Tripartism must be enhanced for new employment models: Tan

Under tripartism, union, government and employers must collaborate.

On National Day Observance, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng underscored improvement of tripartism to cover new models of employment such as the gig economy.

Gig economy refers to temporary and flexible jobs as a commonplace and companies employ independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time workers.

“When we look around the world today, we have seen how it has not been straightforward for countries to get tripartite consensus on crisis measures. This at times has resulted in unrest and protests, and even strikes and work stoppages,” Tan said in a speech at Stephen Riady Auditorium in NTUC Centre.

In the latter part of his speech, the manpower minister also urged Singaporeans to pass Forward Singapore in the next generation. Forward Singapore was launched this year to review and refresh the Lion City’s social compact.

“In the months ahead, the Ministry of Manpower will work with our partners to drive the Economy and Jobs pillar under the Forward Singapore exercise. It is a commitment by the 4G leadership team to partner Singaporeans in refreshing our social compact and building a true society full of opportunities and inclusiveness,” said Tan, one of the leaders in the “empower” pillar of Forward Singapore.