Straits Times, 2 August 2004
Labour chief upbeat that SIA, unions can resolve wage talks
Talks ongoing between management and NTUC-affiliated unions on wage structure but gap between positions is 'quite narrow'
By Azrin Asmani
LABOUR chief Lim Boon Heng has expressed confidence that Singapore Airlines (SIA) and four of its unions that are affiliated to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) can resolve negotiations on a wage structure in a matter of weeks.
The national carrier, which has restored to staff what they lost in wage cuts over the past year, plus an additional 15 per cent, is still in talks with union representatives on a future wage structure.*
But Mr Lim, who was asked by reporters yesterday for an update on the state of discussions, said that 'as far as the four affiliates of the NTUC are concerned, a lot of progress has been made'.†
He did not go into the specifics of the negotiations but said that the gap between their positions and the management's 'is actually quite narrow'.
'Both parties should feel they should be able to come to agreement on all the matters within a few weeks,' he told reporters after the official opening of the $20-million Wild Wild Wet theme park at NTUC Club's Downtown East in Pasir Ris.
The four NTUC-affiliated unions are the SIA Staff Union, Singapore Airport Terminal Services Workers' Union, SIA Engineering Company Engineers and Executives Union, and the Air Transport Executive Staff Union.
Mr Lim had previously made the point that SIA must restructure its wages to remain competitive and this must apply to all employees, including cabin crew and pilots.
The Air Line Pilots Association Singapore (Alpa-S) is not under the NTUC umbrella but Mr Lim said last week that talks between Alpa-S and the airline on a new wage deal would not end up in the Industrial Arbitration Court if both sides 'work harder' and stay 'objective'.
The Manpower Ministry is helping both sides resolve differences, which are reportedly over pay and the number of rest days.
*Just to be completely accurate, repayment was made for lost salary during year 2003-4, up until 31 March 2004. The pay cut remains in force to this day and it also remains a moot point as to whether repayment plus 15% will be made for salary lost from 1 April 2004 onwards.
†Code for "they are buckling under nicely to government pressure".