Half of PAP's founding members were trade unionists

Back in 1954 when PAP was formed, more than half its founding members were trade unionists and almost two-thirds of the cadres were unionists. 

This is the background to understanding the symbiotic relationship between NTUC and PAP. 

In his speech on May 1 1960, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said:

"May Day 1960 will always be a notable occasion in the history of the trade union movement of Singapore. For this is the first time that May Day is celebrated in Singapore when there is A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS OPENLY ON THE WORKERS' SIDE. The PAP said clearly before and during the elections that a PAP Government is a Government on the side of the workers."

While other governments may say they protect workers from competition and unscrupulous businesses, they often end up frightening off investors and damaging the economy, causing job losses for workers.

Some countries try to weaken union influence, resulting in tit-for-tat conflict.

But in Singapore, the Government, workers and employers partner in growing and upgrading the economy, in a tripartite system that has delivered results over 50 years.

"The Government is always on the side of workers, but we make sure we are business-friendly and support our business to grow so that we have jobs for all." - PM Lee in his May Day Rally speech in 2015.

"We all judge tripartism by the basis of the results it generates, and in Singapore I think you you have the proof of the effectiveness of your tripartism, the results are there for everybody to see in terms of economic growth, in terms of employment, in terms of improved living conditions." - Guy Ryder, International Labour Organisation.