Find Trade Union expertise in Singapore

Most trade unions in Singapore are affiliated with the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC), which is a federation of trade unions closely aligned with the ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP). In addition to this, employers in the country have the say as to whether they wish to recognise the trade union in question – this is required by law. It should be noted that due to the government’s close relationship with the unions, strikes rarely occur. The law also prohibits such action if the dispute has been brought before the Industrial Arbitration Court. In contrast to the majority of unions involved with the NTUC, there are only three independent trade unions: the Air Line Pilots’ Association – Singapore, the Singapore Transport-Vessels Workers’ Association, and the Film Industrial Employees Union of Singapore.