New NTUC journal brings academics, practitioners together for labour research, strategies

THE National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) on Friday (Oct 21) launched the first volume of the Singapore Labour Journal, which brings together academics and practitioners to “better promote the development of research and practice in the field of labour issues, and to translate them into tangible strategies” to help workers earn a better living.

The “first-of-its-kind” journal in South-east Asia, which is to be published yearly, combines peer-reviewed academic papers and practitioners’ insights, to “reflect on current labour issues, reimagine new approaches and restrategise the way forward for unions in Singapore and the world”.

Its advisory board comprises tripartite partners from among employers, union congress and government, and representatives from institutes of higher learning. Academics from all six local autonomous universities sit on its editorial board, “which helps to give it a well-balanced content that will cover all stakeholders”.

Some topics covered include continuing education, digitalisation to mobilise workers, and youth empowerment.

Among the practitioners who contributed insights are Ng Chee Meng, secretary-general of NTUC, who wrote a paper about NTUC’s changing role in shaping Singapore’s work compact, and NTUC’s assistant secretary-general Patrick Tay, who penned a piece addressing the key concerns of professionals, managers and executives.

NTUC said that some academics, including those from abroad, have expressed interest in contributing to future issues. Topics may include the progressive wage model – partly to introduce Singapore’s policy to labour movements elsewhere – and platform workers.

This maiden issue of Singapore Labour Journal was launched at the 4th edition of NTUC’s Labour Research Conference, which will include a series of dialogues and panel sessions on the theme of “The Future Reimagined”.

The 2020 iteration of the conference was organised by NTUC; previous editions in 2017 and 2018 were organised by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute.

The journal will be made available digitally on the NTUC corporate website as well as the National Library Board’s public libraries and website. Hard copies will be available at Singapore unions, relevant government agencies, trade associations, chambers and foundations, as well as relevant regional and international trade union organisations.

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Ng said that the journal illustrates the “Head-Hand-Heart” connection: “Working with academics with research expertise and a cognitive take on labour issues (the Head); NTUC and our unions working on the ground to explain and operationalise policies as well as listen to workers’ feedback (the Hand); by passionate union leaders and academics who are interested in our workforce and labour issues (the Heart).”