Even as the Singapore economy begins to feel the impact of the global economic crisis, the food and beverage industry will continue to be an important creator of jobs for Singaporeans.

"With major projects such as the Integrated Resorts scheduled to open in the next two years, there will continue to be demand for skilled manpower in this industry," said Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong at the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union’s 44th Anniversary Dinner and Dance on 6 November 2008.

The union has been working with its management partners and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency to put in place programmes to upgrade members’ skills and improve industry employment practices. This has helped to increase productivity and retain more local employees. Some of these measures include the introduction of the five-day work week, flexible working arrangements, bringing in the service-charge component into the basic pay and redesigning jobs and workplaces to make them more age-friendly.

"I would like to commend the FDAWU union leaders, members and management partners on their on-going commitment and efforts to improve workplace practices, as well as to enhance the employability of our workers. These efforts will not only enable us to overcome the economic downturn, but also better position our workforce to capture new opportunities when the economy recovers," said Mr Gan.


Doing More Good

The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union will present $50,000 in scholarships and study grants next month, ahead of the new school year. Last year, the union presented $40,000 to 212 school-going children of its members.

With the additional $10,000, another 88 children will benefit. Each child will also be receiving more.