Amalgamated Union Of Public Employees

Membership Services of the Union, Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd and AUPE Group Finance Department will officially move to the following address on 1 September 2008:

AUPE Headquarters

Wisma AUPE

Level 3

295 Upper Paya Lebar Road

Singapore 534929

Telephone No.: 62808033 (main line)

Fax No.: 62800854

The Industrial Relations and Administration Departments are relocated to Level 4.

With all our services under one roof, we look forward to serving you better.

AUPE Executive Council members had an informal dialogue with Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong on 30 July 2008.

Accompanied by a team of senior officials from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Mr Gan Kim Yong had initiated the visit to unions in order to build rapport with their Executive Council (ExCo) members, and to better understand the unions’ direction and concerns.

Some of the manpower and employment-related issues raised included career prospects for Division 3 and 4 officers, dilemma faced by officers on contract, employability and re-employment of older workers, and the impact on officers in moribund schemes due to the Civil Service Salary Revision 2007.

Another issue was the call for paid eldercare leave to be granted to singles to take care of their elderly parents.

Members also raised their concerns on the Performance Appraisal Framework, which they feel at most times, not transparent and fair during implementation. They called for a robust and effective system to be put in place in order to quell the unhappiness from the ground.

Mr Gan Kim Yong empathised with the issues brought up and spent time explaining the initiatives taken by the Government to address them. He noted some of the important feedback that would require follow up with the Agencies concerned.

Vice-President Helen Tan spoke for many when she said: “The dialogue was indeed a useful platform for the Minister to understand the ground better.”

We are inviting you to attend a presentation by representatives of Professional Investment Advisory Services (PIAS) on “Recipes For Financial Success” workshop. They will share with you on how to grow your wealth and the importance of personal financial planning.

For reservation, please send email to Christine Soon at email address : soonph@aupe.org.sg or Cynthia Seah at email address : cynthia@aupe.org.sg, latest by 15 September 2008.

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Celebrating the Singapore Spirit – that is the theme for National Day Parade 2008 as Singapore celebrates its 43rd Birthday. It is a timely tribute to the different generations of people from diverse cultures coming together as “One People, One Nation, One Singapore”. It also serves to remind us that we must maintain our resilience and strengthen our cohesiveness as we continue on our journey as a City of Possibilities. This is the Spirit of Singapore, which is Uniquely Singapore.

For the second year running, NDP 2008 is being held at the world’s largest floating platform at Marina Bay. And for the first time, a special elevated tier was constructed on the platform to give the spectators a better view of the performances.

In the Parade and Ceremony segment of NDP 2008 are marching contingents formed by organisations representing the five pillars of Total Defence – Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological. The NTUC NDP 2008 Marching Contingent is one of the organisations representing Social Defence. It comprises ordinary members, branch and executive council officials from the various affiliates of NTUC. While some of the participants are young and first timers, many are veteran “uncles” and “aunties” having participated in many NDPs before. The Contingent Commander is Comrade Fang Chin Poh, a member of the NTUC Central Committee.

Making up the 64-strong NTUC contingent are 17 members from AUPE. Since April 2008, the participants have been sweating under the hot sun over 16 Saturday afternoons perfecting their drills under the military instructors at the Nee Soon Camp and Bedok Camp. Besides carrying banners and shields bearing the new NTUC logo and slogan “I’m for U”, the participants will also be wearing caps and long-sleeve tee shirts bearing the new logo.

For their participation in Celebrating the Singapore Spirit, AUPE would like to express its appreciation to the following members:

In January this year, AUPE announced that it would fund branch committees to organise their own retreat in order to formulate the direction the branch would like to pursue towards, and make it “A Better Future for All”.

Branches have the liberty to decide on holding their respective seminars locally or overseas. At the same time, small branches could also combine with other branches.

Central Provident Fund (CPF) Workers Branch decided not to combine with other branches, due to difficulty in agreeing to a common date and venue. We also felt that holding our small group discussion has its advantages, such as staying focused in the area of issues that affects our Branch.

The Committee arrived at a consensus to embark on a two-day one-night trip to Batam from 7 to 8 June 2008.

Ms Evelyn Ang, the Chairman, drew up an action plan and assigned each member an important task. She also sent out pre-retreat questions to members for their inputs. This was to give members more time for discussion on the actual day of retreat. The collation from the inputs was forwarded to our Industrial Relations Executive, Mr Yeo Chun Fing for his review and advice. Even though Mr Yeo did not join us, he was constantly updated on the progress of our pre-retreat preparation.

The fine weather in the morning and the smooth ferry ride was a good start for the branch on 7 June 08. Upon arrival at the Panorama Regency Hotel, the committee immediately got down to business and held their workshop at the cosy hotel lounge.

The Chairman opened the workshop by sharing on CPFB’s membership status and proposed strategies to attract more Division 1 officers to join the ‘U’ family. She also shared information on the union such as its structure, welfare and benefits, and leadership and education for union officials. The information would help equip new elected leaders with background knowledge to enhance their role as branch officials. She also urged fellow committee members to list out and address the priorities for the branch for the new term.

Participants then broke out into 2 groups to deliberate on the strategies and work plans on the two dragon boats - the Gold and Silver Collar. The “kopi-tiam” atmosphere encouraged much participation and debate as they delved into issues close to their hearts such as employment beyond retirement, skills training and upgrading for workers and protection for the professionals. By evening time, both groups had wrapped up their discussions and gathered for a final summing up to fine-tune their discussion points.

The session ended with consensus from everyone with a work plan. Though the program was tight, everybody had the chance to contribute and share ideas. We returned to Singapore with strengthened bonds and fond memories.

All these would not be possible without the strong support from AUPE. The branch would like to express its appreciation to AUPE for the opportunity to contribute towards “AUPE 2011 – A Better Future For All”

Prancing lions greeted Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC when he arrived at Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to kick off the Membership Recruitment Drive organised by the AUPE Singapore Polytechnic Staff Branch on 13 August 2008.

During his address, the Guest-of-Honour lauded the efforts of the branch in reaching out to all working people on the ground to spread the benefits of union membership. The presence of SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong and management personnel at the event also spoke volumes of the excellent labour management relations in SP. Such collaborative efforts of the unions and management would certainly contribute towards the growth of the ‘U’ Movement, said Mr Heng.

SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong endorsed his support by signing up as a General Branch member. He called on his staff to join the union as union membership meant speaking in a collective voice and would be a win-win situation for both the employer and employees.

Guest speaker Ms Cham Hui Fong, Nominated Member of Parliament and Director of NTUC Industrial Relations Department was there to share NTUC initiatives in helping the Silver Collar group. She emphasised the need to change the mindsets of both employer and employees towards older workers and recognise them as a critical resource pool.

During the tea reception, many staff was seen making enquiries at the counters set up by AUPE Membership Services of the Union and Multi-purpose Co-operative. NTUC Social Enterprises such as NTUC Income and Thrift and Loan were also there to lend support to the roadshow.

The roadshow resulted in 19 new Union and 15 Co-operative members.

SP Staff Branch would like to convey its appreciation to SP management, NTUC, AUPE and colleagues for their support and endorsement towards the event.

- Tan Sze Wei, National Secretary and Assistant Secretary of NEA Staff Branch

A search on Google for the word “Climate change” generates 53,700,000 entries. As there is growing global concern on climate change impacts, we often wonder how climate change holds specific implications on trade unions and workers.

On 22 May 2008, AUPE officials comprising General Secretary Teo Yock Ngee, Vice-President Helen Tan, Assistant General Secretary Noorfarahin and National Secretary Tan Sze Wei attended a dialogue session organised by NTUC on “Climate Change and Sustainable Development” where expert speakers were invited to present their views and recommendations on environmental issues and how we can do our bit to alleviate climate change.

Climate change poses several challenges to the labour movement; however, it also presents new opportunities at the same time. Ms Ching Chabo, Director of the Research and Information Department of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)-Asia Pacific shared on the *ILO/ITUC/UNEP Green Job initiatives. Green Jobs are defined as “ decent jobs” with not only high labour standards and working conditions but also of high eco-efficiency and generate low carbon emissions. The December 2007 Bali Conference on climate change was a major step forward for us since trade unions participated actively with other parties to draw up a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gases which would lead to a global accord in Copenhagen in 2009.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is about companies integrating social and environmental concerns into their business operations and in their interactions with their communities, customers and suppliers said Mr Thomas Thomas Executive Director, Singapore Compact for CSR. It is high time that we take an affirmative stance to encourage all companies to take up corporate social responsibility voluntarily.

Mr K Suresh, Senior Engineer from National Environment Agency presented on Singapore’s constraints and also the government’s National Climate Change Strategy. Some of the current campaigns include the 10% energy challenge, which involves encouraging residents to reduce their utilities consumption by 10% or more through energy saving tips.

The topic on carbon credit trading between countries was debated extensively at the panel discussion (The panelists were NTUC President John De Payva, Deputy Secretary-General Mdm Halimah Yacob and the three speakers). The greenhouse effect that led to global warming mainly arises from the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2(carbon dioxide) from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas due to industrial and human activities. Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries are required to limit their greenhouse gas emissions according to the following formula: actual emissions must be less than or equal to the assigned amount.

Personally, I feel that complacency is the greatest devil. We should start changing our daily practices and mindsets to battle climate change so as to ensure environmental sustainability. More tools and strategies that could help to mitigate the undesirable outcomes of climate change can also be explored and tested. No stones should be left unturned in our efforts to prevent the catastrophe that not only affects our lifestyle and living habitat but also leads to political instability among countries when resources become scarce. As said by Thomas L. Friedman in his book “The World is Flat”, “Going green is going to be the industry of the Twenty-First century.”

Here are some tips, which will help you shrink your utilities bill and also save the environment – little effort required but makes lots of green and dollar sense.

Use an energy efficient light bulb (e.g. compact fluorescent lamps) instead of a incandescent bulb;

When buying an electrical appliance choose one that is energy –efficient by referring to its energy label. The more ticks it gets, the more energy saving it is;

(For more tips, refer to http://www.e2singapore.gov.sg/energy-saving-tips.html)

Start going green today by reading our newsletter on line. Simply go to the AUPE website at www.aupe.org.sg and click on Subscribe E-Newsletter. Think of the number of trees we can save if every one does their bit.

New born babies and their growing stages are happy occasions that most parents would be excited to share among family and friends. Unlike providing care to their elderly dependents whereby the experience is often perceived as personal and embarrassing to share openly. Some may also see it as a reflection of their helplessness or not being able to do their best in caring for their parents.

Not commonly known to most people is that information and professional care services is available for carers.

Just like Mr Muhammed Fadhli Salleh, 37, who once faced similar situation said, “Once, my father was bed-ridden and down in hope. After six months, he was able to move about with the aid of a walker and is now full of hope for a better tomorrow. He is so happy and we are so relieved”.

This is an example of some lives of seniors and families that NTUC ElderCare’s Care@home Service has touched.

The range of basic care services includes companionship and recreational activities, personal grooming & hygiene, simple exercises, medical escorts, meals preparation and support to caregivers. Other services such as physiotherapy will be assessed and reviewed by professional Physiotherapist followed by regular treatment routine administered by iCare Officers to help keeping cost low.

Caring for U … At Your Doorstep by NTUC ElderCare’s Care@home Service

Enjoy S$5 discount from our published rates per visit for a total of 3 visits* only to experience our service.

Call us now at tel: 6213 8215 or 6213 8212 or visit us at www.ntuceldercare.org.sg for more information.

Ministry of Education (MOE) Staff Branch organised an educational tour for its members and families on 16 June 2008. 28 eager participants assembled at Ang Mo Kio MRT at 0800hrs that day, looking forward to a day of learning.

Our first destination was the Otah factory, which introduced us to the making of Otah. There were halal, spicy and non-spicy otah for participants to sample and purchase. The company also caters and provides BBQ food for sale.

We next visited a dumpling factory located next door. The manager explained and demonstrated the process of making curry puffs and dumplings. The company’s emphasis on hygiene and quality impressed us so much that we made a beeline for the purchase counter.

We then moved to a Tiger ointment factory. The conducted factory tour by the manager introduced the company’s line of ointment and health products and its manufacturing process. Singaporeans took lightly to the benefits of the balm but do you know that in Europe, the balm is called the MAGIC BALM and are crazily sought after? Some of us tried the massages by the factory manager with their products. We were also given goodies bags as we left for our lunch at the canteen near the factory.

After lunch, we moved to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve area and visited the mushroom farm. We were welcomed by Mr John who explained the whole process of growing and harvesting wheatgrass to the production of its health drinks. He also explained the different species and methods of mushroom farming. Our children were amazed by the abundance of mushroom and wheat grass. Later, some of the ladies went on a shopping spree at the farm mart while the others tried samples of different types of health juices.

At the Singapore Mint we were introduced to the history of coins being used and circulated. We laughed in disbelief when the guide told us that in the past, people in the Pacific region used crafted stone coins as big as 3-tonne tyres to trade. Imagine how we have to use trucks to move these coins around if we have to trade in today’s context. It is a very interesting place to visit. I strongly recommend The Mint for those who loves money. We also bought some souvenirs such as newly minted coins and cash cards. At 1630hrs, the bus took us back to Ang Mo Kio MRT where we happily dispersed.

All participants agreed that the tour was indeed interesting, educational and fruitful.

In the June issue of The Public Employee, we published an article on “We Salute U -May Day Awards 2008” on Page 3 of the newsletter.

We wish to clarify that the officer representing Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) in receiving the Plaque of Commendation is Mrs Tan Hwee Seh, Coordinating Director/Corporate Management and not Ms Charlotte Beck as printed.

We apologise for the error.