Staff exchanges between civil servants, unionists to begin from year-end
SINGAPORE — To ensure the next generation of civil servants and union leaders continue to have the same ethos of constructive cooperation, certain civil servants will get a taste of union work and vice versa, starting from the end of the year, labour chief Chan Chun Sing said yesterday.
The programme, which will go beyond staff exchanges between the Manpower Ministry and the labour movement, will involve relatively senior civil servants from other ministries and unionists from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) swapping roles for two years.
These civil servants would be those who have been through two or three postings or hold assistant director positions.
Speaking at the International Forum on Tripartism yesterday, Mr Chan said: “This cross-posting will allow the younger generation to cross-pollinate ideas, understand each other’s immediate concerns and build trust on the ground.”
In addition, the NTUC secretary-general said about 10 to 20 promising civil servants will be attached to unions, so that they have a chance to attend meetings with employers. A buddy and mentor will be assigned to them, so they get a better understanding of the workings in unions.
“Hopefully, over time, this will help them develop an instinct, not just in policymaking areas, but in ground sentiments, and they will be able generate better practices and policies for workers,” said Mr Chan.
Stressing the existing “strong nexus” within the top echelons of government, unions and businesses, Mr Chan cited the examples of Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say, who was formerly labour chief, as well as former Singapore National Employers Federation president Stephen Lee, who previously served on the National Wages Council.
Mr Chan added: “ The young leaders of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why they should work on tangible projects together, be it through the sectoral manpower plan, or cross-posting of personnel to each others’ organisations ...
“That is the best way to build a spirit of trust among tripartite partners,” said Mr Chan.
So far, the idea has generated a positive response from civil servants. Union leaders from the 25 sectoral manpower committees have also been invited to take part.
Unionists welcomed the idea of cross-postings.
A former unionist from the SIA Engineering Company Engineers and Executives Union, who declined to be named, felt that it was a “good idea” to get staff to rotate around and experience working in different areas.
“They can get to find out what it’s like on the other side of the table, and empathise with them, especially if they didn’t see eye to eye previously,” he said.
Mr Bobby Tay, general secretary of Singapore Bank Employees’ Union, also felt this rotation is “part and parcel of this tripartite network”.
“If we have it spread across the different unions, everyone gets a better sense of what each other is doing ... With this more structured approach, such exchanges will be hopefully the norm,” he added.
On whether there are concerns with union leaders and civil servants working too closely together, Mr Tay said: “I don’t think there will be a conflict of interest ... Ultimately, we’re all on the same side of the fence with a common objective. In fact, being closer will get things done and we can build trust.” TOH EE MING
