THE INTEREST REPRESENTATIONAL ROLE OF THE NATIONAL TRADES UNION CONGRESS IN POLICYMAKING

Abstract

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is the single umbrella labour organisation in Singapore consisting of 73 separate affiliate unions (1992) and 211,575 union members (1990), whose dominant common interest is their economic well-being. It is also a political entity, functioning as an important interest group that seeks to realise the concerns and aspirations of the workers in the governmental decision-making process (i.e. political interest representational role). Doubts have long surrounded the activities and influence of this political role of the NTUC based on two grounds: close association with the ruling-People's Action (1) that its Party (PAP) government has eroded its strength and independence, and (2) that its role in national development has undermined its ability to promote the private sectional interests of its members. This academic exercise aims to demonstrate that the NTUC has substantive impact on policymaking. To this end, its examines why and how the NTUC is able to influence government policy and legislative action. It explains that the NTUC has three group resources - political access, a supportive pro-labour government, and high social status which accounts for its political influence. The three policy studies highlights the assertiveness and effectiveness of the NTUC in influencing policy outcome.