? The book analyses these questions and argues that without democratic reform, Singapore is headed for an increasingly troubled future. It calls for Singaporeans to heed the unmistakable signs of a weary and waning system, and makes vital proposals for an alternative, democratic one. It is essential reading not only for Singaporeans, but also for those who seek to understand better the Singapore system.
Fairy tales also make good bedtime stories. Unfortunately, this is not a time for Singaporeans to become somnolent."
The above was written in Year 2001 - and with the years passing to the ninth year, Singapore continue to be in the doldrum.
-
Originally posted by Rock^Star:
Where is the “unique Singapore advantage” to protect our workers?
By Andrew Loh
If one were to follow – and believe – what the Labour Chief and the Manpower Ministry say, one would be inclined to think that the unemployment situation here in Singapore is “not as bad as feared”, as one Straits Times report put it.
In the past few months, the picture painted was, at the very least, a hopeful one. Indeed, Ministers have been consistent in asking Singaporeans to be positive. Labour Chief Lim Swee Say, in particular, has been trumpeting the so-called “tripartite” relationship between the government, the unions and employers. “In Singapore we have tripartism, and the tripartism has served us very well,” he said in January this year. “It is a unique advantage, so as we go through this downturn, our challenge is to continue to unleash this unique Singapore advantage.” (Source)
It seems that even “unleashing this unique Singapore advantage” has not stopped the tide of retrenchments. Three months after Mr Lim made that statement, the Today paper reported that unemployment in Singapore had reached record levels not seen in six years.
To read on: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/05/where-is-the-unique-singapore-advantage-to-protect-our-workers/
the worst part of all is that whenever MNC said i am moving out. Sg labor and Govt body squeezes their own belt.With all the top top talent in SG Govt no a single proposal to built more SG incorporated.
Very soon SG will be a classical example of over expliotation of its citizens.
-
Originally posted by Arapahoe:
the worst part of all is that whenever MNC said i am moving out. Sg labor and Govt body squeezes their own belt.With all the top top talent in SG Govt no a single proposal to built more SG incorporated.
Very soon SG will be a classical example of over expliotation of its citizens.
This was the stand of the SDP as early as in 1996 - and in CSJ's first book in 1992 - "Dare to Change".
He had written about PAP over-dependence on MNC to drive Singapore economy forward, and in the process has forced workers wages in Singapore to comply with the MNC demands.
-
and recently there's a lot of news about the PM asking singaporeans not to be choosy, to take a job that comes along etc etc.
Too much of it feels to me like they are just trying to reduce the unemployment figures.
-
Originally posted by Atobe:
This was the stand of the SDP as early as in 1996 - and in CSJ's first book in 1992 - "Dare to Change".
He had written about PAP over-dependence on MNC to drive Singapore economy forward, and in the process has forced workers wages in Singapore to comply with the MNC demands.
Thats why we have the uniquely Singapore advantage known as the tripartism for the companies, labour unions and government to work in tandem to discuss issues relating to the Singporean workers.
-
Originally posted by TooFree:
Thats why we have the uniquely Singapore advantage known as the tripartism for the companies, labour unions and government to work in tandem to discuss issues relating to the Singporean workers.
3 in one? More like corporates, corporates and corporates. Only one type actually.
-
Originally posted by TooFree:
Thats why we have the uniquely Singapore advantage known as the tripartism for the companies, labour unions and government to work in tandem to discuss issues relating to the Singporean workers.
Discuss ?Yes, alot to discuss by the President of the Singapore Employer Association, the Sec-General from NTUC - who is a PAP Minister without Portfolio, and the Manpower Minister.
The second tier discussion by representatives from the Tripartite Arrangement is a mere formal wayang kulit show to give the impression of "discussion" taking place.
The outcome has already been clearly decided at Tier ONE - do you think that is any serious discussion taking place ?
If serious discussions had taken place to represent the REAL VOICE of Singaporeans, do you think that there will be continuous moanings of the inability to meet with the high costs of living ?
What is taking place at the NWC discussion is a political model from the two tier system designed by LKY that protect the political freedom of the elites to make decisions without hindrance.
It exist in the PAP - where the larger membership has no say on who forms the CEC that rule the party.
It exist in the two tier arrangement to pacify Singaporean's hunger for political involvment with the creation of the Town Council Election that allow Singaporeans to be involved in the daily management of events that affect our living environment; but neutralised our demand for a voice on National Matters.
Don't take what you see too seriously in Singapore.
-
Retrain and retrain so much for low wage jobs.
And you might not even get the job because a foreign worker can work for lesser than you.
Haiz.
-
Yeh like the hotel director who retrained so that he can be fulfill his passion for books as a librarian? Wow people like that are cool! More singaporeans should follow his example.
-
Originally posted by charlize:
Retrain and retrain so much for low wage jobs.
And you might not even get the job because a foreign worker can work for lesser than you.
Haiz.
Dear Charlize,interesting perception of re-training.
You might have a point there:
1. Before retrenchment, many years of experience in skill A.
2. With competition from cheaper (but not cheap) foreigner, some got retrenched.
3. After retrenched, employer see his resume, check the age (some may do this), and skip the rest of the resume and pick up another resume of a younger same skill A foreigner. This is possible.
4. This retrenched local tries to switch line and pay (marginally or in full) for a new course. After jobless and pay and study for months, passed.
5. He applies for new line of work , as Freshie with cert. Employer repeats the same way of resume filtering.
6. What is the point of retraining in this hypothetical but possible scenario?
The bottom line IS the bottom line.
When there is freedom to choose from any of the numerous foreigners queueing up to live here, work here, many young ones for the picking, cheaper too, no need perm headcount also, contract short term also can, no committments if not less of them, single some more, no need CPF overhead somemore.
Even true blooded singaporean employers appreciate the pro-business model and employ many FT and appreciate the savings and more income to his pocket for his next self indulgence.
So, do people see the bottom line I am talking about?
-
Originally posted by likedatosocan:
Dear Charlize,interesting perception of re-training.
You might have a point there:
1. Before retrenchment, many years of experience in skill A.
2. With competition from cheaper (but not cheap) foreigner, some got retrenched.
3. After retrenched, employer see his resume, check the age (some may do this), and skip the rest of the resume and pick up another resume of a younger same skill A foreigner. This is possible.
4. This retrenched local tries to switch line and pay (marginally or in full) for a new course. After jobless and pay and study for months, passed.
5. He applies for new line of work , as Freshie with cert. Employer repeats the same way of resume filtering.
6. What is the point of retraining in this hypothetical but possible scenario?
The bottom line IS the bottom line.
When there is freedom to choose from any of the numerous foreigners queueing up to live here, work here, many young ones for the picking, cheaper too, no need perm headcount also, contract short term also can, no committments if not less of them, single some more, no need CPF overhead somemore.
Even true blooded singaporean employers appreciate the pro-business model and employ many FT and appreciate the savings and more income to his pocket for his next self indulgence.
So, do people see the bottom line I am talking about?
My view is that in singapore 's situation, the common singaporean is screwed because no matter how much additional retraining they go through, there will always be a foreign worker equally skilled who will work for a wage that is less than what the singaporean can work for.
If the singaporean worker reduces his wage rate to match that of the foreign worker, the foreign worker will adjust her wage even lower.
Hence wages will keep getting depressed until a level whereby it makes no sense - low salary doesn't even cover the basic costs of living, accomodation, retirement needs, childrens' schooling etc. (that's when people say the singapore worker is choosy)
-
If you would have notice, employers not only have to go through the hassle of employing a foreign workers by applying for their permits, seek to their housing needs as well as to abide by the tough MOM legislation. If all these minor costs doesn't add up much, certainly meeting a certain dependency quota of hiring Singaporeans first before they are allowed to hire a foreign worker would certainly hurt their bottom line!
-
The attitude of most local businesses in hiring more foreign workers is that - when profit margins can be increased through a larger volume of business conducted due to more hands being available - the additional costs and inconveniences are tolerable.
There are many ways to circumvent the quota-ratio in the number of Singaporeans to Foreign Workers hired.
If the Manpower Ministry should vigorously check the accuracy of the information given during the application by successful businesses in engaging foreign workers, it will probably result in the Singapore economy becoming punctured.
This is similar to the Traffic Police vigorously enforcing the traffic rule of 70 kmh speed limit on all Singapore roads - unless otherwise indicated - can the Singapore Economy survive the speed of 70 kmh ?
If it had not been drivers taking the risk to exceed the road speed limit that is blindly administered and selectively enforced, Singapore would have been a sleepy and mediocre town and not a bustling, energetic city that everyone know
-
I talked to one of my friends living in France about wages, work condition etc.. he commented that if our work conditions are being done in France, the workers would have striked and burn down the factories.
Here in Singapore the Government is the Unions, so effectively the workers are unable to voice their grievances and injustices. So Goverment wins, more foreign companies are willing to invest or move their operations here, while the workers suffer just to earn money.
I think we should act like the China workers, sit in infront of Ministry of Manpower and protest. Then we see whether the Govenrment will use force or negotiate.( In the China workers case, they negotiated instead of bundling them off into jail)
-
Originally posted by Man!x:
I talked to one of my friends living in France about wages, work condition etc.. he commented that if our work conditions are being done in France, the workers would have striked and burn down the factories.
Here in Singapore the Government is the Unions, so effectively the workers are unable to voice their grievances and injustices. So Goverment wins, more foreign companies are willing to invest or move their operations here, while the workers suffer just to earn money.
I think we should act like the China workers, sit in infront of Ministry of Manpower and protest. Then we see whether the Govenrment will use force or negotiate.( In the China workers case, they negotiated instead of bundling them off into jail)
Here, the unions will tell you to accept retrenchments and retrain for lower paying jobs.
-
Originally posted by charlize:
Here, the unions will tell you to accept retrenchments and retrain for lower paying jobs.
They also tell those retrenched and jobless you to Join NTUC and paid a fee of about $10 a month, then you can enjoy good points and saving at NTUC fairprice...NTUC income, NTUC comfort, NTUC caskets, NTUC travel, NTUC etc etc....Bloody hell, kenna retrenched and jobless where got money to spend and pay fees??
-
Originally posted by Rock^Star:
Yeh like the hotel director who retrained so that he can be fulfill his passion for books as a librarian? Wow people like that are cool! More singaporeans should follow his example.
so u r asking us to forgo the directorship ar?? How many libraries are there in Singapore??Look, if all of us go retraining, all graduated together and look for the same jobs, do you think there will be jobs to cater for all of us, i think hor, during your retraining period, the boss employed foreigner liao, so when you finish your retraining, no vacancy liao.
You might know, by telling you to go training is to brainwash you so that you dun be like my Uncle everyday curse and complain...
-
i sarcastic leh....u nvr see ah lol.
-
Originally posted by angel7030:
They also tell those retrenched and jobless you to Join NTUC and paid a fee of about $10 a month, then you can enjoy good points and saving at NTUC fairprice...NTUC income, NTUC comfort, NTUC caskets, NTUC travel, NTUC etc etc....Bloody hell, kenna retrenched and jobless where got money to spend and pay fees??
NTUC good and services not exactly cheaper than other providers.
My sbst will tell you that.
-
not cheap and quality not that good too
-
Originally posted by Atobe:
The attitude of most local businesses in hiring more foreign workers is that - when profit margins can be increased through a larger volume of business conducted due to more hands being available - the additional costs and inconveniences are tolerable.
There are many ways to circumvent the quota-ratio in the number of Singaporeans to Foreign Workers hired.
If the Manpower Ministry should vigorously check the accuracy of the information given during the application by successful businesses in engaging foreign workers, it will probably result in the Singapore economy becoming punctured.
This is similar to the Traffic Police vigorously enforcing the traffic rule of 70 kmh speed limit on all Singapore roads - unless otherwise indicated - can the Singapore Economy survive the speed of 70 kmh ?
If it had not been drivers taking the risk to exceed the road speed limit that is blindly administered and selectively enforced, Singapore would have been a sleepy and mediocre town and not a bustling, energetic city that everyone know
Kindly enlighten me on how is it possible for legally conducted businesses to circumvent the red tape set by the government without running aflout of the law? With the traffic drive limit set at 70kmh, it clearly means that drivers can have the luxury to drive up till 70kmh which is classified as the best recommended driving limit without endangering anyone life.
Putting it into the business propective, the dependency quota is best recommended for businesses in the open market to keep their overhead down by hiring low wages foreigners. This act as a form of incentives for business to substain and to remain competitive in the open market. To hire a certain percentage of skilled Singaporean workers as pre-requistic is to mediate between profit and shared social responsibility.
-
Originally posted by Fantagf:
not cheap and quality not that good too
Some friends were complaining to me.
The no name brand generic stuff can really taste awful sometimes.