More PMEs Need to Become Union Members for Better Representation and Protection

More PMEs need to join unions to be better represented and protected, urged NTUC.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng made the call during his May Day Sharing Session with members of the press on 29 April 2021.

Based on a Milieu survey conducted in March 2021 on 1,000 PMEs, 58 per cent were not familiar with NTUC’s work, and 43.2 per cent were uncertain if they could be union members.

However, 88 per cent of PMEs surveyed perceived the role of trade unions to be important or is becoming important. The same number wanted an organisation to speak up for them and the problems they face.  

The sample size included 750 non-union members and 250 union members.

Mr Ng said: “This is the situation – PMEs want a voice, [but] they do not know that NTUC can be the voice because they don’t think that they can join the union … NTUC is stepping up [to fill this gap] so that we can be champions for PMEs.”

In a statement, NTUC said that it wants to do more for PMEs, but it needs more PMEs to join the unions for a stronger and more representative voice.

“We need to further grow our PME base so that the unions can effectively represent and protect these PMEs and address the concerns and resolve the issues close to their heart at the workplace,” said NTUC.

Top Concerns of PMEs

Through ground engagement and feedback sessions with PMEs, NTUC found that PMEs’ top concerns have shifted from career progression and upskilling, to lack of job security and employment opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These top concerns were more dire for mature PMEs aged 40 and above, as they attributed their older age as a factor when applying for jobs.

Since forming the PME Taskforce with the Singapore National Employers Federation in October 2020, NTUC has reached out to close to 8,000 PMEs to better address their concerns and needs at the workplace.

How NTUC can Help

According to NTUC, some of the ways it can help PMEs include working closely with HR practitioners to improve standards to ensure fair employment and job security for mature PMEs.

NTUC added that it could also earmark certain jobs or jobs in certain sectors to secure more employment opportunities for mature PMEs.

“We can even explore ways to provide a safety net in some form of a transitionary support for those who are involuntarily unemployed as the sudden loss of jobs seems to impact mature PMEs more, and as they found it harder and took longer to find employment,” said NTUC.

NTUC said that it will continue to work with tripartite partners to raise awareness of NTUC’s work among workers, especially among mature PMEs.

“We cannot be an effective voice unless more PMEs join us. More must join us so that we can champion their issues, represent them, and help them in areas that matter the most,” it added.

For PMEs who wish to join the union, click here.