Pritam Singh schools Koh Poh Koon on NTUC’s history during debate on workers' representation

Summary

The transcript discusses the Workers Party's (WP) stance on its relationship with trade unions, advocating for a 'Third Way' that is independent yet collaborative. WP refutes accusations of being non-supportive of unions, highlighting its history and the need for a balanced approach that doesn't compromise worker interests. The debate underscores the importance of tripartite dialogue between the government, employers, and workers for harmonious industrial relations and economic growth.

Takeaways

• 🤝 The speaker advocates for a 'Third Way' in labor relations, seeking a balance between full symbiosis and confrontation with unions.
• 👷‍♂️ The Workers Party (WP) is criticized for not being pro-union, despite its historical association with trade unions.
• 📜 The WP's history is rooted in trade unionism, with a founding vision to be a party for workers, as mentioned on their website.
• 💼 The speaker rejects the characterization of the WP as not supporting harmonious industrial relations and refutes the Senior Minister of State's comments.
• 🕰️ More than 60 years of political change is acknowledged, implying that the WP's stance has evolved with the times.
• 🗣️ The speaker challenges the notion that the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) cannot openly advocate for workers' rights within a tripartite relationship.
• 🤔 There is a concern raised about the potential conflict of interest when union leaders speak for the party versus speaking for workers.
• 🌟 The speaker highlights instances where the NTUC has spoken out against government leaders to defend workers' rights.
• 🔍 The debate underscores the importance of the tripartite relationship between employers, employees, and the government in Singapore's economic development.
• 📉 The speaker emphasizes that party interests should not supersede the interests of workers, advocating for the NTUC's independence in representing workers.

Q & A

What is the 'Third Way' mentioned in the transcript regarding the relationship between unions and employers?

The 'Third Way' refers to an independent approach where unions engage in tripartite dialogue with employers and the government to achieve win-win outcomes for all parties involved, avoiding both full symbiosis and full confrontation.

Why is the Workers Party's stance on unions being questioned in the transcript?

The questioning arises from the Workers Party's historical association with trade unions and the perception that their current position might not align with being 'pro-unions' as their name suggests.

What is the historical context of the Workers Party's formation mentioned in the transcript?

The Workers Party was initially formed with the idea of being a party exclusively for trade union members, as announced by Marshall at a conference addressing delegates of the army and civil service unions.

What does the term '3G or 4G leader' refer to in the context of the transcript?

The term '3G or 4G leader' refers to the third or fourth generation of political leaders in Singapore, indicating a progression in leadership over time.

Why is the historical analysis of the Workers Party by the Senior Minister of State being challenged?

The challenge arises because the Senior Minister's analysis is seen as disregarding the significant changes in the political landscape over the past 60 years, which affects not just the Workers Party but also other parties.

What is the significance of the publication titled '50 Years of the Labor Movement in Singapore' mentioned in the transcript?

This publication is significant as it highlights the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)'s role in Singapore's economic development and its call for a balanced approach between labor's obligations and rights, including its occasional disagreements with government leaders.

What is the main concern expressed by the Workers Party regarding their relationship with workers?

The main concern is that the Workers Party's interest should not overshadow the interests of workers, and they should be able to speak out openly in defense of workers' rights, even within a symbiotic relationship.

Why is the tripartite relationship between the People's Action Party, NTUC, and the government significant in the context of the legislative bill debate?

The tripartite relationship is significant because it has endured for over 60 years and has allowed for collaborative efforts that make the legislative bill possible, demonstrating a long-standing cooperation model.

What does the term 'symbiotic relationship' imply in the context of the Workers Party and unions?

A symbiotic relationship in this context implies a mutually beneficial association where both parties, the Workers Party and unions, support each other without one being dominated by the other, maintaining a balance of power and influence.

How does the Workers Party justify their current stance on unions despite historical ties?

The Workers Party justifies their stance by emphasizing the evolution of the political landscape and the need for a 'Third Way' that allows for independent union action while still advocating for workers' interests, reflecting a modern approach to labor relations.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 'Third Way' for Worker-Union Relations

The speaker in Paragraph 1 discusses the Workers' Party's (WP) stance on its relationship with trade unions, advocating for a 'Third Way' that is independent yet collaborative. They emphasize the need for a tripartite dialogue involving workers, employers, and the government to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. The speaker refutes the idea that WP is either fully symbiotic or confrontational with unions, aiming for a balanced approach. They also address a question about the WP's origins and its historical commitment to trade unions, clarifying that while the party was founded with a focus on workers, it has evolved to represent a broader spectrum of interests without being exclusively tied to union interests.

05:01

🗣️ Defending the Workers' Party's Position

In Paragraph 2, the speaker continues to defend the WP's position, rejecting criticisms from the Senior Minister of State. They highlight the party's historical commitment to workers' rights and emphasize that the WP's approach to industrial relations has been consistent with the broader political landscape's evolution. The speaker also references past instances where the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has challenged government leaders on labor rights, asserting that the WP's stance is not to oppose leadership but to ensure workers' interests are protected. They conclude by reiterating that the WP's interest in maintaining a symbiotic relationship with unions does not compromise its ability to advocate for workers' rights.

Keywords

💡Symbiosis

Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term interaction between two different species, where both benefit. In the context of the video, it is used to describe a harmonious relationship between unions and the Workers' Party, suggesting a mutual benefit. The speaker rejects the idea that the Workers' Party is not in symbiosis with unions, arguing for a balanced relationship that doesn't imply a lack of critical stance when needed.

💡Confrontation

Confrontation implies a direct and hostile encounter. The video discusses the avoidance of full confrontation with unions, suggesting that the Workers' Party advocates for a more collaborative and less adversarial approach. This term is used to contrast with symbiosis, highlighting the party's preference for cooperation over conflict.

💡Third Way

The 'Third Way' is a political concept that seeks a middle ground between traditional left-wing and right-wing politics. In the video, it is used to propose an independent yet collaborative relationship with unions, aiming for win-win outcomes. The speaker clarifies that this does not mean a complete detachment from unions but rather a balanced approach that serves both workers and employers.

💡Tripartite Dialogue

Tripartite Dialogue involves discussions among three parties, typically referring to government, employers, and workers. The video script mentions this as a method to achieve consensus and mutual benefits. It is presented as a preferred approach by the Workers' Party to engage with unions and other stakeholders in a constructive manner.

💡Workers Party (WP)

The Workers Party (WP) is a political party mentioned in the script. It is historically linked with trade unions, as indicated by the reference to its founding idea to be a party for trade unions. The discussion in the video revolves around the party's evolving relationship with unions and its stance on workers' rights.

💡Harmonious Industrial Relations

Harmonious Industrial Relations suggest a peaceful and cooperative environment between employers, employees, and the government. The video script includes a rejection of criticisms that the Workers' Party does not support harmonious relations, with the speaker emphasizing the party's commitment to positive labor dynamics.

💡Trade Unions

Trade Unions are organizations that represent the collective interests of workers and negotiate employment contracts with employers. The video discusses the historical connection between the Workers' Party and trade unions, questioning the party's current stance and its relationship with these organizations.

💡Political Party Membership

Political Party Membership refers to the affiliation of individuals with a political party. The script mentions the Workers' Party's founding idea of having membership confined to trade union members, indicating a strong initial connection with labor interests.

💡Economic Development

Economic Development is the process of improving a nation's economic well-being through growth and diversification. The video references the National Trade Union Congress's (NTUC) role in economic development, highlighting the interplay between labor rights and the broader economic context.

💡Conflict of Interest

A Conflict of Interest arises when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could potentially corrupt the motivation. The video script touches on this concept when discussing the potential for the Workers' Party to prioritize party interests over workers' interests, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity.

💡Legislative Bill

A Legislative Bill is a proposed law presented for consideration to a legislative body. The video mentions the debate over a bill as evidence of the enduring tripartite relationship among political parties, unions, and the government, suggesting the importance of collaborative governance.

Highlights

Proposing a third way for industrial relations, an independent approach between full symbiosis and confrontation with unions.

Emphasizing the importance of tripartite dialogue for achieving win-win outcomes for workers and employers.

Clarification on the Workers Party's stance on unions, rejecting the dichotomy of full symbiosis or confrontation.

Historical context of the Workers Party's formation, initially aimed at being a party for trade unions.

Rejection of the characterization of the Workers Party's views on harmonious industrial relations.

Acknowledgment of significant political changes over 60 years and their impact on party policies.

Reference to historical cooperation between the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the government.

Challenge to find instances where NTUC leaders have spoken against government leaders on workers' rights.

Discussion on the potential conflict of interest when party delegates prioritize party interests over workers' interests.

Argument that a symbiotic relationship does not mean the NTUC cannot advocate for workers' rights.

Recognition of the NTUC's role in speaking out for workers' rights and the importance of this advocacy.

Appreciation expressed for the service of rank-and-file workers and their contributions.

Highlighting the tripartite relationship's endurance as a proof point for the legislative bill's discussion.

Defense of the symbiotic relationship between the People's Action Party and the NTUC, despite the Workers Party's different approach.

Reiteration that the Workers Party has not lost its relationship with worker unions.

Transcripts

I think the SMS is having difficulty uh

seeing anything between the full

dichotomy of the the dichotomy of full

symbiosis and full confrontation with

unions uh we are calling for a third way

which is an IND which is independent

unions with tri tripartite dialogue to

work towards achieving win-win outcomes

for both workers and employers so it is

this approach that we are we trying to

take we're not trying to say that we

don't with unions at all or we are in

full relationship and symbiosis with

with unions there's a Third Way in

between is Miss cool uh Mr Mr Speaker

just a final clarification on what he

said because I'm very confused why the

workers party is called Workers Party um

if they are not really So Pro unions to

begin with because in their website I'm

just reading it from here the website

says Marshall announces the idea of

forming a party for workers while

addressing the delegates of the army

Civil Service unions at a conference and

he said we should we can evolve a plan

where we can create a political party

whose membership is exclusively confined

to members of trade unions so the

history of WP is to be a party for trade

unions how can you not be in a

relationship that is closely intertwined

when you want to be a party for trade

unions I don't understand where you

start from thank you sir

uh Mr Pam

Singh Mr Speaker for allowing me to uh

respond to SMS Co the only reason I do

so is because he made a remark in his

concluding uh address on uh WP

leadership so obviously I have to to

stand up um I second what my colleague

Mr Gerald gam has said but let me just

uh State some points very clearly uh

number one uh I reject uh and the

workers party will reject senior

minister of State kopok kun's comments

on the Workers Party entirely and your

characterization of harmonious

industrial relations between workers

employers and the government of the day

as being something the workers party

doesn't agree with uh number two on the

senior minister of state's historical

analysis of the WP I think it disregards

an important fact that more than 60

years have elapsed and the political

situation has changed dramatically and

significantly and this is not just true

for the workers party it's also true for

the

papap uh but since the SMS is on

History uh let me refer to evidence of

what I believe my colleague Mr Gerald

gam was thinking about when he was

talking about an independent n uh

through uh history Through The Eyes Of

History uh and I'm referring to

uh publication of n titled 50 years of

the labor movement in Singapore October

1966 n's cooperation not one-way traffic

at an N delegates conference hos Bing

now Secretary General reminded the

government and employers that the n's

Corporation in the task of Economic

Development was not oneway traffic he

took issue with the with government

leaders but particularly the Prime

Minister for speaking unendingly of

Labor's obligations while hardly

touching on Labor's rights and major

grievances I would be grateful if the

senior minister of State can raise a

single example of where an N Secretary

General or a deputy secretary General

has spoken out against a 3G or 4G leader

to defend the rights of workers now I'm

not suggesting that this is the gold

standard or the test it's not the test

but this comes to the heart of what

people see and believe to be a conflict

of interest and when n delegates are

saying majula P I think people are

entitled to

question do you speak for the party

first or do you speak for workers first

so so it is a simple point the point is

not about moving Singapore in a

direction where employers employees

workers government

fight each other to the detriment of our

society and our economic growth that's

not the point and I think we've been

wayed down that rabbit hole and we've to

just come back to the central point that

was being made by Mr Gerald

gam party interest cannot be more

important than the interest of our

workers and a symbiotic

relationship doesn't mean that the N is

neutered or cannot openly speak out in

the interest of workers and I think Mr

Desmond uh Minister Desmond tan has

shared where the N has spoken out and I

have no reason to believe that n Rank

and file workers did not speak out that

that that is something I have to say

because I know some of them and I have

to say I have to thank them for their

service for our workers thank you Mr

Speaker SMS

Co so I don't want to prolong this but I

think it's uh important for Mr Sing to

realize the fact that we are even

debating this legislative bill

today is a proof point of how the

tripartite relationship that Pap and NC

has endured for the last 60 years or

more that allow us to make this bill a

possibility today so just because the

Workers Party lost a relationship with

worker unions long ago doesn't mean that

because we can preserve relationship for

60 years there's something wrong with a

symbotic relationship thank you sir

Mr pram

Singh I'm not going to respond to that

point but just to say that I mean

there's no question of losing a

relationship in any way thank you