Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong underscores the historical significance of the PAP-NTUC partnership, emphasizing the role of tripartism in Singapore’s economic success.
In a pivotal address at the NTUC National Delegates’ Conference 2023, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the enduring and vital partnership between the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The speech delved into the deep historical roots of this collaboration and its crucial role in shaping Singapore’s economic development.
The Prime Minister focused on the concept of tripartism, a collaborative approach involving the government, labor unions, and employers. This model, he noted, has been instrumental in achieving industrial peace, fostering economic growth, and ensuring fair wages for workers. Prime Minister Lee reminisced about two significant moments in Singapore’s labor history, namely the passage of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act in 1968 and the NTUC’s Modernisation Seminar in 1969.
The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, though initially unpopular among workers, played a pivotal role in attracting investments and averting an economic crisis following Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. The NTUC’s Modernisation Seminar marked a paradigm shift from adversarial labor-management relations to a collaborative approach, emphasizing the common goals of economic development and workers’ well-being.
Prime Minister Lee attributed Singapore’s economic success to its unique tripartite model. He highlighted the role of the National Wages Council (NWC), led by Prof Lim Chong Yah, in facilitating collective bargaining. The NWC provided a framework for wage adjustments, allowing workers to share in the prosperity during good times and accepting lower wage settlements or cuts during challenging periods to safeguard jobs and support economic recovery.
The speech concluded with Prime Minister Lee emphasizing the significance of tripartism as a national treasure, crucial for Singapore’s ongoing restructuring and economic growth. He encouraged continued collaboration between the NTUC and the PAP to ensure the nation’s sustained success.
Source – PMO
