NTUC FULLTIME RESIDENTIAL COURSES (Leave for Government officers)

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider granting such leave to Government officers to attend fulltime residential courses organised by the National Trades Union Congress on aspects of trade unionism as will not result in a loss of any part of their vacation leave.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Mr Speaker, Sir, I see no reason to change our present policy with regard to Government officers wishing to attend local trade union courses, which is to require these officers to use for this purpose, their available vacation leave and only when the leave accumulated by the officers is insufficient to cover the duration of the course, to accord them full-pay unrecorded leave for the remainder of the course. In effect, the officers receive full pay throughout the duration of the course. This practice is not ungenerous, when considered in relation to another regulation for a Government officer wishing to apply for permission to attend a course of study leading to a degree, diploma or other professional technical qualifications. If such a course is considered of direct value to his Ministry, approval may be given on the basis that the officer must use up his vacation leave, if any, and thereafter is given no-pay leave only. I would suggest that a unionist should be prepared to make the small sacrifice entailed in consuming his vacation leave in attending, by his own choice, a course organised by his union. This should make him more appreciative of the value of the course. and perhaps more critical in accepting nomination.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister's reply may be a cause for a debate but I shall not participate in a debate now. Sir, is the Minister aware that in the private sector, trade unionists attending courses get better treatment than what the Government affords its civil servants?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, my information is that that is not correct. But if the Member will please forward to me the regulations relating to leave in the private sector, I will certainly see that we shall be equally generous.

An hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, it is not law. It is in collective agreements. I can show to the Minister that the private sector gives better terms

Mr Speaker: Mr Govindasamy, are you starting a debate or asking a supplementary question?

Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, the Minister asked whether I can show the terms. I can show them. Will the Minister consider giving civil servants better terms than are accorded them at the moment?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: My understanding is that the private sector is not just one body. Perhaps if the Member can show me that all employers in the private sector give equally generous terms, I am sure I shall be able to match what has been given.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, is the Minister aware of the ILO resolution in 1965 recommending that governments accord full pay leave for attendance in trade union courses? If the Minister is aware, are we subscribing to the ILO resolution?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: I am not aware of that particular resolution. But I believe that not all ILO resolutions are observed by all the countries which attend ILO conferences.