Message by Ms Mary Liew, President of NTUC for SSEU Souvenir Publication 2019

The oil and gas industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Amidst this, Shell Singapore (Shell) is partnership with the Singapore Shell Employees' Union (SSEU-Shell) to ensure that Shell workers manage change positively and develop deeper technical skills and acquire new adaptive and technology skills. While skills upgrading is underway in Shell, I am pleased to note that workers' welfare and safety remain top of mind for SSEU-Shell. The SSEU-Shell union leaders have continuously paid close attention to industrial safety issues to make sure every worker has a safe environment to work in, especially for those working in the plants. It is commendable that the union has worked tirelessly to serve their members and always reminds them to keep abreast of safety-related changes and updates in the industry by encouraging them to attend new and refresher courses. This is important as Total Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) is an ongoing effort by company, union and workers alike; to always be prepared should any incidences occur. I have every confidence that the union will continue to press on in this area as workers are our greatest assets. Another aspect of WSH includes ensuring that workers are fit for work, whether they are new entrants to workforce or older workers who have grown with the company. Shell, in consultation with SSEU-Shell, has in place a Post Retirement Re-employment scheme that gives employees a choice to continue employment with generally the same terms and conditions as permanent employees while still enjoying union representation for workplace issues. It is important to note that while the scheme is in place, workers must also ensure they remain healthy and contribute to the company's growth for as long as they wish to. With the union playing its part by holding various activities for members to keep healthy, I hope workers themselves can also do their part to keep their body and mind fit despite their challenging shift demands. On this note, my heartiest congratulations to all Sisters and Brothers in SSEU-Shell for our 35th anniversary and may you continue to advance our workers' interests with great pride and passion in the years to come!