NTUC: Lead by breaking down workers’ statistics?

By: Leong Sze Hian
I refer to the article “NTUC submits Budget proposals” (Straits Times, Feb 26). According to the article, the union “calls on the Government to review the criteria for Employment Passes, and to distinguish between companies that are committed to hiring Singaporeans and those that are not. It also wants better protection for contract and low-wage workers.”
I applaud this call which is timely in the light that the jobs growth for locals was only 100 local jobs (0.03 per cent of total jobs growth) last year.
I would suggest that we take the lead and set the example, by giving the breakdown of the percentage of workers into Singaporeans,  permanent residents (PRs) and foreigners, in all its social enterprises.
This may then encourage and enable other employers to emulate this benchmark.
Breakdown the statistics for all sectors?
The same article quoted NTUC assistant secretary-general Patrick Tay as saying, ”we (NTUC) are aware (the problem) is not widespread but sector specific,” and that the information and communications technology and financial sectors are two that the measures could be targeted.
But why not breakdown the percentage of workers into Singaporeans,  permanent residents (PRs) and foreigners, in all the sectors, instead of (as I understand it) –  the percentage of Singaporean workers has so far only been disclosed for just one sector – the aviation sector.
Since the people have given their trust and mandate – shouldn’t we reciprocate by being more transparent?
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Republished from Leong Sze Hian’s website. This article is an edited version.