NTUC sees good progress in leadership renewal among unions

SINGAPORE: The labour movement has seen progress over the last two years in sustaining leadership within its unions.

NTUC’s Deputy Secretary—General Heng Chee How said this at the National Trade Union Congress’ annual gathering of union exco leaders (UNITE Summit).

Mr Heng, who is also Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, said there has been strong support for its 3—Flow model of leadership renewal.

He said 60 per cent of the labour movement’s affiliates have taken up the model.

The 3—Flow concept looks at inducting new union leaders, providing them with training and development to move up, and for veteran leaders to make way for a new generation.

Mr Heng said the induction of new leaders has seen an overall renewal rate of 20 per cent and that the pool of leaders below the age of 45 has increased by 10 per cent.

He also acknowledged the contributions of veteran union leaders who have made way for a younger pool of leaders to take over.

Mr Heng said: "They have devoted years to the service of their fellow workers and their unions. They did not look upon their leadership positions as personal possessions to be hoarded, but as stewardship responsibilities to be faithfully discharged in their season. They saw beyond themselves and built the leadership pipeline beyond themselves, so that there is a future and a hope for their unions and their members. We are fortunate to have within our fold such leaders of principle and purpose who knew instinctively what were the right things to do, and then did them."

— CNA/de