NTUC has reached a significant milestone, with its union membership surpassing 1.4 million, announced NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng on 20 April 2025, ahead of the annual May Day celebrations.
NTUC said the achievement highlights growing trust in the Labour Movement and underscores NTUC’s expanding role in uplifting the lives and livelihoods of workers across Singapore.
NTUC attributed this growth to its proactive and inclusive strategies, which have helped workers adapt to a rapidly changing labour market.
Through the wide range of initiatives by NTUC, its affiliated unions and associations, the Labour Movement said it has positively impacted more than 1.4 million members over the past year. The initiatives include from skills upgrading and job matching to financial relief and workplace advocacy.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said: “Amidst the uncertainties brought about by global trade and tariff wars, NTUC will strengthen efforts and work with tripartite partners to enhance job security for workers, and support Singapore’s continued ability to attract foreign investments.
“NTUC will redouble our efforts to drive upskilling and reskilling, equipping workers with the skills needed to adapt and thrive, even as we approach a more uncertain economy.”
NTUC said that recent tariffs imposed by the United States and countermeasures from other nations would likely disrupt supply chains and investment flows, potentially affecting business competitiveness and job security, especially in export-reliant sectors.
NTUC is closely monitoring these developments and stands ready to respond through its network of 58 affiliated unions and 27 NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) touchpoints.
As part of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, NTUC will work with tripartite partners to safeguard workers and ensure Singapore remains attractive to foreign investments.
NTUC has also tailored its support to meet shifting demographic and workforce needs, with Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) now comprising 63.7 per cent of Singapore’s labour force and 28.2 per cent of workers aged 55 and above.
The tailored support for PMETs includes a pilot Executive Mentorship Programme in 2023 and the recently launched Company Mentorship Circle.
NTUC’s advocacy has also led to the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support to help those involuntarily unemployed.
For youths, initiatives like the NTUC Starter Membership and the Young NTUC Career Mentorship Programme have provided thousands with mentorship, training subsidies, and early career guidance.
Over 12,000 youths have benefited from structured mentoring and networking opportunities. At the same time, the NTUC-U Care Fund has pledged $3.85 million to assist school-going children and youths, providing essential financial relief during their academic journey.
For caregivers and older workers, NTUC successfully advocated for flexible work arrangements, enhanced paternity leave, and workplace redesigns to improve the lives of these workers.
Through NTUC’s advocacy, vulnerable groups such as platform workers and low-wage employees have gained new protections under legislation like the Platform Workers Act and the continued expansion of the Progressive Wage Model.
Beyond individual programmes, NTUC’s broader infrastructure forms a strong safety net for workers navigating economic headwinds. From February 2020 to November 2024, the NTUC Job Security Council matched more than 110,000 workers to new roles.
NTUC’s Company Training Committee (CTC) has enabled over 7,400 workers to earn average wage increases of 5 per cent above their annual increments while gaining new skills and structured career development plans.
Looking ahead, NTUC reaffirmed its commitment to tripartism and its refreshed compact with workers, calling on more Singaporeans to join the movement.
Mr Ng said: “As we progress in SG60 and beyond, we must work together and leave no worker behind.
“Unity is our strength, and with more workers partnering with us, we can shape a future of resilience, dignity, and opportunity for all.”
