How can unions play a constructive role in assisting its members and the nation?.
The roles the unions can play are outlined in the following.
For union members .
(a) Collective bargaining .
Unions could provide workers with channels to express their concerns and aspirations. The union represents all its members in negotiating with their employer for better terms and conditions based on the fact that unity is strength.
(b) Safeguarding jobs .
Unions can create opportunities for workers to upgrade their skills through skills upgrading. So workers will become multi-skilled, highly productive and adaptable to changing work environments, so that they can take on better paying jobs of the future and keep employable throughout their working life. A union ensures that members are not dismissed arbitrarily. If redundancy is unavoidable, the union's role is to seek adequate compensation for the retrenched workers and help them find new jobs.
(c) Cooperating with the employer.
As the relationship is a long-term one, the unions can cooperate with employer so that disputes can be resolved in a win-win & mutually acceptable manner. By fostering sound industrial relations, Singapore can be made a good place to do business in. This can attract investments and created jobs. Unions can support companies' efforts to restructure to become more competitive. .
(d) Political activities.
Unions play a political role by exerting pressure on political parties and government for laws or reforms which will benefit the workers.
(e) Financial Assistance.
Unions work out to improve the welfare of union members and further the development of the labour movement through projects carried out by them. Funded by contributions from union members, trade unions and cooperatives, the unions provide financial assistance to families of workers who suffer disability, chronic illness or death.
(f) Social and recreational facilities.
Unions can pool resources to set up a union-owned and operated club to provide affordable facilities for members and their families such as recreational facilities, child-care services, etc.
