| |
 Change is happening all the time. Change is universal and endless. Change is happening right here in Singapore. And, joked Permanent Secretary (Public Service Division) Ms Lim Soo Hoon, newly-elected United States President Barack Obama does not have a monopoly on "Change". How right she is.
What has not changed, she said, is that "the objectives of coming together to better understand each other, forge common visions and to share and learn from each other have remained unchanged."
Ms Lim made the remarks in her opening address at this year’s Public Sector Union-Management Gathering held on 6 November 2008 at The Grassroots Club with more than 250 participants. No prizes for guessing, the theme was "Embracing Change for a Progressive Public Sector".
Following up, National Trades Union Congress Deputy Secretary-General Halimah Yacob echoed Ms Lim’s sentiments with some keen observations of her own: "I dare say that we are witnessing one of the strongest periods of public sector union-management relations. There is greater consultation and dialogue between union and management, particularly at the policy level through the PSD. We now have regular consultations both formally and informally and this is in no small measure due to the leadership that helms both sides."
Madam Halimah stressed that the present harmony has as much to do with conscientious and sustained efforts by all concerned as it has to do with the art of listening: "It is important that there are structures for consultation and there is effective listening of each other. As you know, there are different levels of listening. Some people listen but hear nothing. Others listen but capture only what they want to hear. The truly effective listening is where you pay close attention and understand what the other person says."
"People say that dialogue and consultation takes a longer time. This is indeed true but the decision once reached is often a better one and, what is also important, will be better received and implemented. If you were to look at our society today, there is also greater consultation and discussion on national issues whether it is transport, health or education. We cannot expect it to be different in labour relations."
The ongoing economic crisis has underlined the need to work even closer: "Even before the crisis, we are already seeing many changes in policies affecting the economy and people. Some of these changes are very fundamental, such as in the areas of transport or health. But all these changes, which are meant to improve our economy and our lives, can only succeed if we have a strong public service. And a strong public service depends on its people. We can have all the resources and very good systems but at the end of the day it is the people who make the difference."
Madam Halimah added that people would expect the public sector to take the lead and be the role model in the implementation of the re-employment national policy: "The message is clear and simple - do not wait until 2012, as it would be too late. Instead, use the time that we have between now and then wisely and effectively to put policies and systems in place."
 Re-employment will be made much easier if you have the skills and are employable. So, constantly upgrade your skills and adjust your expectations. What is most crucial is to have a job for your own financial security and to help you remain productive and meaningfully occupied. The opportunity to work longer should be treasured and not looked upon as a given or an entitlement as our behaviour and expectations are shaped very much by our mindsets."
|
|
|
 |
