On behalf of the Labour Movement, we give thanks to two senior union contributors who have each devoted over 30 years of their lives towards the betterment of the worker.
In appreciation of their contributions, NTUC President Mary Liew and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng penned a letter of thanks to Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) General Secretary Tan Hock Soon, and United Workers of Petroleum Industry (UWPI) Executive Secretary Karthikeyan Krishnamurthy.
The letters were presented to them during an appreciation lunch at the Orchid Country Club on 26 November 2019.
Brother Tan Hock Soon
Having first joined the FDAWU in 1985, Brother Hock Soon went on to become the union’s General-Secretary in 2005.
During his 34-year tenure, he fought tirelessly for the rights of the workers, as evident when he pushed for assistance and fair compensation for 200 displaced workers affected by the closure of the Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages bottling plant in 2015.
Within the Labour Movement, Brother Hock Soon chaired various committees looking into industrial relations and training, as well as the Labour Movement’s Hospitality and Consumer Business Cluster.
He also contributed significantly as a Member of the NTUC Education and Training Fund Board of Trustees, the Industrial Relations Council, the Membership Council and the Training Council.
In the letter of appreciation President Mary and SG Ng said: “You took on the roles as a Board of Director at NTUC Health, Treasurer of the NTUC Club Management Council and Member of NTUC Club's Finance & Strategy Committee.
“On a national level, you represented the Labour Movement in the Industrial Arbitration Court, the National Wages Council and the Tripartite Alliance Limited. Through these varied roles, you shared your insights and spoke up for workers; and in doing so, positively impacted their lives. Your dedication and passion in helping our workers achieve better welfare, wages and work prospects is truly commendable.
“As you flow-on from the Central Committee, we would like to express our gratitude from the bottom of our hearts and wish you good luck in your new endeavours. We are honoured to have worked alongside you.
“You have been an inspiration to us, Brother Hock Soon; and the Labour Movement thanks you for your dedication and service.”
Brother Karthikeyan Krishnamurthy
Brother Karthikeyan began his 30-year journey as a unionist when he formed the Singapore Petrochemical Complex Employees Union in 1986. He was General-Secretary of the union till 2001 when the union merged with UWPI, where he continued to serve as General -Secretary till July 2019.
Brother Karthikeyan was also the recipient of the Public Service Medal and the Public Service Star in 2008 and 2015 respectively.
Within the Labour Movement, he was the representative in the Industrial Arbitration Court and Workplace Safety and Health Council as well as the Vice-President of NTUC. He was also appointed as a Nominated Member of Parliament in 2014.
In the letter of appreciation, President Mary and SG Ng said: “Your decision to step down as UWPI General Secretary is once again testament to putting others before self. Your track record in developing good rapport and working relationships with tripartite partners through your various representation on tripartite committees and statutory boards have not gone unnoticed.
“The good work that you have done in building strong labour-management relations, unionising more companies and growing the Union’s membership base has paved the way for others to follow through to further strengthen the Union.
"We appreciate you, Brother Karthikeyan, and you will always be part of the Labour Movement."
