PROTECTION FOR NON-UNIONIZED WORKERS

Maj Fong Sip Chee asked the Acting Minister for Labour (1) the total number of workers who pay their union dues under the 'check-off' scheme; (2) the total amount collected under the scheme for the years 1982, 1983 and 1984; (3) in view of the apparent decline in union membership and the recent remarks by a certain union leader on non-union members, if he will categorically state that non-unionized workers will not be compelled by law to join a trade union; and (4) that in view of the recent statement made by the Second Deputy Prime Minister that non-unionized workers would lose out in the event of retrenchment, if he is satisfied that the existing labour legislation is adequate to protect, and is not discriminatory against non-unionized workers in the event of retrenchment, dismissals or labour disputes; and (5) if he will amend the relevant legislation to ensure adequate protection for non-unionized workers in such eventualities.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: As at 31 Jan 85, the number of workers who pay their union dues under the 'check-off' scheme totals 164,995.

The amounts collected under the scheme for 1982, 1983 and 1984 are as follows: 1982 - $11,385,602 1983 - $12,015,069 1984 - $10,865,568

Trade unions are organisations formed voluntarily by workers based on the principle of freedom of association. In line with this principle, workers should be given a choice to join or to remain outside a trade union. Non-unionised workers will therefore not be compelled by law to join a trade union.

I am satisfied that the existing labour legislation is adequate to protect workers and is not discriminatory against non-unionized workers in the event of retrenchment, dismissals or labour disputes.

Labour legislation can only provide for minimum standards. Employers and employees are free to agree on terms that are more favourable than those provided in the legislation. Obviously workers who are unionized may be able to negotiate for better terms from their employers than individual workers.

Since our labour legislation is adequate to protect workers and is not discriminatory against non-unionized workers in the event of retrenchment, dismissals or labour dispute, there is no necessity to amend the legislation. Appendix I - LIST OF FOREIGN CONTRACTORS AWARDED PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS IN THE LAST 3 YEARS (1982-1984) (Cols. 343 - 344) Appendix II - LIST OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED COMPANIES (Cols. 345 - 348) Appendix III - LIST OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED COMPANIES (Cols. 349 - 354) Appendix IV - 1984 REGISTRATION STATISTICS BY PHASES (Cols. 355 - 356)