Trade unions hold a special place in Singapore’s history. Occupying different camps on the left and right, unionists’ past struggle for social justice saw the rise of leaders who could move the masses. A dispassionate look is taken at the ideas and impulses of those who defined today’s labour movement. Can unions continue to play a key role in the future as jobs are threatened by technological change and disruption? Some observers think Singapore might have an answer. This book examines the issues critically.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s Independence, the Institute of Policy Studies and Straits Times Press jointly launched the Singapore Chronicles series in 2015.

This 50-volume series seeks to record, explain and offer insights into what makes Singapore, Singapore. Covering a wide range of subjects, from the philosophical to the mundane, the fundamental to the practical, these Singapore Chronicles titles include Constitution, Presidency, Housing, Transport, Demography, CPF, Sports and Food. Each volume in this series will serve as a primer on the subject.

Written by leading experts, they will focus on key aspects of the subject, providing analysis as well as a historical account. Readers will gain an insight into what makes Singapore tick and also why it has chosen certain “paths un-trodden”.

Authors

Singapore Chronicles: Trade Unions