Businesses and Unions

Summary

Human history is a history of work. It is not paradoxical, therefore, that if anything unites terrorists and their targets, it is work. Their work consists in destroying our work; they take to that nefarious work with a dedication and a patience which matches ours. Their work will continue so long as ours lasts; our work is similarly endless. Ultimately, work is an essential part of the terrain on which the struggle against terror will have to succeed.

The Businesses and Unions Cluster of the CEP, supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), recognizes the central importance of work and the workplace in keeping Singapore safe. The cluster highlights the importance of building socially harmonious and secure workplaces during peacetime by organizing bonding activities there. In addition, employers and unions are also encouraged to put in place crisis response plans that take into consideration the sociological and psychological needs of employees. The cluster adopts a tripartite approach — involving employers, unions and the government — which includes the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI).

In the event of a crisis, the tripartite partners will work together with MOM to monitor, manage and address any workplace concerns. They will help to provide reassurance and restore confidence in the community by countering rumours on racial and religious tensions, and rally workers and employers behind the Government. The cluster also engages foreign workers through outreach activities such as dormitory road shows that emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations with other workers.

The Tripartite Panel on Community Engagement at Workplaces was set up in 2006. Chaired by the Minister for Manpower, the panel consists of key leaders from the tripartite partners and provides overall leadership for the cluster's work.