AN ANALYSIS OF THE TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

A study of the trade union movement in Singapore is effectively a study on the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC). Since 1964, the trade union scene in Singapore has been dominated by the NTUC, such that in 1989 all but 12 unions were affiliated to the NTUC. The purpose of this exercise is not to study the NTUC, but to trace the factors that affect union growth in Singapore. To test for the significance of these factors on the unionisation rate, a little mathematics have been incorporated in the study. However due to inconsistent recording technique certain data required for our computation are not complete, period between 1974 to 1989, thus our analysis is confined to the Unions in Singapore are no longer militant in nature unlike many unions in the world. Unions around the world with their ability to strike, have managed to arouse the sentiments of the masses and in so doing been able to gather support for their cause(s). Therefore, it would be interesting to see how unions in Singapore without the ability to strike have managed to command a following here. Are unions really necessary in Singapore? Although unions in Singapore are no longer confrontational in nature, they still pose a threat to both the State and the firms. This is because, the objectives that they pursue may not be consistent with the interests of the firms and the State. Thus, one of the primary motivations for this exercise is to unravel the overriding considerations unions have for the State in achieving a common goal, and ensuring its survival. Finally, the primary objective of this exercise is to study the determinants of union growth. However, in the course of this exercise, an attempt will be made to show why unions' survival is necessary for the development of Singapore.