At the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) ceremony held on May Day, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong was presented with the , Distinguished Comrade of Labour Award on Friday ( Apr 25 ).
In a press release, NTUC stated that this major prize is” conferred on individuals who have made exceptional and significant efforts to the labor action.”
SM Lee worked diligently to reinforce the tripartite relationship between NTUC and its unions, employees, businesses, and the government over the course of many years of dedicated public services.
This made it possible for Singapore to climate economic downturns, safeguard work, and offer staff opportunities. Under his leadership, the pleasant labor-management environment that he fostered contributed to the growth of Singapore’s business and consistently improved the lives of its employees, NTUC continued.
The May Day Awards, which were held this year at the , Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, honored a document 180 recipients since its founding in 1963, according to NTUC.
For their unwavering commitment and concern for protecting workers ‘ interests as well as for having a significant influence on the labor movement, they were given the honor of recognition of remarkable union leaders, tripartite partners, staff, and organizations.
In honor of Mr. Lee, NTUC applauded him and his team for “working tirelessly” to advance the country’s economy and prosperity through crises like the 1985 crisis, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 epidemic, which then enabled the country to emerge stronger from each problems.
Additionally, it was noted that Mr. Lee was in charge of important workplace activities that supported ongoing education and training, including the launch of the Skills Redevelopment Programme in 2008, which laid the groundwork for the SkillsFuture program today.
Mr. Lee even supported and introduced fundamental strategies like the Workfare Income Supplement and the Progressive Wage Model, which aid lower-wage workers and enhance their employment prospects.
Under his management, the National Wages Council’s annual comments continued to include wage increases for lower-income employees, according to NTUC.
In other industries, Mr. Lee’s initiatives for workplace change included:
- The Employment and Employability Institute, a company that offers job-matching, job advice, and skills-upgrading services to employees.
- The Job Security Council, which supports displaced employees ‘ job-matching and location.
- The Company Training Committee program that promotes employee transformation and advancement.
Major changes in work safety and health standards were achieved under his command, reducing workplace injury levels and improving working conditions, NTUC added.