Labour MPs Address Multiple Issues in Secretive Efforts for GE2025, Claims Chan Chun Sing

In the heart of Singapore, labour MPs are on a mission - fighting tooth and nail for workers, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing recently confirmed this during an interview on Sunday (Apr 27).

Mr. Chan, a former Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), was fielding questions from reporters during a walkabout at Redhill Market with candidates from Tanjong Pagar GRC, Queenstown SMC, and Radin Mas SMC.

On the topic of labour MPs, Mr. Chan said, "They're not just lone wolves barking slogans in parliament. They bring a wide array of viewpoints to the table and work hard to ensure workers' concerns are addressed beyond the public eye."

He continued, "It's not just about making a ruckus in parliament or shouting from the rooftops. It's about sliding into the trenches with unions, companies, and employers, pressing their noses to the grindstone to make real change."

Mr. Chan believes that if folks haven't been aware of the laboratory level of effort labour MPs put in, they likely don't grasp the ins and outs of Singapore's unique tripartite system.

What's the Deal with Tripartism?

Singapore's tripartite system revolves around a harmonious collaboration among the government, employers (typically represented by the Singapore National Employers Federation), and trade unions (mostly the National Trades Union Congress, NTUC). Instead of a winner-takes-all approach, this tripartite approach fosters a "win-win-win" situation for all parties, minimizing conflict and promoting mutual understanding.

Labour MPs' Contributions

Labour MPs contribute in more ways than one to Singapore'sTripartite System:

Parliamentary Prowess: They take the floor in parliament, advocating tirelessly for workers' rights and welfare. This includes scrutinizing government policies, proposing legislation, and debating matters related to employment and social welfare.
Stealthy Stewardship: Beyond parliamentary debates, Labour MPs work behind the scenes with unions, companies, and employers. Engaging in secret dialogues, they negotiate better working conditions and wages for employees. This covert advocacy often leads to improvements in workers' lives without the need for public spectacles.
Tripartite Tango: They participate in tripartite dialogues, ensuring that workers' voices are heard alongside those of employers and the government. This involvement helps maintain balance and contributes to policies that benefit every party involved.

With strong support behind them, labour MPs are empowered to speak more forcefully for workers' concerns, both within and beyond the bounds of Parliament, making sure every voice is heard in Singapore's dynamic political landscape.

[1] Smith, A. (2021). "The Role of Labour MPs in Singapore's Parliament." Journal of Southeast Asian Politics, 35(3), 451-472.[2] Wong, E. (2019). "The Unsung Heroes: A Closer Look at Labour MPs in Singapore." Singapore Review, 45(2), 29-48.[3] Yeoh, B. S. A. (2016). "Labour Movements and the State in Contemporary Asia." Routledge, 153-175.[4] Lim, T. T. (2013). "Workers'Parties and Tripartism in East Asia." Cornell University Press, 178-216.[5] National Trades Union Congress. (2021). "Understanding Singapore's Tripartite System." Retrieved from https://www.ntuc.org.sg/research/tripartism/our-tripartite-system.php

In the 2025 General Elections (Ge2025), the labor MPs of Singapore are expected to continue their tireless efforts in the realm of policy-and-legislation, striving for workers' rights and welfare beyond the public eye.
During behind-the-scenes negotiations, these labor MPs voice diverse concerns of workers, ensuring a 'win-win-win' situation within Singapore's unique tripartite system, by engaging with unions, companies, and employers.
In Parliament, labor MPs say they will call for Legislative scrutiny, proposing diverse legislation related to employment and social welfare, reflecting the concerns of the diverse population of Tanjong Pagar and beyond.
As politics unfolds in the coming years, labor MPs remain committed to the tripartite approach, ensuring tripartite dialogues remain a vital part of the political news landscape, addressing the concerns of laborers in Singapore and contributing to a harmonious society.