Job security must come with mobility, NTUC president says

Singapore has established the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce in an effort to future-proof workers.

Job security must be matched by mobility for workers to cope with ongoing global economic uncertainty, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) President K. Thanaletchimi said.

“Job security today must be matched by job mobility tomorrow,” she said in her speech during the International Labour Conference (ILC).

Thanaletchimi cited recent sectoral shocks, such as disruptions in electronics and maritime, as examples of how Singapore is attempting to future-proof workers through the establishment of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce.

She also noted that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General’s latest report reflected the same principles that have formed Singapore’s workforce journey over the past six decades.

“The ILO Director-General's report resonated deeply with Singapore's journey, highlighting that our foundation of peace and progress has consistently relied on the same three core pillars of Jobs, Rights, and Growth,” she said.

The report flagged growing global discontent amongst workers who feel unheard, insecure, and left behind amidst economic and political upheavals.

It called for renewed efforts to reconnect economic policy with the needs of workers, with a focus on decent work and social justice.

Moreover, Thanaletchimi credited Singapore’s success to its longstanding tripartite model, where the government, employers, and unions work collaboratively.

She reaffirmed NTUC’s commitment to building an inclusive, fair, and forward-looking workforce, particularly as economies navigate uncertainty.

Furthermore, Thanaletchimi said NTUC continues to support workers through collaborative initiatives with employers as Singapore looks toward long-term workforce growth.

NTUC has formed over 3,000 union-led Company Training Committees across industries, which have enabled more than 400 transformation projects, directly benefiting over 7,400 workers through improved wages, career progression, and resilience.

The Singapore delegation to the conference included representatives from the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore National Employers Federation, and NTUC.