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NTUC raised record S$23.18m for U Care fund
Posted: 23 May 2009 1933 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
Lim Swee Say
Video
NTUC raised record S$23.18m for U Care fund
SINGAPORE: The National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) has raised a record S$23 million for its U Care fund to help needy workers, exceeding the initial target of S$20 million. The fund will help provide relief to lower-income union members and their families.
NTUC says details on how the amount will be given out will be announced next week. For now it would only say the money will be given out in vouchers as relief to workers affected by the recession.
The Labour Movement is also working towards putting aside funds for retrenched workers who may not be compensated due to layoffs and company closures.
NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say said: "Some workers will continue to be retrenched and some may not get retrenchment benefits if the companies fold up. Because of a dispute, payment may be delayed, so the U Care fund will provide some immediate relief to these workers"
Mr Lim said workers who face problems getting retrenchment benefits are fewer than five per cent of the total number of workers who are axed. He added that the unions have the resources to help if the situation worsens.
Mr Lim also said that needy students can look forward to more bursaries and scholarships.
He added that the U Save vouchers will also be enhanced from the current 20 per cent discount to help “rank and file” workers who are expected to get smaller year-end bonuses this year.
Nearly 100 companies contributed to the fund, along with NTUC's 12 social enterprises and 60 unions. The Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF) was the biggest donor at S$8.5 million.
Mr Lim said: "It is in the DNA of the Labour Movement to stand in unity and respond strongly in such trying times. To help our members affected by this downturn, we saw 100 per cent participation from all our social enterprises, affiliated unions and associations.
“The SLF, quite a number of unionised companies and corporate donors have also responded to the call to help affected workers. And it is with this unyielding support that we are able to exceed our target of S$20 million. We will make meaningful use of the S$23.18 million to help our lower-income union members."
Chairman for SLF Mah Bow Tan said: "The SLF is committed to support the Labour Movement by funding programmes and initiatives to improve the welfare of union members. In view of the economic downturn this year, SLF has doubled its funding, bringing the total contribution to S$8.5 million to the U Care fund."
NTUC says the money received will be allocated into several pockets to be given out to targeted groups of workers. It will be reviewed every three months. But NTUC plans to give out all S$23 million by the end of this year.
The Labour Movement also got on their feet with its tripartite partners, and completed a 2.33km walk from Jalan Benaan Kapal to Marina Bay Golf Course Saturday evening.
The 7000-strong contingent comprised Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, Singapore National Employers Federation President Stephen Lee, Mr Mah, Mr Lim, NTUC President John De Payva, government officials, NTUC Central committee members, union members and their families.
- CNA/yt
NTUC raised record S$23.18m for U Care fund
Posted: 23 May 2009 1933 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
Lim Swee Say
Video
NTUC raised record S$23.18m for U Care fund
SINGAPORE: The National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) has raised a record S$23 million for its U Care fund to help needy workers, exceeding the initial target of S$20 million. The fund will help provide relief to lower-income union members and their families.
NTUC says details on how the amount will be given out will be announced next week. For now it would only say the money will be given out in vouchers as relief to workers affected by the recession.
The Labour Movement is also working towards putting aside funds for retrenched workers who may not be compensated due to layoffs and company closures.
NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say said: "Some workers will continue to be retrenched and some may not get retrenchment benefits if the companies fold up. Because of a dispute, payment may be delayed, so the U Care fund will provide some immediate relief to these workers"
Mr Lim said workers who face problems getting retrenchment benefits are fewer than five per cent of the total number of workers who are axed. He added that the unions have the resources to help if the situation worsens.
Mr Lim also said that needy students can look forward to more bursaries and scholarships.
He added that the U Save vouchers will also be enhanced from the current 20 per cent discount to help “rank and file” workers who are expected to get smaller year-end bonuses this year.
Nearly 100 companies contributed to the fund, along with NTUC's 12 social enterprises and 60 unions. The Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF) was the biggest donor at S$8.5 million.
Mr Lim said: "It is in the DNA of the Labour Movement to stand in unity and respond strongly in such trying times. To help our members affected by this downturn, we saw 100 per cent participation from all our social enterprises, affiliated unions and associations.
“The SLF, quite a number of unionised companies and corporate donors have also responded to the call to help affected workers. And it is with this unyielding support that we are able to exceed our target of S$20 million. We will make meaningful use of the S$23.18 million to help our lower-income union members."
Chairman for SLF Mah Bow Tan said: "The SLF is committed to support the Labour Movement by funding programmes and initiatives to improve the welfare of union members. In view of the economic downturn this year, SLF has doubled its funding, bringing the total contribution to S$8.5 million to the U Care fund."
NTUC says the money received will be allocated into several pockets to be given out to targeted groups of workers. It will be reviewed every three months. But NTUC plans to give out all S$23 million by the end of this year.
The Labour Movement also got on their feet with its tripartite partners, and completed a 2.33km walk from Jalan Benaan Kapal to Marina Bay Golf Course Saturday evening.
The 7000-strong contingent comprised Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, Singapore National Employers Federation President Stephen Lee, Mr Mah, Mr Lim, NTUC President John De Payva, government officials, NTUC Central committee members, union members and their families.
- CNA/yt
