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SINGAPORE: Buoyed by a vibrant economy and a membership base of nearly 517,000, Singapore's labour movement - the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) - will unveil its new logo on Sunday as part of its May Day celebrations.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be at the event and he will deliver the keynote address at the May Day Rally.
Giving an overview of the May Day celebrations this year, NTUC President John De Payva said: "Through our May Day celebrations, we want union members, workers and Singaporeans to feel proud of Singapore's economic achievements last year and the labour movement's contributions towards the economic progress of our nation.
"At the same time, we want more people and their families to come celebrate May Day with us - be it the young or old, workers or professionals, Singaporeans or foreign nationals - it is time for us to celebrate our contributions to our nation."
According to the labour movement, Singapore's unemployment rate stood at 2.1 percent last year – the lowest in a decade.
NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say said: "For this year's May Day, the first thing we are doing is to celebrate this achievement. This achievement was reached through the efforts of the working people of Singapore."
But more needs to be done to improve the employment rate, especially among housewives and older workers, which is the focus of this year's May Day celebrations.
The main message is that Singapore's labour movement and workforce is inclusive and has a role for all levels of workers. Everyone - local and foreign – has an important role to play in Singapore's economic development.
For this year's May Day Model Workers' Award, the NTUC is commending 21 companies that have played a big role in enhancing the employability of workers.
The labour movement is also calling on companies to be aware of possible tensions that may emerge as a result of the widening income gap.
"With an ageing population, if we cannot find a way to include the elderly Singaporeans in our workforce and employment, they would feel left out and that could cause tension between older and younger workers," said Mr Lim.
Another group that is being recognised is the foreign workers. To highlight their contributions, more workers have been nominated for the May Day Model Workers' Award this year.
- CNA/so
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