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SINGAPORE: The labour movement will focus on three core priorities this year to help Singapore pull through the economic crisis.

Labour chief Lim Swee Say said this in his email to unionists and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) staff on Friday.

Mr Lim said the labour movement will stand in unity with the government and employers to help protect jobs and create growth for Singapore.

Firstly, he said, the labour movement will work proactively with companies and the government to improve productivity and reduce business costs, including wage costs and non-wage costs, in order to save jobs.

Mr Lim said the tripartite partners must be even more flexible and adaptable this year because more jobs can be saved with higher cost reduction for businesses.

Secondly, Mr Lim urged workers to upgrade and re-skill for new and different jobs.

He said many job sectors are still employing despite the global recession, and many jobs are coming onstream in the education and healthcare sectors, as well as the marine, construction and services industries.

However, workers must be willing to adapt to new job demands and not just look for the same jobs with the same pay.

Thirdly, Mr Lim said, the labour movement will stay the course to achieve its longer term objectives of getting more women and older workers back into the workforce, as well as enhancing the employability of low-skilled workers.

Despite a tough year ahead, Mr Lim said the labour movement will face the challenges with confidence and with strong support from union leaders.

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Source - CNA/ir