MOM ST 2025 APRIL

Amid frequent labour strikes that threatened Singapore's stability in the 1950s, the Ministry of Labour and Welfare was formed in 1955 to mediate disputes and balance worker rights with economic progress.

Navigating through labour turmoil

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), registered in 1964, united 102,000 workers from 55 unions, establishing Singapore's unique three-way partnership between unions, employers and the Government.

— Then-Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the first NTUC convention

Giving workers a stronger voice

Facing increased competition from other countries, Singapore pivoted its focus towards boosting productivity so as to remain globally competitive.

Nurturing an efficient workforce

In 1980, the formation of the Singapore National Employers Federation completed the tripartite framework. This supported Singapore’s industrialisation, helping to drive industrial harmony.

Moving towards higher-value industries

Enacting retirement age legislation in 1993 enables Singaporeans to have longer, more productive careers, mitigating talent shortages in an increasingly globalised economy.

engaged in the workforce

Enabling seniors to remain

Rapid growth in the construction and marine shipyard sectors prompted heightened focus on worker protection. The Workplace Safety and Health Council was subsequently established in 2008.

Enhancing workplace safety standards

Rate of workplace fatal injuries over the years

No. of workplace fatal injuries

Workplace fatal injury rate (per 100,000 workers)

SOURCE: WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH REPORT 2023

1.9

1.2

1.1

0.9

1.1

1.3

0.99

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

(Covid-19 pandemic)

2021

2022

2023

Rate of workplace fatal injuries over the years

Workplace fatal injury rate (per 100,000 workers)

Source: Workplace Safety And Health Report 2023

1.9

0.99

2016

2023

Source: Workplace Safety And Health Report 2023

Number of workplace fatal injuries per 100,000 workers

1.9

0.99

Median-wage worker

2023

2016

Year

Decrease in workplace fatality rate

The Progressive Wage Model was introduced in 2012 to increase wages of workers through upskilling and improving productivity.

Uplifting lower-wage workers

Real wages rose faster for low-wage workers from 2019 to 2024

5.8%

Rate of growth in real wages (%)

3.5%

Median-wage worker

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Source: Ministry of Manpower

Lower-wage worker (20th percentile)

Announced in 2024, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides temporary financial support to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed and are actively looking for new employment.

Supporting Singaporeans

through uncertainty

The landmark Workplace Fairness Bill was passed in Jan 2025, a step towards creating more inclusive workplaces where employment decisions are not influenced by characteristics such as age, marital status or disability.

Giving all a fair shot at work

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Amid rapid technological shifts and global uncertainty, Singaporeans can take charge of their career health through schemes and programmes by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore to stay competitive and remain relevant.

Career resilience

in an age of disruption