In his May Day message on April 27, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng asserted that Singapore must leverage tripartism and trust to navigate global disruptions and uncertainties effectively. He noted that many countries have experienced more adversarial industrial relations, resulting in negative outcomes for workers, employers, and society. Therefore, maintaining a tripartite approach remains a competitive advantage for Singapore.

Dr. Tan acknowledged the increasing pace of economic change, which could lead to more workers facing unexpected challenges. In response, he announced plans for a new support scheme aimed at assisting workers who find themselves involuntarily displaced later this year. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that no worker is left behind amid the evolving economic landscape.

The minister outlined several government initiatives focused on empowering the workforce, supporting senior citizens, and uplifting vulnerable groups. He emphasized that employers who invest in their workers’ career development are better positioned to attract and retain talent. The enhanced Career Conversion Programme will provide greater salary support for hiring mid-career individuals and upskilling current employees, thereby addressing skills mismatches in the labor market.

Another significant initiative is the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme, which offers financial assistance for employers to send local employees abroad for exposure to new markets and reskilling opportunities. This program aims to equip workers with the skills necessary for a globalized economy, ensuring they remain competitive in their fields.

Dr. Tan also stressed the importance of upholding fair and merit-based workplace practices. He mentioned the introduction of workplace fairness legislation and new tripartite guidelines concerning flexible work arrangement requests, which will take effect on December 1. These measures aim to create a more inclusive work environment that accommodates the diverse needs of employees.

For senior workers, the government plans to enhance retirement adequacy measures, including the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and the Silver Support Scheme introduced in Budget 2024. The retirement and re-employment ages will gradually increase to 65 and 70, respectively, by 2030, allowing seniors to continue working if they choose and ensuring they have adequate support in their later years.

Lastly, the Progressive Wage Model will be expanded to benefit up to 90% of lower-wage workers, and protections for gig workers will be legislated, marking a significant development in employment law. Dr. Tan concluded by reinforcing the importance of trust and collaboration in preparing Singapore’s workforce for future challenges, ensuring that workplaces remain fair, progressive, and beneficial for both employees and employers.