EDUCATION OF WORKERS ON JOB SECURITY AND JOB PROSPECTS

Mr Lim Chee Onn: To ask the Minister for Labour (a) what plans his Ministry has to educate our workers on their responsibilities in increasing job security and job prospects for the labour force; and (b) how these plans relate to those workers who are unorganised or who are members of unions which are not affiliated to the National Trades Union Congress.

Mr Speaker: Mr Lim Chee Onn.

Mr Phey Yew Kok (Boon Teck): Mr Speaker, Sir, Question No. 5.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Sir, the education of workers on their responsibilities in increasing job security and job prospects is a new approach to meet the challenges in our social and economic development. Many factors come into play in this aspect of workers' education. These include correct work attitude, higher skill development, productivity consciousness and industrial discipline. Its success can only be assured through the joint efforts of labour, management and the Government. In the public sector, it not only involves the Ministry of Labour and its statutory body, the National Productivity Board, but also other Ministries such as the Ministry of Education and its statutory body, the Industrial Training Board. Being a process involving values and attitudes, it takes time to nurture and should begin in schools or training institutions before the aspiring workers enter the labour market.

The Ministry of Labour and its statutory board, the National Productivity Board, have been playing an active role in the field of workers' education. The Ministry has sought to assure both unionised and non-unionised workers that there is social justice with industrial peace through its enforcement of the statutory provisions for labour welfare and against unjustified dismissals and retrenchments. It has also counselled' workers on numerous occasions to observe industrial discipline by not resorting to industrial action but follow proper procedures for resolution of grievances. It has also through speeches constantly stressed the need for higher productivity, skill development, positive work attitudes and curbing of job-hopping in order to overcome economic difficulties and in the process preserve job security and enlarge job prospects. I am particularly happy to note that hon. Members also have occasion to join the Ministry's efforts to this end by making similar exhortations.

The National Productivity Board has been promoting vigorously the meaning, significance and benefits of higher productivity as well as the establishment of productivity committees and productivity incentive schemes. Its promotion of greater productivity is directed principally at managers, supervisors, workers and students in upper secondary classes and colleges and national servicemen. A display and training centre featuring productivity concepts and examples has been established and publications and audio-visual productions prepared. Programmes for dissemination of such productivity materials and visits to the display and training centre have been worked out and implemented. In addition, training in various aspects of productivity is being provided to the NTUC and its affiliated unions as well as the National Youth Leadership Training Institute.

Where productivity committees are concerned, the Board has assisted firms to establish and run such committees. Publications on this subject have been made available. It has advised companies on productivity incentive schemes and scheduled in the near future a tripartite seminar to discuss merit and demerit schemes. Participation in productivity committees and the operation of productivity incentive schemes will contribute to a more responsible labour force.

Schools and other training institutions are the most appropriate starting points for educating our youth in good work attitudes. The Industrial Training Board recently organised a seminar on "Work Attitudes" with the objective of developing a set of guidelines, recommendations and other rele- vant materials for the eventual compilation of a formal instruction programme on proper work attitudes and values. Arising from this a "Blue Book" or Trainees' Handbook on Work Ethics and Proper Work Attitudes is being printed for institutional trainees.

As mentioned earlier, the education process is a tripartite effort. In this connection, the NTUC has made a commendable and significant lead in holding the recent seminar on "Job Creation and Job Loss". The subsequent follow-up courses by its affiliated unions will maintain the momentum in disseminating the message of correct values and work ethics as well as skill development to the rank and file members.

In time, social and economic forces will condition all the workers in employment to realise that while the Government spares no effort in promoting a healthy investment climate to increase job opportunities, the enhancement of job security and job prospects, in the final analysis, depends to a large extent on them - their willingness to give off their best, to learn patiently the skills required and to accept re-training and further training.