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Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stressed the need for strong tripartite cooperation to protect jobs and workers, as the global economic climate grows more uncertain.
As Singapore turns 60 this year, Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng has highlighted how the close partnership between the Government, unions, and employers known as tripartism has been crucial to the nation’s progress.
In his May Day Message 2025 on Tuesday (29 April), he warned that with growing trade tensions and more economies imposing tariffs, Singapore, being a small and open economy, would not be spared. Jobs and incomes could come under more pressure.
"In these times, we must sustain tripartism and our unity," he said, adding that this is what will anchor the country through these "uncertain times".
Minister Tan thanked the tripartite partners — the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) — for their support over the years.
Improving support for workers
Minister Tan outlined the steps Singapore has taken to support workers at all stages of life.
Real wages for lower-income workers grew faster than for the average worker from 2019 to 2024. This was driven by policies such as the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and Workfare.
From 2025, the enhanced Workfare Income Supplement Scheme will further boost support for lower-wage workers, helping them build up their retirement savings.
Singapore has also introduced new protections for platform workers, including CPF contributions, work injury coverage, and representation rights. Minister Tan said these measures were made possible by strong tripartite efforts and allow platform workers to remain flexible while being better protected.
For senior workers, efforts are underway to support longer careers. The Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment and the Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers are working to make workplaces more age friendly. CPF contribution rates for older workers will continue to rise, with the Government offering support to employers through the CPF Transition Offset.
Minister Tan also reassured Singaporeans that consistent CPF contributions would help them meet basic retirement needs. For those unable to do so, schemes such as the S$9bn Majulah Package and enhancements to the Silver Support and Matched Retirement Savings Schemes are available.
"No one will be left behind," he affirmed.
[ALSO READ: Singapore Budget 2025: Highlights for employers and HR leaders]
Helping businesses stay competitive
Minister Tan mentioned that supporting businesses is just as important because business success leads to better jobs and wages.
The Government is investing over S$400mn through the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package to help companies upgrade their business and workforce at the same time. There is also a S$200mn top-up to the NTUC Company Training Committee Grant to support business transformation plans.
Minister Tan stated: “This is tripartism in action — practical, sustained partnership that helps businesses stay competitive while bringing workers along.”
Building safer, fairer workplaces
On the aspect of workplace safety, the minister noted that Singapore continues to maintain high workplace safety standards, with a workplace fatality rate averaging around 1.1 per 100,000 workers over the last five years. The major injury rate also hit a record low last year.
To this point, he called for continued vigilance to protect workers’ lives and health.
On workplace flexibility, the new Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) now provide clear rules for employees and employers to discuss arrangements that meet both sides' needs.
In addition, the Workplace Fairness Act was passed earlier this year, strengthening protection against workplace discrimination. This new law complements existing fair employment guidelines and aims to build a more harmonious work environment.
Staying united for the future
Looking ahead, Minister Tan said work will continue to change and challenges will grow. But he urged Singaporeans to hold onto tripartism and unity, even when it becomes more difficult.
He shared the Ministry of Manpower’s new vision: Empowered Workforce, Thriving Workplaces which aims to create more opportunities for workers, support businesses in growing by investing in people, and build inclusive workplaces.
As MOM marks 70 years since its founding, Minister Tan said the Ministry’s commitment to workers and employers remains firm.
"Let’s renew our commitment to each other — and continue building a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity for every Singaporean," he concluded.
Alongside Minister Tan's message, SNEF shared a May Day message highlighting the journey of tripartism in Singapore and its workforce priorities looking ahead.
Highlights from SNEF’s May Day message 2025 below:
Tripartism remains key in uncertain times
SNEF reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with MOM and NTUC to achieve win-win outcomes. It pointed to 2024’s 4.4% economic growth and resilient labour market, with 45,500 jobs added and more locals employed in high-skilled sectors such as professional and financial services.
Preparing for future disruptions
With growing global uncertainties and shifts towards gig and freelance work, SNEF called on employers to rethink growth strategies, embrace workforce agility, and stay open to global talent to remain competitive.
Technology and AI as enablers, not threats
SNEF encouraged businesses and workers to view AI and automation as tools to boost productivity and innovation. It urged all tripartite partners to invest in lifelong learning and career planning to manage change confidently.
Tapping on the potential of senior workers
As Singapore’s workforce ages, SNEF has supported initiatives such as the upcoming Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment and Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers to co-develop policies that expand opportunities and improve flexibility for mature workers.
Flexible work with mutual understanding
SNEF, a contributor to the TG-FWAR, highlighted the importance of balancing business needs with workers’ diverse life stages. SNEF said it will continue to provide practical guidance for employers in navigating flexible work arrangement requests.
Commitment to fair and inclusive workplaces
Finally, SNEF reiterated its support for the Workplace Fairness Legislation, promoting fair employment practices as key to better talent attraction and retention. At the same time, to build a more inclusive and harmonious workforce for everyone.
Lead image / Minister Tan See Leng's Facebook post
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