NTUC as Part of Tripartism in Singapore

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a national union that represents more than
500,000 workers from various sectors such as industrial, service and public sector in Singapore.
Established in 1961, NTUC has become part of Singapores tripartism to represents the
employee in Singapore. The close relationship between NTUC and PAP has resulted in leaders
of both organizations to have different position at the same time. The NTUCs founder, Devan
Nair was PAP stalwart which later became the president of Singapore himself. After the
Industrial Relation (Amendment) Act was passed by PAP in 1968, the workers right to go on
strike was severely limited. This made NTUC to adopt a new policy which in their own term to
be more cooperative rather than confrontational to the employers. Its unique relationship with
PAP, has established several solutions to resolve labor issues in Singapore.

The mutual relationship between the union and government after the unions decision to adopt a
more cooperative than confrontational approach for the employer has resulted tripartite alliance
that we know today. This tripartite alliance is the important factor behind economic and social
development in Singapore. Various key institutions in Singapore such as Economic Development
Board which functions to look for investors in Singapore were served by the Union leaders and
employers. NTUC cooperatives, business ventures and other organization in the NTUC family
were also gotten the benefits served by Singapore government and employers.

Name : Hanindita Guritna
Matric No : U0921255C
Tutor Group : Y03