Labour movement nominates veteran unionist for NMP post

SINGAPORE - The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has nominated veteran union leader Mr K Karthikeyan for appointment as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) to represent their interests in the House.

Mr K Karthikeyan, 54, is currently the vice-president of the NTUC Central Committee and General Secretary of the United Workers of Petroleum Industry (UWPI).

He formed the Singapore Petrochemical Complex Employees' Union (SPCEU) in 1986 and has been a union leader since.

"I am humbled to be given a chance to be nominated as an NMP. If appointed, this will be an invaluable opportunity to raise issues concerning workers directly to the policy makers so as to help build an even more inclusive and caring society. The issues include closing the income gap, upskilling and training of workers, enhancing workplace safety, re-employment of mature workers and care and support for the disabled," he said.

NTUC President Diana Chia said: "As a union leader, he has served his members with dedication and care, paying particular attention to their welfare and rights, workplace safety and health and skills upgrading needs. He has also built good rapport and working relationships with the tripartite partners through his various representations on tripartite committees and statutory boards."

If Mr K Karthikeyan is appointed as an NMP, he will become the tenth union representative since 1992 to be nominated for appointment as an NMP.