GOVERNMENT POLICY IN LABOUR NEGOTIATIONS

Mr Lim Ching Siong asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare whether he will explain what policy he adopts towards employers of labour who refuse to negotiate with Unions which represent the majority of their employees and give recognition only to a Union representing a minority.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: The recognition of trade unions by employers is a matter for employers themselves. I have no powers to compel an employer to negotiate with any union, whether the union can substantiate a claim to represent a majority of employees or not, to the exclusion of other unions. It is a policy of my Ministry, however, to encourage employers to negotiate with trade unions which clearly represent effectively a majority of their employees, or even clearly defined sections of their employees. The ultimate decision rests with the employer who may be faced with all the damaging results of inter-trade-union warfare if he comes to a wrong decision. I would mention, for the information of this Assembly, that the question of recasting the law affecting industrial relations is under consideration.