Union negotiated for enhancements to support package for retrenched GovTech officers: Desmond Choo

Following the news of the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech Singapore)'s retrenchment, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Choo said that the agency had engaged the affiliated union early to help affected staff.

Choo said the Amalgamated Union of Statutory Board Employees (AUSBE) negotiated for enhancements to the support package beyond the provisions of the collective agreement between the agency and the union.

This included financial support and career transition assistance to help affected workers towards their next opportunity.

"Workforce restructuring and retrenchment are unsettling and always difficult for affected workers and their families. They should never have to go through it alone," he wrote in a post on social media.

The statutory board announced that it is cutting about 7 to 9 per cent of its staff following a shift to a new operating model.

The first phase of the restructuring exercise saw 93 officers transitioning out of GovTech, it said in a press release on Jul. 15.

Fair and just transition

"NTUC is committed to journeying with members and workers through every stage of their careers, especially during periods of sudden change and uncertainty," Choo wrote.

Choo explained that GovTech had engaged AUSBE early, and that made a "meaningful difference".

The agency and the union worked together to identify alternatives to retrenchment, including retraining, apprenticeship and redeployment opportunities, and reduced the impact on officers, he said.

For those who are exiting the agency, AUSBE negotiated for enhancements to the support package beyond the provisions of the collective agreement between the agency and the union.

This included financial support and career transition assistance to help them towards their next opportunity, Choo said.

"Besides ensuring the availability of career coaches, e2i has already curated a tech career fair for them. We are committed to helping the affected GovTech workers for as long as they take to land another opportunity," he added.

Choo explained that when employers engage unions early, the union can better address workers' concerns, prepare and provide timely support to facilitate smoother transitions, and help them find jobs with the support of NTUC’s e2i.

"To all PMEs and public officers, I encourage you to seek out NTUC’s resources, and our affiliated unions, to support you in your career journey."

Union negotiated for and secured enhanced support package

In a statement on Jul. 15, the general secretary of AUSBE, Gabriel Ng, said it was informed of GovTech’s workforce restructuring plans early and has been working closely with the agency to support affected officers.

Ng said the union’s priority has been to mitigate the impact of the exercise and support affected officers, adding that it has worked closely with the agency to identify alternatives to retrenchment, including retraining, apprenticeship, and redeployment opportunities.

Ng said the union also successfully negotiated an enhanced support package that goes beyond the provisions in the collective agreement between the union and the agency.

Besides the collective agreement, AUSBE has partnered GovTech for affected officers to also receive (i) outplacement and transition support in the form of a three-month ex gratia payment; (ii) pro-rated performance bonus; and (iii) six months of paid union membership for AUSBE members.

The union has also connected affected staff to the Labour Movement’s network, including NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute).

In addition, career coaches from NTUC’s e2i were on-site to provide personalised career coaching and job matching support for affected Singaporean and Permanent Resident officers, Ng said.

Those who require assistance can reach out to AUSBE at 62972097 or [email protected].